Question

Which, among the following, are the coin types issued by Chandra Gupta II ? \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Archer Type} B.& \ \text{Tiger-Slayer Type} C.& \ \text{Lion-Slayer Type} D.& \ \text{Horseman Type} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B and C Only
• B. A, C and D Only
• C. B, C and D Only
• D. A, B and D Only

Hint:

Chandragupta II issued: \[ \text{Archer, Lion-Slayer, Horseman} \] Tiger-Slayer type is not associated with him.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, issued a large variety of gold coins that reflected:
• royal power,
• military achievements,
• religious symbolism,
• and artistic excellence. Gupta coinage represents one of the highest achievements of ancient Indian numismatics.

Step 1: Understanding the importance of Gupta coins. Gupta rulers issued coins depicting:
• archery,
• horse riding,
• lion hunting,
• sacrificial rituals,
• and divine associations. Different coin types were issued by different rulers.

Step 2: Examining Archer Type coins. \[ \text{Archer Type} \] Chandragupta II definitely issued Archer Type coins showing the king holding a bow. Thus: \[ A \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 3: Examining Tiger-Slayer Type coins. \[ \text{Tiger-Slayer Type} \] Tiger-Slayer coins are associated mainly with Samudragupta and not Chandragupta II. Thus: \[ B \text{ is incorrect.} \]

Step 4: Examining Lion-Slayer Type coins. \[ \text{Lion-Slayer Type} \] These coins were indeed issued by Chandragupta II and symbolized royal valor. Thus: \[ C \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 5: Examining Horseman Type coins. \[ \text{Horseman Type} \] Horseman type coins were also issued during his reign. Thus: \[ D \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 6: Finding the correct combination. Correct statements are: \[ A, C \text{ and } D \] Hence: \[ \boxed{(2)\ A, C \text{ and } D \text{ Only}} \]

Step 7: Importance of Gupta coinage. Gupta coins are valuable historical sources because they provide information regarding:
• royal titles,
• economy,
• religion,
• political power,
• and artistic development.