Marudhar Arts
Auction 23 24-25 Feb 2018
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Maharathis of Andhra (100 AD), Chulavaruni, During the Satavahana Era, Copper Unit, Obv: lion standing in centre facing to right, brahmi legend "Ma ha ra thi sa(chu la va ru na)sa", pair of triangular headed symbol, swastika and circular symbol (sun or moon) is visible, Rev: elephant standing in centre, brahmi legends around "Mahara. . . . nasa", 6.67g, 20.02mm, about extremely fine, Extremely Rare.
Stunning example from this series with the extra symbols swastika, triangular headed symbol, sun or moon and elephant are visible hence there are chances of overstrike on some other coin.
Maharathi was one of the titles that adorned the feudal rulers during the Satavahana period. Other feudal titles used were Mahagramikas, Mahabhojas, Mahasenapathis, Mahatalvaras etc.. The word Maharathi is perhaps derived from the word Rathikas who were a specific geographic group of people in the present day Maharashtra. The Rathikas infact find mention in Ashokan inscriptions along with another group of people called the Bhojakas. This suggests that the Maharathi title predates the Satavahana period. Satavahanas as a major power in the Deccan is by now sufficiently clear from the fact that coins such as those of the Kuras and coins with the appelation Maharathi both precede and overlap with satavahana coins in stratigraphic contexts. This stratigraphic position is now further confirmed by excavation at Veerapuram (Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh) where coins of local Maharathis first merge with uninscribed coins and then occur with few Satavahana pieces. Dr Shailen Bhandare has published in his thesis a hitherto unknown Maharathi issue bearing the legend 'Maharathisa Chulavarunisa'.
(40000-50000)
Stunning example from this series with the extra symbols swastika, triangular headed symbol, sun or moon and elephant are visible hence there are chances of overstrike on some other coin.
Maharathi was one of the titles that adorned the feudal rulers during the Satavahana period. Other feudal titles used were Mahagramikas, Mahabhojas, Mahasenapathis, Mahatalvaras etc.. The word Maharathi is perhaps derived from the word Rathikas who were a specific geographic group of people in the present day Maharashtra. The Rathikas infact find mention in Ashokan inscriptions along with another group of people called the Bhojakas. This suggests that the Maharathi title predates the Satavahana period. Satavahanas as a major power in the Deccan is by now sufficiently clear from the fact that coins such as those of the Kuras and coins with the appelation Maharathi both precede and overlap with satavahana coins in stratigraphic contexts. This stratigraphic position is now further confirmed by excavation at Veerapuram (Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh) where coins of local Maharathis first merge with uninscribed coins and then occur with few Satavahana pieces. Dr Shailen Bhandare has published in his thesis a hitherto unknown Maharathi issue bearing the legend 'Maharathisa Chulavarunisa'.
(40000-50000)