Consider the following statements I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, an…

Question

Consider the following statements:

I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika.

II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver.

The above statements have been associated with which of the following?

1. Emergence of urban life

2. Transition to money economy

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2 (Correct answer)
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer

Option C — C

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C.

Key Points

• Explanation: Statement I records the first definite references to coins — kahapana, nikkha, kamsa and kakanika — in Pali texts, and Statement II notes that this literary evidence is corroborated by archaeological finds of punch-marked coins, mostly of silver.
• Taken together they are classic evidence for both propositions.
• The spread of coined money marks the transition to a money economy (2), and coinage went hand in hand with trade, craft specialisation and the growth of towns, that is, the emergence of urban life (1).

Additional Information

• This is the phase known as the second urbanisation, in the Ganga valley from about the sixth century BCE.
• It saw the rise of the mahajanapadas, punch-marked coins (karshapanas), Northern Black Polished Ware, and the growth of towns such as Rajgir, Shravasti, Kaushambi and Champa.