Coins from Maski Excavations (1935-36 to 1942-43)

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Maski, located near present day Raichur in northern Karnataka is one of the important sites of South India which has produced evidences of human inhabitation through various phases of history. The excavations at Maski were carried out in two phases during the field season of 1936-37 and 1942- 43. The coins that came out of excavations in the year 1942-43 were never studied except the ones issued by Western Kshatraps.

In April 2016, while discussing about the World Heritage Day celebrations with Dr. D.Raja Reddy, he came up with the idea of bringing out a publication on coins from Maski excavations. The idea slowly expanded into a temporary exhibition.

On 18th May, 2016 after almost 74 years of the excavations, these coins were put on for public display for the first time. Dr. D. Raja Reddy, completed the first draft soon after his lecture in May, 2016. Due to paucity of time only a brochure, could be released on that occasion. However, the idea of bringing out a complete publication was never given up.

I am happy to see his work in print. This publication could not have come on a more auspicious occasion than on the occasion of 27th Annual Conference of South Indian Numismatic Society.

As one of the highest holders of coin collection in the County, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Telangana has got a herculean task of initiating quality research in the field of numismatics. Therefore, I consider this publication as a landmark one which will encourage more youngsters to take up numismatics as a field of study.

I also hope that more publications can be brought out on other unpublished hoards.