Numismatic Art of India: Historical and Aesthetic Perspectives and An Album of the Masterpieces of Indian Coins (Set of 2 Volumes)

DETAILS : 

• Author : B. N. Mukherjee
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 October 2007
  
• Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 561 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8121511895
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8121511896
  
• Weight : 3100 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Numismatic Art of India is a monumental two-volume set that transcends the traditional boundaries of coin collecting, treating Indian coinage as a sophisticated medium of art and historical documentation. Authored by the legendary B. N. Mukherjee, these volumes explore the evolution of Indian coins not just as currency, but as "mirrors of history" that reflect the religious, political, and aesthetic sensibilities of their eras.

• Volume 1 (Historical and Aesthetic Perspectives): This volume provides a deep analytical framework for understanding the stylistic changes in Indian numismatics. It covers the transition from the archaic punch-marked coins of the Mahajanapadas to the refined Hellenistic influences of the Indo-Greeks, the robust imagery of the Kushanas, and the "Golden Age" of Gupta coinage.
• Volume 2 (An Album of the Masterpieces of Indian Coins): This volume is a visual treasure trove, acting as a curated gallery of the most exquisite specimens ever minted in the subcontinent. It highlights the intricate craftsmanship of master engravers, focusing on the iconography of deities, royal portraits, and the delicate calligraphy found on medieval and Mughal issues.

Mukherjee’s work is essential for historians and art critics because it contextualizes coins within the broader framework of Indian sculpture and metallurgy, proving that a tiny metallic disc can hold the artistic grandeur of an empire.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bratindra Nath Mukherjee (1932–2013) was an iconic historian and numismatist, widely regarded as one of the most prolific scholars of ancient Indian history. He held the prestigious Carmichael Chair of Ancient Indian History and Culture at the University of Calcutta. Known for his "encyclopedic" memory and ability to decipher complex scripts like Kharoshthi and Brahmi, Mukherjee authored over 50 books and nearly 800 research papers. His work was instrumental in reconstructing the history of the Kushana Empire and the Silk Road, earning him the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.