The earliest coins used in Indian Sub-continent were known by the name

The correct answer is Punch-marked coins.

Key Points

• Punch-marked coins were the earliest coins used in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to the 6th century BCE.
• These coins were primarily made of silver and occasionally copper, with distinctive marks punched on them.
• The coins were issued during the Mahajanapada period, a time of significant economic and political development.
• The designs on punch-marked coins were often symbols like animals, trees, mountains, and geometric patterns.
• They were an important medium of trade and were widely used across various regions of ancient India.

Additional Information

• Mahajanapada Period:
  • The Mahajanapadas were 16 major kingdoms or republics in ancient India, flourishing between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE.
  • This period marked the beginning of coinage and the use of metallic money for trade and transactions.
• Features of Punch-marked Coins:
  • These coins had no inscriptions or legends, only symbols punched on a flat piece of metal.
  • The symbols varied across regions, reflecting local traditions and beliefs.
• Material and Crafting:
  • Most punch-marked coins were made of silver, though copper coins also existed.
  • The coins were hand-crafted using dies and punches, making them unique in design.
• Significance of Punch-marked Coins:
  • They represented the earliest form of monetary economy in India, replacing barter systems.
  • They facilitated trade across regions and played a crucial role in the economic integration of ancient India.
• Decline:
  • Punch-marked coins were gradually replaced by inscribed coins during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods.
  • Coins with inscriptions and portraits, like those issued by Indo-Greek rulers, became more prominent.