A silver drachma of the "Turk Shahi" dynasty that ruled from Kabul until displaced by the Hindu Shahis; their coins featured legends in both Sharada and Brahmi scripts

Source: http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/dltcoins/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1095&large=1
(downloaded July 2006)

"Turk Shahis (2nd Nezak Huns Dynasty), "Spalapati Deva" (="Military Commander"). AR Drachm, c. AD 750-850. Kabul mint. Obverse:  Legend in Sarada script, Sri Spalapati Deva. Bull recumbent left, wearing saddlecloth, trisul symbol on rump. Reverse:  Brahmi legend, Shahi Deva (?). Horseman right, holding spear, Saruda Gu at left; unidentified symbol between horse's legs. Weight:  3.49gm. Diameter : 19mm.
Comments:  "Spalapati Deva" (="Military Commander") seems to be a title rather than the name of a specific ruler. These coins represent the last issues of the Turk Shahis of Kabul which began with the Nezak Malka/ Srio Shaho "trident crown" coins of Barhategin in the early 8th century. The Arab historian Alberuni tells us of the last Turkic king, Lagaturman, who was overthrown by his Brahman advisor Kellar. This usurper Kellar founded a dynasty of seven subsequent Hindu rulers. The first of these rulers is called "Samanta" (="Feudatory Chief") which is the title found on another, slightly later, group of bull and horseman drachms. Thus, Deyell gives the Spalapati coins to the Turk Shahis centered at Kabul and the Samanta coins to the subsequent Hindu Shahis ruling from Ohind in Pakistan."
[Image and description courtesy of *David L. Tranbarger Rare Coins*.]



 

A drachma of the Hindu Shahi dynasty that overthrew the Turk Shahis and ruled until 1026; it too features stylized bull and horseman images, and legends in two Indic scripts

Source: ebay, July 2001


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