Early Kashmir history of the Post Gupta period as an independent kingdom is obscure.  But from the records it is clear that Mihiragula conquered Kashmir in the sixth century.  For the next few centuries until Mohammedans conquered them, the Kashmir was ruled by four successive dynasties.

From the legends on the early coins, it is understood that Khingilas ruled Kasmir during the fifth century.  The coins of the eight century is related to the Naga dynasty.  The coinage seems to have followed the Little Yueh Chihs (Kidarites).  The coinage of Kidara rulers merely followed Kushanas popular Standing King type on the obverse and with Ardoxo (Lakshmi) on the reverse.

With the accession of Sankara Varma, in 833 AD, the gold practically disappeared from the coinage.  The history of the Varma dynasty (named after the first leader Sankara Varma) is clear from the chronicle 'Rajatagni' and through the legend impressed on their coinage.  Nearly all the rulers issued copper coins of similar fabric, they just differ in the legend they carry and also from the uniform degradation.  The break appears on the coinage of the tyrant Harsha Deva who imitated the ornate gold of Talkad (Elephant motif on the obverse).  Some of the coins carried horseman on the obverse.

LAST UPDATED 1st Nov 2001
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