NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns - Early States and Economies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

The correct option is The Kushanas

Explanation

The post-Mauryan period witnessed significant developments in coinage due to the expansion of trade, particularly along the Silk Road. The influx of Roman gold and the establishment of Central Asian dynasties in North India led to the standardization of currency to facilitate international commerce.

Detailed Analysis

• The Kushana The Kushanas were the first dynasty in India to issue gold coins on a wide scale. These coins were virtually identical in weight to the Roman gold coins (Aureus), weighing approximately 124 grains (about 8 grams). This standardization was adopted to ensure acceptability in international trade with the Roman Empire. While the Guptas later issued a larger volume of gold coins, the Kushana coins are noted for their purity and strict adherence to the Roman weight standard in the early historic period.
• The Mauryas (Incorrect): The Mauryan currency system was dominated by punch-marked coins made primarily of silver (Karshapana) and copper. They did not issue gold coins with the sophistication or weight standards seen in the post-Mauryan period.
• The Guptas (Incorrect): The Gupta dynasty issued the largest number of gold coins in ancient India overall. However, their early coins followed the Kushana weight standard, but later coins (under Skandagupta and others) became heavier (following the Indian Suvarna standard) and showed a decline in gold purity. The specific characteristic of being "virtually identical in weight to Roman coins" is the hallmark of the Kushana currency.
• The Satavahanas (Incorrect): The Satavahanas, ruling in the Deccan, are known for issuing coins made of lead, potin, copper, and bronze. They did not issue gold coins; instead, they used bullion for high-value transactions.

Key Takeaway

The Kushanas were the first to issue gold coins on a large scale in India, modeling them on the Roman Aureus (124 grains) to facilitate trade. The Guptas issued the largest total volume of gold coins, but the Kushana coinage is distinct for its Roman weight parity.