Gold Coins of Balasore: Balasore, a land steeped in ancient history, lies nestled between latitudes 20’44” N and 21’56” N, with 86’ longitudes, along the right bank of the Burhabalanga river. Its origins and name remain veiled in controversy and intrigue.
While popular belief attributes the name “Balasore” to Baneswar Siva, and during the Mughal era, it was known as Bala-e-sore—signifying a town on the sandy shore—archaeological evidence challenges these assumptions. Across the ages, Balasore emerges as a bustling trading port-metropolis, as attested by early foreign geographical accounts.
The Balanga or Burhabalanga river, an ancient meandering watercourse, weaves its way alongside the township, serving as its lifeblood. This tidal river blessed maritime activities, and from time immemorial, Balasore evolved into a vital trading hub. Greek geographer Ptolemy, in the 2nd century CE., referred to it as the “Balanga or Balongka metropolis.”
The very name “Balasore” likely derives from the Balanga river, echoing its significance. The river’s importance reverberates through the town’s fabric, even finding expression in the worship of the “Balangi” river deity. Today, the Goddess resides enshrined in a modest temple at Manikkham, near the periphery of the Danish settlement site of Dinamardinga in Balasore. Remarkably, the river, now 3/4 kilometers away, once flowed right up to the sacred seat of the Balangi deity.
In the present day, a shallow depression hints at the ancient riverbed in Balasore. Recent archaeological investigations in and around the town lend credence to this notion. Even early Buddhist literature abounds with references to bustling trade activities in the Balasore region as far back as the 6th Century B.C. Notably, two merchant brothers, Tappasu and Bhallika, hailing from this area, offered food to Buddha during their trade caravan journey and became his first disciples.
Against this rich historical backdrop, the recent unearthing of two horse-rider type Kumaragupta gold coins at Srijang, situated approximately Seventeen Kilometers south of Balasore, assumes extraordinary significance. At the heart of the village lies a substantial mound locally known as ‘Kanthi’. Additionally, two proto-Oriya inscriptions—one at Achuta Sagar and the other at Mallika Sagar, both dating back to the 15th century A.D.—vividly attest to the historical importance of Srijang.
The Achyutasagar and Mallika Sagar Inscriptions reveal the excavation of two tanks—Achyutasagar and Mallika Sagar—for the sacred ritual of Pitrutarpana. These reservoirs were commissioned by none other than the illustrious King Daitari Biswal and his Queen. Their names echo through time, etched into the very stones that bear witness to their legacy.
But there’s more—a captivating twist in the tale. Amidst the ancient script, we encounter the name of Mansingh, a formidable general in the court of Emperor Akbar. His presence within the Malika Sagar inscription weaves a delicate thread connecting this kingdom to the grand tapestry of the Mughal Empire. Imagine the bustling trade routes, the exchange of goods, and the whispers of diplomacy that flowed along these historical corridors.
And then, the coins—a tangible testament to the past. The discovery of several Mughal coins within the Balasore district stands as irrefutable evidence of the thriving trade relations between the Srijang kingdom and the mighty Mughals. These coins, once jingling in the pockets of merchants and travelers, now rest silently, bridging centuries and cultures.
In the quietude of Srijang, where the earth cradles secrets, we glimpse a chapter of history—a tale of kings, queens, generals, and coins—a symphony played out across time’s vast expanse.
Here’s a rewrite of the passage about the recent survey at Balasore in a more engaging and informative way:
Unearthing Balasore’s Ancient Depths
Recent excavations by the Orissa State Museum at Srijang have shed new light on Balasore’s forgotten past. The dig uncovered evidence of a vast trading metropolis, stretching over five kilometers along the banks of the Kantiachara River. This exciting discovery is backed by the presence of numerous artifacts, including pottery fragments and coins from various eras.
The exploration revealed a fascinating layered history. The ancient riverbank, now a low depression, once stood at a much higher elevation. Layers of exposed earth showcased pottery and other signs of habitation from different periods. The Kantiachara itself has receded significantly, once flowing right by the present-day township.
Intriguingly, the dig revealed five distinct levels of paved floors, hinting at structural remains and past settlements. The deepest level held the most remarkable find: the foundation of a brick structure dating back to between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD. Alongside this structure lay pottery with unique markings, including “rouletted” and “basket impression” ware, reminiscent of Roman styles. This incredible discovery suggests continuous occupation of the site for over two millennia!
The pottery itself offers a glimpse into daily life. Identical basket-weave patterned fragments hint at established trade routes. Smooth, well-fired “rouletted” ware, similar to Mediterranean pottery of the early Christian era, further strengthens this theory. Additionally, sherds from large storage jars, dishes, and goblets decorated with simple designs provide a tangible connection to the people who lived here.
These excavations paint a vivid picture of Balasore’s bustling past as a major trading center. The artifacts whisper stories of a bygone era, waiting to be fully understood. With further exploration, Srijang has the potential to unlock even more secrets about Balasore’s fascinating history.
Balasore’s Global Connections
The unearthed layers at Srijang hint at Balasore’s extensive trade network. Archaeologists discovered fragments of Celadon ware, a distinctive Chinese pottery. This greyish-white pottery with a greenish glaze was popular between the 7th and 14th centuries AD, and its presence here suggests Balasore played a role in this vast Asian and African trade route.
But the story goes beyond imported goods. The excavations also yielded semi-precious stone beads – chalcedony, agate, carnelian, and more – in various colors. Interestingly, these were found alongside unfinished pieces, suggesting Balasore may have even had a bead-making industry that exported its products.
This aligns with Ptolemy’s writings, which mention the “Kadamas” River (identified as the Kantiachara) and its trade in diamonds and other precious stones. These finds paint a picture of Balasore as a bustling hub, not just importing luxury goods but potentially exporting its own crafted wares.
Imagine skilled artisans shaping semi-precious stones and traders bargaining over exquisite Chinese ceramics – these glimpses from the past offer a window into Balasore’s vibrant role in the ancient world.
Coins: Whispering Tales of Trade
The excavations at Srijang weren’t just about pottery – a variety of coins from different eras were unearthed as well. This exciting find adds another layer to the story of Balasore’s trading history.
Most surprising was the discovery of a “punch-marked” coin, dating back to the early Christian era. This type of coin hadn’t been found in Balasore before, hinting at even earlier trade connections.
Other noteworthy finds included coins from the Puri Kushan dynasty (some even inscribed with the word “Tanka”!), hinting at trade links in the 4th-5th centuries AD. Additionally, copper coins from the Nala dynasty (5th-6th centuries AD) were discovered, suggesting trade routes extended all the way to Central India.
These diverse coins act as tiny time capsules, whispering stories of bustling marketplaces and the flow of goods across vast distances. They solidify Balasore’s position as a vital trading hub that connected not just with nearby regions but also with distant kingdoms.
A Melting Pot of Trade and Culture
The coins unearthed at Srijang tell a fascinating tale of not just trade but also cultural exchange. A large number of Indo-Muslim coins in various shapes and sizes hint at a diverse trading landscape. Notably, a hoard of Mughal silver coins discovered at Darkhuli points to a local mint, highlighting Balasore’s economic importance.
The presence of Portuguese, Dutch, and English coins alongside other relics further strengthens the narrative. These European powers established trading outposts in Balasore, drawn to its strategic location as a maritime hub. Coins from Ceylon and the Middle East complete the picture, showcasing Balasore’s extensive trade network that stretched across continents.
Balasore wasn’t just a center for commerce, but also for cultural exchange. Evidence suggests remnants of Buddhism, Jainism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, and Saktism. These major religious movements likely flourished here, and Balasore’s port may have served as a conduit, carrying these influences to Southeast Asia. Traces of Orissan cultural influence found in that region, along with mentions in early foreign accounts, support this theory.
Imagine a bustling marketplace where not just goods but also ideas were exchanged. From local mints to European coins, from diverse religious traditions to cultural diffusion across Asia, the archaeological finds at Srijang paint a vivid picture of Balasore as a vibrant crossroads of trade and cultural exchange.
A Golden Link to the Guptas
The most significant discovery at Srijang might be the two gold coins of Kumaragupta. Unearthed for the first time in India, these coins offer a tangible link between Odisha and the Gupta Empire in the 5th-6th centuries AD.
This discovery isn’t alone in telling this story. Inscriptions found on copper plates granted by rulers of the Vigraha dynasty (dated in the Gupta era) further solidify this connection. Similarly, a copper plate grant from the Sailodbhava dynasty references the Gupta era, suggesting Odisha acknowledged the Gupta Empire’s influence.
Adding another layer of evidence are sculptures unearthed across Odisha. These artworks exhibit the hallmarks of classical Gupta artistic traditions, hinting at a cultural exchange alongside potential political ties.
Taken together, these finds rewrite our understanding of Odisha’s history. The gold coins act as a golden thread, weaving Odisha into the rich tapestry of the Gupta Empire.
Unearthing Odisha’s Gupta Connection
The two gold coins discovered at Srijang, currently in the possession of Arabinda Das Mohapatra, are a historic first for India. These coins depict Kumaragupta riding a decorated horse, with the legend “Kumaragupta” inscribed in classic Gupta Brahmi script, dating them to the 5th century AD.
One coin portrays Kumaragupta in elaborate war attire and a crown, while the other shows him bare-chested, suggesting a more informal portrayal. Both coins showcase the artistic excellence characteristic of the Gupta era.
These coins hold immense historical significance. The Gupta Empire’s gold coins were highly valued, and the Orissa State Museum already possesses examples from emperors like Chandragupta II and Samudragupta. The presence of these gold coins in Odisha, particularly near port cities like Balasore and Srijang, suggests they may have been used for both internal trade and international maritime trade.
This discovery, along with inscriptions and sculptures exhibiting Gupta artistic influence, rewrites our understanding of Odisha’s history. It reveals a closer connection between Odisha and the Gupta Empire than previously known. Imagine bustling port cities like Balasore and Srijang, not just hubs of trade but also entry points for cultural exchange. The Kumaragupta coins serve as a tangible reminder of this fascinating link between Odisha and one of India’s most powerful empires.
