Both Sankarshana and Vasudeva are depicted on the coins of which of the following rulers?
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
A. Havishka
B. Kanishka
C. Samudragupta
D. Agathocles
Answer: Agathocles
Option d is the correct answer.
Agathocles I Dicaeus was a Greco-Bactrian/Indo-Greek king, who reigned between around 190 and 180 BC , featured Sankarshana and Vasudeva on his coins, showcasing Hindu deities and cultural fusion. His commemorative coins displayed various rulers and deities, incorporating Indian religious elements. These coins depicted early Avatars of Vishnu-Balarama-Sankarshana with a pestle and plow on the reverse, and Vāsudeva-Krishna with a Shankha and Sudarshana Chakra on the obverse. This blend of GreekIndian symbolism highlights the cross-cultural interactions of Agathocles' era.