TNN | May 13, 2013, 04.30 AM IST
INDORE: Academy of Indian Numismatics and Sigillography has put on display coins and literature from ancient history at a three-day exhibition starting Sunday. The exhibition is being held at PritamLalDua auditorium.
Exhibitors said that the idea was to reorient the thinking pattern and lifestyle of the modern generation with view to introduce concept of nature and human behaviour. Director, Academy of Indian Numismatics and Sigillography SK Bhatt said that all the material displayed at the exhibition aims to render information to young students about the history and specially evolution of coins and currency notes.
One can sneak peak into the Maurya period in 2nd and 3rd century BC and Gupta period by getting a glimpse of coins like Satvanan, Vatsavaka, Erikatcha, Kamasika (all copper coins). Pictures of Niksha (ornaments used for trading before introduction of coins) were also put up along with scripts of Indus valley civilization.
Bhatt said that the exhibition showcases five stages of evolution of modern coin, which goes back 2,500 years in history. Kandi is the stage-I, followed by stage-II of punch-marked and moulded coins (3rd and 2nd century BC, Mauryan period). Stage III and IV consists of coins from Kushan Kings (II century AD), Gupta coins (IV and V century AD) and medieval period coins of India (Islamic period) respectively.
"The last stage is of machine-minted money introduced in British India. Today we are using paper and plastic money," said Bhatt adding, "Exhibition like this can be very insightful for students and for people otherwise who can seek knowledge from the past."
Weights from princely states of Indore, Bundi, Alwar, Gondal were also exhibited. A rare fossil of Selina fish (6 crore year old) is also to be found at the exhibition.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Indore/Ancient-coins-script-of-Indus-civilization-on-exhibition/articleshow/20022313.cms