Observations on the Apratigha coins of Kumaragupta I

Chittaranjan Roy Choudhury

Observations on the Apratigha coins of Kumaragupta I

Vol. 34 · No. 3 and 4Sept & Dec 1958pp. 270–275English

Summary

This brief note re-examines nine Gupta gold coins traditionally labelled 'Śrī‑pratāpa' coins of Kumāragupta I. Previous scholars read the reverse legend as 'Śrī-pratāpa', but the author argues that the correct reading is 'Apratīhaḥ' or 'Apratīhā', meaning 'unstoppable' or 'unassailable'. He bases this on a careful study of the script and points out that the legend begins with 'Apratīha' rather than 'Śrī‑pratāpa'. The paper also discusses the figure depicted on the obverse, which was previously identified as the king holding a shield. The author suggests that the figure may instead represent a goddess or a personification of invincibility. By reinterpreting the legend and imagery, he argues that the coins celebrate the king’s unconquerable power. The note emphasises the importance of reading coin legends accurately and illustrates how minor misinterpretations can lead to erroneous historical conclusions. It concludes that these coins should be known as 'Apratīha' type coins of Kumāragupta I.

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Conclusion

Through a careful re‑reading of the reverse legend, this note shows that Kumāragupta I’s so‑called 'Śrī-pratāpa' coins actually bear the legend 'Apratīha', meaning 'unassailable'. The correction alters the interpretation of the coin’s message and reminds numismatists of the need for accurate epigraphic analysis. The note highlights how small details in coin legends can significantly affect historical understanding.

Key passages

Chosen by AI from the article's text. Each one is checked word for word against the text before it is shown.

““In spite of the legend, which has been supposed to label the central figure, the latter can hardly be identified as Kumara-gupta as it 15 utterly unlike any representation of him, nor does it look like 3 regal figure, nor 15 there any good reason to suppose the other figurcs are घाट queens.”
““The obverse shows three figures standing. The ceneral one is ત male figure standing facing, with hands folded on chest. He wears a simple dboti with its folds hanging between the legs.”

Works cited in this article

BMCGD., p. 87, pl. XV
JNSIL, X, p. 115, pl. VII, 1-9
Bayana Hoard, p. 303, pl. XXXI. 6-13
CE. Proc. ASB., 1883, p. 144
Smith, JRAS., 1889, p. 109

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Kumarasambbava

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In this issue

Vol. 34 · No. 3 and 4

31–53The Vaitanasutra (Supplement)S. N. Ghosal 187–192Iconographic Notes on some Buddhist Sculptures at ElloraR. Sengupta 193–204Development and Growth of Tantric Religion in MithilaUpendra Thakur 205–214Criminal Justice under the ColasK. S. Ramachandran, C. Krishnamurthi 215–225An Inscription from Javar, RajasthanRatna Chandra Agrawala 226–250A Study of the Epistolary and Documentary Literature in SanskritSuresh Chandra Banerji 251–257The Place of Mahaksatrapa Isvaradatta in the Western Ksatrapa ChronologyParmeshwari Lal Gupta 258–269The Cult of the VratyasRadhakrishna Choudhary 270–275Observations on the Apratigha coins of Kumaragupta IChittaranjan Roy ChoudhuryCurrent article 276–280A Note on the Bhaturiya Inscription of RajyapalaDineshchandra Sircar 281–285On the Satavahana Sata, Sati and SatiSant Lal Katare 286–289Historical Significance of the Bhaturiya InscriptionDasharatha Sharma 290–291The Development of Kharosthi Script (Review)Nalinaksha Dutt 291–292Studies in Indian History and Culture (Review)Sushil Kumar De 292–294Catalogue of the Coins of the Naga Kings of Padmavati (Review)Dineshchandra Sircar 295–296Chandogya Brahmana (Review)Chintaharan Chakravarti 296–297Studies in the Upapuranas (Review)Chintaharan Chakravarti 297–298Select Inscriptions of Bihar (Review)Chintaharan Chakravarti 298–299Ratnakirtinibandhavali (Review)Sushil Kumar De 300–304Select Contents of Oriental Journals 305–308Bibliographical Notes

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