Delve into the ancient history of India with this remarkable AE quarter karshapana from the Panchala Kingdom, featuring King Agnimitra. Minted circa 80-100 CE, this coin weighs 1.41 grams and measures 13 millimeters in diameter. On the obverse side, a symbolic representation of Agni, the deity associated with fire, is depicted, often represented as a lamp or flame on lower denomination coins. The reverse side bears an incuse punch with Brahmi legends carrying the name of the issuing king along with three symbols representing the Panchala kingdom.
**History:**
The collapse of the Mauryan empire led to the emergence of various kingdoms, including the revival of the Panchala Kingdom in northern India. Panchala, once counted among the 16 great mahajanapadas during the time of the Buddha, resurfaced under the Mitra kings. These rulers issued a distinctive series of coins, among the earliest indigenous Indian coins to feature legends in Brahmi script. The coins typically depicted a deity associated with the issuing ruler on the obverse and featured incuse punches on the reverse with the king's name and symbols representing the Panchala kingdom. Draupadi, a central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, is said to have been a princess of the Panchala kingdom, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
**Key Features:**
- **Kingdom:** Panchala
- **Ruler:** King Agnimitra
- **Denomination:** AE quarter karshapana
- **Weight:** 1.41 grams
- **Diameter:** 13 millimeters
- **Obverse:** Symbolic representation of Agni, the deity associated with fire
- **Reverse:** Incuse punch with Brahmi legends bearing the king's name and symbols of the Panchala kingdom
- **Historical Significance:** Reflects the revival of the Panchala Kingdom and the issuance of early indigenous Indian coins with legends in Brahmi script
- **Cultural Significance:** Associated with the legendary figures and events from the Mahabharata, including Princess Draupadi
- Ancient India Panchala Kingdom coin
- King Agnimitra AE quarter karshapana
- Panchala Kingdom numismatic history
- Brahmi legends on ancient Indian coins
- Deity depiction on Panchala Kingdom coin
- Historical significance of Panchala coinage
- Cultural heritage of ancient Indian kingdoms
- Mahabharata connections to Panchala Kingdom
- AE quarter karshapana numismatic artifact
- Collectible ancient Indian coin King Agnimitra
