Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh State Directorate of Archaeology, Lucknow, concluded its three-day workshop on ‘Indian Numismatics: Tradition, Development and Diverse Dimensions’ , with academic discussions on the history, evolution and significance of Indian coins.
The final day featured two sessions and began with a floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of National Unity Day. Directorate Director Renu Dwivedi, invited guests, speakers and participants paid homage to the Iron Man of India and took a pledge to uphold national unity, integrity and security.
In the first session, Dr Vinay Kumar Singh, Director of the State Museum, Lucknow, delivered an illustrated lecture on ‘The Historical Journey of Coins’. He traced the evolution of currency from ancient times to the present, explaining how the limitations of the barter system created the need for a commonly accepted medium of exchange.
Dr Singh discussed the selection of metals for coin production, highlighting factors such as availability, durability, rarity and economic value. Through examples from different historical periods, he explained that coins are not merely instruments of financial transactions but also valuable historical evidence reflecting political authority, rulers, religious beliefs, art, culture and trade practices.
He also compared ancient coins with contemporary currency and discussed the changing nature of monetary transactions, including digital and virtual currencies, credit cards and electronic payment systems. Despite these technological changes, he observed, the fundamental role of money in exchange and economic activity remains unchanged.
Director Renu Dwivedi appreciated the lecture and highlighted its academic relevance for students and research scholars. She said such sessions provide valuable opportunities to understand the historical, archaeological and economic significance of coins. She also welcomed the invited guests with saplings and mementoes, emphasising that the Directorate’s academic initiatives aim to raise awareness about archaeological heritage and introduce young learners to different aspects of history.
The second session marked the formal concluding ceremony, during which certificates were distributed to participants by the chief guest, Prof. S.N.N. Kapoor, former professor at Lucknow University, and the session’s chairperson, Prof. K.K. Thapliyal, former head of department at the university.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kapoor stressed the importance of continuing such academic initiatives. He said they help younger generations understand the different stages in the evolution of ancient coins, their forms and their historical significance. He described numismatics as an important area of study for students of history and archaeology.
Prof. Thapliyal thanked all the speakers for their informative presentations over the three days and appreciated the Directorate’s efforts in organising the workshop. He also acknowledged Director Renu Dwivedi’s initiative and encouraged the organisation of more workshops, lectures and academic programmes on diverse subjects.
The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to explore the history and development of Indian currency, coin-making techniques, artistic features and archaeological importance. The three-day programme also sought to encourage academic interest in numismatics and promote the study of archaeological and historical sources.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr Manoj Kumar Yadav. Prof. Prashant Srivastava, former professor at Lucknow University, and Prof. Danish Moin of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, were among those present.
Officials and staff of the Directorate attending the programme included Ram Vinay, Excavation and Exploration Officer; Gaurav Gupta and Rahul Tyagi, Assistant Archaeology Officers; Balihari Seth, Abhayraj Singh, Vinod Kumar, Anil Kumar, Santosh Kumar Singh, Ashish Kumar, Aqeel Khan, Abhishek Kumar (First and Second), Nirbhay, Ankit, Vijay and Manoj, among others.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to the guests, speakers and participants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
