Author Sanjeev Kumar's Treasures of the Gupta Empire is celebrated as a landmark achievement in numismatics and historical research, providing a thorough and updated exploration of Gupta Dynasty coinage, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
In a celebration of historical scholarship and numismatic research, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted the much-anticipated launch of Treasures of the Gupta Empire, a seminal work by renowned numismatist Sanjeev Kumar. The event drew a distinguished assembly of historians, scholars and cultural enthusiasts, each eager to witness the unveiling of this groundbreaking book that promises to redefine our understanding of the Gupta Dynasty, a golden era in Indian history.
The grand hall of IGNCA was abuzz with excitement as the book's launch commenced. Attendees were treated to a rare exhibition of Gupta-era coins, meticulously displayed to provide a tangible connection to the empire’s illustrious past. The gathering included a distinguished assembly of scholars and dignitaries, such as Dr. Sacchidanand Joshi, Chair and Member Secretary of IGNCA; Dr. B.R. Mani, Director General of the National Museum, New Delhi; Prof. K.K. Thaplyal, Professor Emeritus at Lucknow University; Dr. Sanjay Kumar Manjul, Additional Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi; Dr. Prashant Kulkarni, Chairman of the Indian Coin Society and Hon’ble Fellow of the Oriental Numismatic Society, UK; Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Director Head - Kala Nidhi, Dean (Administration) at IGNCA and Dr. Dilip Rajgor, Ex-Director of the D.M Institute of Numismatics & Archeology, University of Mumbai. Their presence underscored the book’s significance and the high regard in which its author is held.
During his speech, Kumar shared profound insights into his work, emphasising that the book is the result of decades of dedicated research and years of meticulous writing. He passionately described the Gupta Dynasty’s history, spanning the 4th to the 6th centuries AD, as being as rich and artistically significant as that of ancient Rome and Greece. Kumar recounted his early fascination with Gupta coins, drawn by their artistic features and initially puzzled by the Brahmi script. His discovery of these coins, not featured in his educational materials growing up, led him to delve deeper into their historical significance.
Kumar highlighted the book’s importance, noting that it challenges and potentially rewrites established narratives about India’s history. He pointed out the inaccuracies in current historical accounts and aimed to correct them with his research. The Gupta period, often romanticised as the "Golden Age," saw significant advancements in science and culture, and Kumar’s work uncovers additional mysteries from this era that have remained hidden for over 1,600 years.
To conclude his speech, Kumar introduced a short film that complements his book, inviting attendees to gain further insight into his groundbreaking research. Mr. Kumar’s book, ‘Treasures of the Gupta Empire,’ is celebrated not only for its exhaustive research but also for its role in bridging significant gaps in the historical narrative of the Gupta Dynasty. The work delves into the detailed iconography and craftsmanship of Gupta coins, offering fresh perspectives on rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta. Kumar’s meticulous documentation and analysis are poised to become a crucial reference for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
The book launch was more than just an academic event, it was a celebration of a lifelong pursuit of historical truth and preservation. Kumar’s dedication to the study of Gupta coinage was evident throughout the evening, as he shared anecdotes about his journey from a young enthusiast to a leading authority on Gupta numismatics.
About Book : ‘TREASURES OF THE GUPTA EMPIRE’
Sanjeev Kumar’s ‘Treasures of the Gupta Empire’ is a landmark achievement in the field of numismatics and historical research. This second edition of the book offers a comprehensive and updated exploration of Gupta Dynasty coinage. Kumar's meticulous research and expert analysis present a detailed catalog of over 6,400 Gupta coins, many of which are being published for the first time.
The book stands out for its depth and precision. Kumar employs advanced scientific techniques to examine the coins, uncovering new insights into their production, usage and the political and cultural context of the Gupta period. The rich visual documentation, including high-quality images and detailed descriptions of the coins, enhances the book’s value as a reference for both scholars and collectors.
One of the book's notable strengths is its ability to blend rigorous academic research with an engaging narrative. Kumar’s writing is accessible yet authoritative, making complex historical and numismatic information understandable to a broad audience. His ability to contextualise the coins within the broader historical framework of the Gupta Empire enriches the reader’s understanding of this pivotal era in Indian history.
The book highlights several key coins that are being published for the first time, sourced from major museum collections and private holdings. These include rare specimens that offer new insights into the art and symbolism of the Gupta era. Kumar’s ability to decode the complex imagery and inscriptions on these coins provides a window into the political and cultural dynamics of the Gupta Dynasty. Additionally, the book’s updated classification and identification of coin rarities contribute significantly to the field. By providing new findings based on recent research, Kumar not only fills gaps left by previous studies but also sets a new standard for Gupta numismatic scholarship.
Treasures of the Gupta Empire is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in Indian history and numismatics. Kumar’s groundbreaking work not only preserves the legacy of the Gupta Dynasty but also illuminates its influence on the broader structure of Indian history. This book is an attestation to Kumar’s dedication and expertise and will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for historians, researchers and numismatic enthusiasts for years to come.
Photos: Pankaj Kumar
