A Catalogue of Yadava Coins in Telangana State Museum, Hyderabad

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The Archaeological Department of Andhra Pradesh has brought out series of publications on the rich collection of coins stored in the repository of the State Museum, Hyderabad and the present publication "The Catalogue of Yadava Coins" is an attempt to enlighten the readers on the numismatic value of the coins issued by the rulers of the Yadava Dynasty whose regime is regarded as an important landmark in the history of Deccan. The author of this publication Dr. R. Subrahmanyam who is a renowned scholar needs no introduction, has kindly acceded to my request and with great patience and unremitting zeal thoroughly studied seventy six coins from the cabinet of the State Museum. I am quite sanguine that the scholars in particular and the students of numismatics in general will be very much benefitted by the result of his findings.

The collection in question represents four kings of the Yadava line viz., Singhana, Kanha, Mahadeva and Ramadeva. An analysis of the weights and sizes of the coins is given in the book on the basis of which the author has rightly given correct nomenclature to these coins as "gadyana" instead of Padmatanka, as suggested by earlier scholars. The author's suggestion in this regard is also supported by contemporary epigraphical evidences. The significance of the symbols incised on these coins has also been vividly explained. The coins under review were acquired as a treasure trove from Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar and Medak districts which were once under the domain of the famous Kakatiya rulers. The occurrence of these coins lend support to the historical fact that Rudramadevi the illustratious queen of the Kakatiya dynasty after defeating the Yadava king Mahadeva in order to commemorate her victory got the Kakatiya lanchana varaha struck on the coins of Mahadeva and this very fact is self explanatory to explain the symbol of varaha on the Yadava coins.

I am indeed grateful to Dr. R. Subrahmanyam, M.A., Ph.D., Professor and Head of the Department of History, Osmania University for kindly accepting my request and completing the writing of this publication within the prescribed time. I am quite sanguine that this monograph will be welcomed by scholars as Dr. R. Subrahmanyam who has a great grasp over the subject with his erudite knowledge has spotlighted the dark and obscure corners and made a great contribution to the history of the Yadava dynasty. I am thankful to Sri M. R. Appa Rao, the Minister for Cultural Affairs and Secretary to Education Sri N. Bhagawandas, I.A.S., for the timely advice given by them in bringing out this publication. I am thankful to my colleagues Sarvasri K. V. Bhoopal Rao, P. V. P. Sastry, R. Narayana, N. R. V. Prasad, P. S. Johnstone, S. Laxmanachari and Fakruddin for assisting me in reading the proofs and attending to the other details of this publication. I am also thankful to the Director of Swaarajya Printers Sri Manohar and his able staff for printing this monograph with great care and interest.