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On January 9, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially launched "Early North India and Its Coinage," a groundbreaking study published by the Hinduja Foundation. This event, held in Chandigarh, represents a pivotal moment for Indian numismatics and historical preservation. Accompanied by UP Minister of Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh and Hinduja Foundation Trustees Prakash and Ashok Hinduja, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of documenting India’s ancient economic systems. The book is the first of its kind, an illustrated, exhaustive record of indigenous coinage spanning 300 BCE to 300 CE. It serves as a bridge between India’s storied past and its modern identity, ensuring that the intricate details of post-Mauryan history are not lost to time but are instead celebrated as a cornerstone of national pride and scholarly achievement.
A Comprehensive Study of Indigenous Currency
Authored by the esteemed historian Devendra Handa, "Early North India and Its Coinage" is a monumental academic achievement. The volume documents over 850 distinct coins, forming the largest single assemblage of tribal, republican, and monarchical coinage from early North India ever published. By focusing on the period between 300 BCE and 300 CE, Handa provides a meticulous look at the transition of power and culture following the Mauryan Empire. The book covers a vast geographical area, including modern-day Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It doesn't just list coins; it provides deep historical context, using high-quality illustrations and archaeological data to explain how these small metal discs reflect the complex socio-political structures of ancient Indian kingdoms and tribal republics.