Numismatics is one of the most valuable source of ancient history. This volume includes 17 research papers in English and 16 in Hindi. They deal with different aspects of the subject under reference and provide valuable data for the furtherance of the numismatic study and history writing. The development of coins, seals and sealings and the economic history are directly related with the development of a civilization and culture. Therefore they provide us short yet authentic information about metallurgy, weight, signs and symbols, legend, manufacturing technique etc. They are not only an important piece of evidence for the reconstruction of history of their times but also help in substantiating a known fact. Inspite of an important archaeological source they should be used very cautiously as evidence for history writing. They have a plethora of information about the political and cultural history of the period they belong to and may be studied in the light of their mode of exchange, manufacturing technique, symbols and symbolism, legends, scripts, classification, statistical data, metal analysis, artistic evaluation, socio-economic perspectives etc. The book is very useful for the researcher in the field of Numismatic and Sigilography.
About the Author:
Dr. Sita Ram Dubey (b. 1-9-1956) has obtained his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Banaras Hindu University. His field specialization includes, Society and Religion (with special reference to the early Buddhism), Palaeography & Epigraphy, Numismatics, Field Archaeology, etc.
Dr. Dubey is a versatile researcher and has more than four dozen research papers to his credit including three books namely Bauddhasa?gha Ka Prarambhika Vikasa (Hindi), Bauddha Dharma Vividha Paksha, Pakkakot : Some New Archaeological Dimensions of Mid-Ganga Plain. In addition, he has edited four Seminar Proceedings including : Bauddhayugeen Bharata, Contemporary Historiography : Methodology and trends, Methodology of Epigraphical Studies and History-writing and Vedic Culture and its continuity .
He has conducted archaeological fieldwork in different parts of the country including excavations at Pakkakot, Distt.- Ballia (U.P.), explorations of Bilaspur, Rajanandgaon, Raipur and Durg Districts of Chhattisgarh and Neemuch, Mandsaur Districts of M.P. Dr. Dubey is a renowned scholar in the field of Indological Studies who has been regularly invited in the Seminar and Conferences and also delivered lectures as a resource person to the participants of Refresher Courses including lectures in the Allahabad University as a Visiting Fellow. He has successfully completed research projects of UGC and involved in decipherment and historical study of deciphered contents of newly found unpublished inscriptions and seal sealings.
He has served as Faculty Member in Dr. Harisingh Gaur University Sagar and Vikram University Ujjain (M.P.). Presently Dr. Dubey is serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University. Recently, he has been nominated as the Coordinator, Centre of Advanced Study of the same department.
