Asoka
Emperor of India, c. 272-232 BC
Three different silver Karshapanas, measuring 13 to 15 mm, and weighing about 3.2 grams each.
All Mauryan silver karshapanas show the first two symbols, the sun and some
form of the six-armed symbol. The third symbol, the "hills", is
thought the indicate the main mint at the time of Asoka. The fourth
symbol, composed of six semi-circles, is thought to represent the regal symbol
of Asoka. The fifth symbol is variable and may indicate a particular
coinage issue.
Asoka, one of the greatest emperors of India, made Buddhism the state religion of his realm. The third ruler of the Maurya dynasty, he enlarged his kingdom to include most of northern and central India as well as what are now Afghanistan and Baluchistan. After seeing the horrors of war, Asoka converted from Brahmanism to Buddhism and ruled according to Buddhist principles of philanthropy and compassion.