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Lot No.27
AUC34
Ancient India
Auction Date: 10-08-2019
Copper
Ancient Central India, Chambal / Betwa / Yamuna valley, copper punch-marked / die-struck coin of the city state of Mrugavati / Mrugamati (200-150 BC), unpublished in any sources, a new and unique type so far, 3.31g. Obv: Five punches: 1x deity / human figure standing under an archway, to its left 1x 'Ujjain symbol' and 1 x animal walking to right; to its right 1x snake with coiled body; Brahmi legend Migamatiyam in early characters punched as a single punch above. Rev: Eight-petal lotus with taurines inside each petal and small annulets in between; 'Ujjain' symbol in the centre (struck from a die).
Very fine+, Extremely rare.
This coin brings to light a new city-state of Ancient India named 'Mrugavati' or 'Mrugamati' (the Sanskrit equivalent of 'Migamati', the name in the coin legend). Although its exact location is as yet uncertain, the typology and hybrid manufacturing technique of the coin suggests it was made in the same belt as the city-states of Erikachha and Suktimati. According to Jain mythology, Mrigavati was a queen of king Shatanika II of Kausambi. When King Chanda Pradyota of Ujjayini laid siege to a fort under her command, she managed to save it from destruction by seeking intervention of Lord Mahavira (6th century BC). The remnants of this fort and settlement are still identified near Kaushambi and it is probable that the settlement became known after the Queen. The coin is of utmost historical importance given this literary context.
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Estimated Price :
Rs. 40,000-50,000
Sold For :
Rs. 72,000
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