Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.

Numismatic evidence is a key element of pre to history and one of the key pillars in understanding ancient economy, society and polity. Role of Numismatic Evidence A Political History 1) Use of seals in Harappan society ⟹ No formal use of coins for state place and exchange ⟹ nascent stage of political development. 2) Mauryan dynasty introduced me use of timber and copper coins ⟹ establishment of nagalas as an important sahajanpada. 3) Use of gold coins by Vikrama dynasty ⟹ gold pedun state under empire sciences and politi al educ 4) Decline of use of gold coins marked the economical and polit ical struggle of Mauryan society. 5) Quptas issue some of the purest quality of gold coins ⟹ strong empire 6) Issuance of copper coins by rural vauhahyas. C Economic History 1) Lack of use of coins in Harappan society ⟹ existence of barter system 2) Use of gold coins in saurasheen empire, comprises undas, pandyas ⟹ extensive trade relations with roman empire. 3) Coins showed the state of economy and development, eg: decli ne in use of coins during palas in bengal ⟹ signs of econo mic crises. Therefore, numismatic history is enriched with stories of political and economic powers, proving to be an invaluable source of evidence.