Kings on Coins - King Gondophares I, Indo-Parthian Empire

King Gondophares was the first king of the Indo-Parthian Empire. He ruled from 20 AD to 47 AD. He declared himself independent of Parthian Empire and later took over the Kabul valley and Punjab area from Kushan king Kujula Kadphises. His empire covered the region of Eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India as seen in the below map. His capital was Taxshila in initial years and Kabul in later years. Gondophares was among the first Greek kings to rule on Indian territory. He was also known by name ‘Gastaphar’ in Armenian language and ‘Gondapharna’ and ‘Gudurhara’ in Indian Pali language.

GONDOPHARAN SYMBOL

King Gondophares issued large variety of silver and copper coins during his reign. These coins were the beautiful, bearing his portrait. His portrait on coins were very well carved showing his headband, necklace, ear-rings and a dress with round decorations. Some of the coins also had the gondopharan symbol inscribed on it (shown above).

The first coin above is a copper drachm coin of Jammu region of Northwest India with the portrait of king facing right and legend around it in circle in greek language on obverse side and on the reverse Pallas standing right with thunderbolt and shield with kharoshti (pali) letters around.

This second coin is a silver tetradrachm coin from Gandhara region of Northwest India.

Obverse - King mounted on horseback with arm raised, right; 'Gondopharan' symbol with pellet in right field.

Reverse - Zeus right; Monogram and Kharosthi control letters. Small Nandipada symbol below sceptre.

This third coin is a silver tetradrachm coin of the Arachosia region.

Obverse - King mounted on horseback, facing left, receiving wreath from Nike.

Reverse - Gondopharan symbol; Kharosthi legend.