< Back     Home     Next >
The Coin Galleries: Western Kshatrapas: Visvasimha

Visvasimha was the first of two sons of Rudrasena II who came to the throne. He started to issue coins as kshatrapa in the year S. 197, while his father was still in power, and continued doing so until 202, the last year for which we have dated coins for Visvasimha as kshatrapa. Rudrasena II had apparently died in 200. Visvasena also issued coins as mahakshatrapa, but no one has yet been able to read a date on any of these. All of his coins are scarce, the mahakshatrapa coins are rare.

Most authors assume that Visvasimha was his father's heir apparent. However, especially considering the rarity of his coins, the possibility that he was a rebel against his father cannot be ruled out.

Visvasimha as kshatrapa

Visvasimha as kshatrapa, silver drachm
dated S. 198 (=276 CE)

Head of king right, date behind head: 198 /
Chaitya (3-arched hill), river below, crescent moon and sun above, Brahmi legend around
     rajno mahakshatrapasa rudrasenaputrasa rajnah kshatrapasa visvasihasa
     

Visvasimha as kshatrapa, silver drachm
dated S. 200 (=278 CE)

Head of king right, date behind head: 200 /
Chaitya (3-arched hill), river below, crescent moon and sun above, Brahmi legend around
     rajno mahakshatrapasa rudrasenaputrasa rajnah kshatrapasa visvasihasa
© CoinIndia
All Rights Reserved Copyright Policy
< Back     Home     Next >