Pratiharas - Vasudeva's Imitations Sri Ma ND
| Silver (680 to 550 as per samples observed, variation in silver purity) | 3.7 g | 23.4 mm |
| Issuer | Pratihara Empire (Indian Northern Dynasties) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 750-800 |
| Value | 1 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm (543-1390) |
| Composition | Silver (680 to 550 as per samples observed, variation in silver purity) |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 23.4 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#418178 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
A Sassanian style Fire Altar with attendants on both sides
on either side of the pedestal of fire altar a dotted line appears
Edge
Plain
Comment
Track 3 of Indo-Sassanian Coinage - Eastern Indo-Sassanian coinage - Imperial Pratihara Empire
The Pratiharas - Vasudeva's Imitations - Sri Ma - tentative period CE 700 - 800
The previous series Vasudeva's imitations developed into Sri Ha and Sri Ha Derivative coins, these also branched off into yet another new series - Track/ Series 3
The first coin below is the "Sri Ja" coin from Vasudeva's imitations, the second coin shows a very faint "Ma" in front of the bust and the third is the beginning of Ma type coins
Fig 98a Fig 98b Fig 98c
the above coins illustrate the changing of Vasudeva's imitations into the initial Sri Ma coins of Track 3.
The Sa above the crown in the Vasudeva's imitations changes to Sri in the Sri Ma coins.
The Sri becomes the link to the next two developments in Track 3
The Sri Ma coins develop into 3 Types - sketches below provide an indication of the Types as well as the gradual degradation of the design elements with few sample coins
Type 1
Fig 99
Fig 102
Fig 103
Fig 105 Fig 106 Fig 107 Fig 108
Fig 109 (6) Fig 109 (11)
. 
Type 2 - the Crown resembles a hat
Fig 111
Type 3 - the Sri here appears in front of the face above Ma and below the Ma a Kalasha can be seen
Fig 114a Fig 114b
Fig 114c Fig 114e
Fig 114g
image credits -
1. Imitations in Continuity - K.K. Maheshwari
2. Amit Kher Collection
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made during a time of significant cultural and religious exchange between India and Central Asia. The Pratihara Empire, which ruled much of northern India during the 8th to 11th centuries, was known for its religious tolerance and encouraged the development of various faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This coin, which features an image of the Hindu goddess Sri Ma, is an example of the cultural exchange that occurred during this period, as it showcases the influence of Hinduism on the coinage of the Pratihara Empire.