[Solved] Mahmud of Ghazni Sanskrit Silver Coins | History

Who among the following issued silver coins with Sanskrit legend on one side?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000]

⚡ Generate AI Quick Summary

Correct Option: B

Mahmud of Ghazni was the ruler who issued silver coins with a Sanskrit legend on one side. These bilingual coins featured Arabic on one side and a Sanskrit translation on the other.

A. Muhammad-Bin-Qasim

B. Mahmud of Ghazni

C. Sher Shah

D. Akbar

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Numismatics can often show surprising cultural intersections where a conqueror adopts the local language or script to ensure the circulation and acceptance of their currency.

Authentic Source Evidence

Mahmud of Ghazni issued silver Dirhams from his mint at Lahore around 1028 CE featuring a bilingual legend: Arabic on the obverse and a Sanskrit translation in Brahmi script on the reverse.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The Sanskrit side featured the translation: 'Avyaktam-eka-Muhammada-Avatara' (The Unmanifest is one, Muhammad is the incarnation).

Logic 2: This was a pragmatic move to make the new currency understandable and acceptable to the local Hindu population of the conquered Punjab region.

Historical Logic Quest

"What does the Sanskrit legend on Mahmud's coins reveal about his administration?"

It suggests a level of pragmatic local governance where Islamic theological concepts were translated into local terminology for administrative efficiency.

The Topper's Edge

"The use of Sanskrit by a ruler often associated with destruction highlights the complex nature of medieval political legitimacy."

Analysing the UPSC previous year question paper is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly solving and analyzing these questions helps you decode the examiner's mindset, identify recurring historical themes, and build the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practise UPSC PYQ here with interactive question sets to learn and sharpen your edge!