Kushan Coins Unearthed in Bangladesh Reveal Forgotten Empire's Reach

This article investigates the presence of Kushan coins in Bangladesh, shedding light on the potential interactions between the Kushan Empire and the region. The authors analyze five copper coins attributed to Kujula Kadphises and seventeen coins of Vima Kadphises, as well as coins featuring Kanishka and Huviska, examining their iconography and inscriptions. Despite the absence of Kushan rule in undivided Bengal, the connection between the empire and the region remains an intriguing topic for further research, with trade and other factors being possible explanations for the coin presence.

Archaeological Discovery Sheds Light on Kushan Empire's Presence in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh - A groundbreaking research paper by renowned archaeologist Professor Bulbul Ahmed and his colleague Mohammad Abu Al Hasan of Jahangirnagar University, titled "Kushan Coins From Bangladesh: A Preliminary Study," has illuminated the previously unknown connection between the Kushan Empire and the ancient region of Bangladesh.

The Kushan Empire, a nomadic tribe originating from China, established a vast domain that encompassed Central Asia and northern India from roughly 135 BCE to the 3rd century CE. Under the leadership of its founder, Kujula Kadphises, the empire extended from the Aral Sea to Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and as far east as Benaras and Sanchi in northern India.

Numismatic Evidence of Kushan Influence

The discovery of numerous Kushan coins in Bangladesh, specifically within the districts of Cumilla and Bogura, provides tangible evidence of the empire's presence in the region. Excavations have yielded five copper coins bearing the effigy of Emperor Kujula Kadphises, 17 coins depicting Emperor Vima Kadphises, and an array of gold, silver, and copper coins featuring Emperors Kanishka and Huviska.

These coins are adorned with intricate engravings showcasing the emperors in various regal poses and adorned with symbols of sovereignty. The presence of Greek, Zoroastrian, Iranian, and Indian deities on these coins further underscores the empire's cultural diversity and influence. Notably, the inscriptions on the coins are rendered in Greek, Brahmi, and Kharosthi scripts, with the text written vertically, a departure from the left-to-right orientation of the Bengali alphabet.

Historical Context and Trade Connections

While the full extent of the Kushan Empire's interaction with Bengal remains a subject of scholarly exploration, researchers hypothesize that trade may have played a significant role. The discovery of Kushan coins in Bangladesh suggests commercial exchanges between the empire and the inhabitants of the region.

The precise political landscape of Cumilla and Mahasthangarh, two major sites where the coins were unearthed, during the Kushan era is yet to be fully elucidated. However, historical records indicate that the region was a flourishing center of commerce and cultural exchange in pre-Islamic times.

Ancient Numismatics in Bengal

The history of coinage in Bengal extends far beyond the Kushan period. As early as the 8th century AD, independent ruler Shashanka of Gaud issued gold coins. Following a period of political instability known as the Matsyanyayam, the Pala dynasty (750-1161 AD) established a stable and prosperous reign in Bengal. Their successors, the Sena dynasty, continued this tradition of monetary issuance.

Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of Kushan coins in Bangladesh not only enriches our understanding of the region's ancient history but also opens up new avenues for research. It prompts further inquiry into the nature of Kushan-Bengal interactions, the extent of their influence, and the broader context of trade and cultural exchange in the ancient world.

As Professor Ahmed and his team continue their investigations, the study of Kushan coins promises to shed further light on the complex tapestry of civilizations that have shaped the history of Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent.