Chandragupta II slaying a lion
Gold
reigned circa 375-413 CE
India, North India
CSMVS
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient India
Theme
Empire: Projecting Power
Subtheme
Seeing the Ruler / Royal Portraiture
Case Title
Indian kings on a coin
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Northern India
Measurements
Diameter. 21mm Weight. 7.87gm
Accession Number
20574
Description
Obv: King standing right, shooting with arrow at a lion which falls backwards; circular Brahmi inscription (12) narendra chandrah prathita…. …….
Rev: Goddess seated facing with head turned left on lion walking to left, holding lotus in left hand and noose in outstretched right hand; Brahmi inscription on right, sinhavikramah
Curators Comments
Coins are the pictorial mass-media of the ancient world. Widely circulated, the king becomes part of your everyday shopping.
This is a Lion Slayer type coin issued by Chandragupta II. He is shown shooting an arrow at the lion which itself looks quite terrified with its jaw wide open in terror. Note the dramatic movement that is so skilfully depicted.
A goddess is seen seated on a lion on the reverse along with the Brahmi legend that reads ‘Simhavikramah’ denoting the king’s victory over the lion. Hunting has always been a favourite pastime of the royalty and is symbolic of courage.