★ The independence of the Maukharis of Kanauj ★

INDIA, Post-Gupta (Ganges Valley). Maukharis of Kanauj. Isanavarman. Drachm (Silver, 14 mm, 2.12 g, 12 h), circa 535-553. Head of Isanavarman to left, wearing diadem surmounted by crescent. Rev. VIJITA VANIR AVANIPATI SANAVAMA JAYATI DIVAM (‘Isanavarman, Lord of the Earth, having conquered the Earth, wins over Heaven' in Brahmi) Fan-tailed peacock standing front, head to right, tail in splendor. Very rare. The obverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, very fine.

From a collection of coins from Central Asia.

The Maukharis of Kanauj were vassals of the Gupta Empire who established their own independent Kingdom in the Indo-Gangetic Plain after the downfall of their overlords. Interestingly, their coins copy the Gupta drachms (see above, lot 673), but the types are reverted: the king is now looking to the left, whereas the peacock is standing to the right.