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Karshapana - Ujjain/Avanti Region
| Issuer | Ujjain region |
|---|---|
| Year | 200 BC - 100 BC |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Crude hammered fabric bearing multiple punch-marked symbols typical of the Ujjain/Avanti regional coinage. The central field displays a standing human or deity figure flanked by what appear to be tree or standard symbols, all rendered in the bold, angular punch-marked style characteristic of early Indian copper issues. Additional subsidiary symbols occupy the surrounding field. The overall design is executed in the punch-marked tradition, with each element applied individually to the irregular flan. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
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| Mintage | ND (200 BC - 100 BC) |
| Additional information |
The Ujjain karshapana occupies a peculiar position in South Asian numismatics: the city was one of the few minting centers that continued producing punch-marked and cast copper issues well after the Mauryan imperial system had collapsed, suggesting local commercial networks remained robust enough to demand small-denomination coinage independent of any centralizing authority. Ujjain's position on the Dakshinapatha trade route made it essentially self-sustaining as a monetary zone.
Copper issues from this region are frequently found in excavations at Ujjayini itself, modern Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, typically in market-area contexts rather than hoards.