Nahapana (119-124 CE) and Coins

 

Nahapana was an important ruler of the Western Kshatrapas, and descendant of the Indo-Scythians, in northwestern India. According to one of his coins, he was the son of Bhumaka. The Kshatrapa dynasty became very powerful with the accession of Nahapana to the throne. Jain Works (all the known texts in the Apabhramsha language are Jain Works) is unanimous in that Nahapana ruled Ujjain for 40 years while the inscriptions made by Ushavadata evince that Nahapana ruled for 46 years. Thus, Nahapana may have captured Ujjain in his 6th regnal year. 

                         

Nahapana, Drachm, 119-124 CE, Kshatrap Dynasty

Periplus of 60 CE evince that Nahapana ruled Ujjain and fixes his regnal period from around 119 to 124 CE. Nahapana managed to build a strong base in the west, occupying the traditional base of Satavahanas in Western Maharashtra. 

He also established the Kshatrapa coinage, in a style derived from Indo-Greek coinage. Nahapana is mentioned as a donator in inscriptions of numerous Buddhist caves in northern India. The Nasik and Karle inscriptions refer to Nahapana's dynastic name (Kshaharata, for ''Kshatrapa'') but not his ethnicity (Saka- Pahlava). Nahapana had a son-in-law named Ushavadata, as inscribed in the Pandu-lena caves near Nasik. 

                         

Chaitya Caves complex at Karla Caves, built and dedicated by Nahapana in 120 CE.

                           

 

Nahapana inscriptions at Carla Caves. Great Chaitya inscription 13 at the right of the main entrance.

  

He accomplished various charities and conquests on behalf of Nahapana and constructed gardens and tanks at Bharukachchha (Broach), Dashapura (Mandasor in Malva), Govardhana (near Nasik) and Shopara (Sopara in Thane district). 

Overstrikes of Nahapana's coins by the Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satkarni have been found in a hoard at Jogalthambi, Nasik District. This suggests that Gautamiputra defeated Nahapana. The Nasik Cave No 3, inscription No 2, notes that Nahapana's Khakharata race was rooted out, which means all possible heirs might have been killed.

                          

Inscription in three lines, in the Manmodi Caves in Junnar. It bears a Saka era date of year 46, which is 124 CE. Located in Cave 7.

Nahapana was founder of the Saka Satrap dynasty in northwestern India. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, mentions Nambanus as the ruler of the area around Barigaza (Bharuch), identified as Nahapana 

                         

The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, mid first century map showing sea trade routes.

Coins of Nahapana

                          

Kshatrap Dynasty, Nahapana, Drachm, 119-124 AD, silver, weight 2.3 gm, Obverse: Head of king to right, Greek legends around, Reverse: Arrow and thunderbolt in center, Kharosthi legend around, lettering Rajno Kshatrapasa Nahapanasa

                         

The Greco-Prakrit title, RANNIO KSHARTA, for King Kshaharata, found on obverse of the coinage of Nahapana.        

                     

                           

                           

Satavahana, Gautamputa Satakarni, 103-127 AD, overstruck on Nahapana coin, silver, weight 2.2 gm, Obverse: Three arched hill, crescent above, Brahmi legend, '' Satakanis Rajno Gotami Putas'' around, Reverse: Ujjaini symbol overstruck on portrait.

                           

Satavahana, Gautamputa Satakarni, 103-127 AD, overstruck on Nahapana coin, silver, weight 2.2 gm, Obverse: Three arched hill, struck on Nahapana's portrait, Reverse: Ujjaini symbol overstruck on arrow/lightning symbols.

Nahapana

Coins of Nahapana