DescriptionSeveral Hindu dynasties came and went during what was called in Europe the “dark ages.” The little kingdoms wore themselves out fighting with each other and became easy pickings for Muslim invaders.The earliest ancient Indian coins were the “bent bar” punchmarked silvers of the Achaemenid Persians occupying Gandhara in northwest Pakistan. By the 3rd century BC coins were in general use in most of India and Ceylon, and in subsequent centuries struck round coins in gold, silver, and copper came into use throughout the subcontinent and beyond to Southeast Asia and Pacific islands to Java and beyond.
