Kshemagupta, Medieval India, Kashmir–Utpala Dynasty, Post-Hunnic Northern Series, (r. 950–958 CE), Denomination: Ae Stater, Composition: Copper,

Weight: 5.60 grm, Diameter: 18.45 mm, Reference: Mitch NI# 172, About Very Fine, Very Scarce.

Obverse: King standing frontally, holding long scepter; left hand akimbo. Legend in Sharada script around.

Reverse: Goddess Ardoxsho/Lakshmi enthroned facing, holding cornucopia and lotus. Sharada script legend in margin naming “Kshemagupta”.

Kshemagupta (r. 950–958 CE) was one of the later Utpala rulers of Kashmir, counted among the post-Hunnic Northern kings who struggled to maintain authority amid rising court factions. He married Queen Didda, the powerful granddaughter of Bhimadeva of Lohara, creating a decisive political alliance. Didda did not officially reign jointly with him, but she exerted strong influence at court, and after Kshemagupta’s death she ruled as regent and eventually as sovereign. The dynasty’s main rivals were the restless Dammaras (feudal chiefs) who repeatedly challenged the throne. Kshemagupta’s coinage continued the classic Kashmir fabric—standing king / enthroned goddess type—with refined Sharada legends, copper staters on medium flans, and bold iconography representing royal stability during a turbulent era.

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