Hyderabad: Numismatic exhibition in OU showcases Indian coinage history

A coin exhibition at Osmania University displayed 10,000+ coins from ancient to modern India. Numismatist Ragi Vaikunta Chary showcased rare coins and antiques. The event aimed to inspire students to explore Indian history and numismatics for deeper research

Hyderabad: Showcasing India’s coinage history, with over 10,000 coins from different dynasties, ranging from the pre-Satavahana period up to the Republic of India, a numismatic event was held at Osmania University.

The Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology of Osmania University had invited a Warangal-based numismatist, Ragi Vaikunta Chary, who has a rare collection of coins and currency, including ancient punch-marked coins, Mughal and colonial era coins, and regional coins. The two-day numismatic exhibition concluded on Friday.

The exhibition aimed to create awareness among students pursuing ancient Indian history, culture, and archaeology, encouraging them to conduct research in numismatics.

In the exhibition, Vaikunta Chary displayed copper and lead coins from the Deccan region, Asmaka Janapada coinage, Mauryan Empire minted coins (4th century BC to 2nd century BC), Deccan Hyderabad region, Deccan Satavahana Empire coins, and Hyderabad Nizam minted coins and currency.

Apart from the coins and currency, rare antiques used by kings and queens from centuries ago, different kinds of medals used during the Hyderabad Nizam’s era, an original Statesman (English paper) printed on India’s Independence Day on August 15, 1947, and a copy of the Liberation of Hyderabad on September 17, 1948, were also exhibited at the event.

Locks in different shapes, including fish and other animals, a make-up box, a pen stand used during the Nizam era, and UK Kings and Queens gifted medals were also main attractions at the exhibition. All seven Nizams who ruled Hyderabad Deccan had their stamp-sized photos kept in a small box, considered the rarest of the rare collections in the numismatist’s collection.

Over 2,000 students visited the exhibition during the two-day event. “I was impressed by the coin collection, and the exhibition gives me a boost to do more research,” said a first-year student, K Virajitha. Another student, K Akhila, said, “I am interested in ancient history and culture. This exhibition will help me do more research in Indian history.”

Prof Lavanya, Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology at Osmania University, said the numismatics exhibition aimed to educate students about Indian coinage history and would be useful for their research.