Ujjayini Mahakal – Post-Mauryan Era of Ujjain Region c. 200 BC – Uninscribed Copper AE Unit Ancient Coin

Ujjayini Mahakal, Post-Mauryan Era of Ujjain Region, c. 200 BC, Uninscribed Copper AE Unit, Obv: Lord shiva or Mahakal standing, holding spear in left hand, karmandal in right hand, and tree in railing to left, Rev: Ujjaini symbol, Weight: 3.67 grams, Diameter: 15 mm, extremely fine, scarce.

This uninscribed copper unit from the Ujjain region dates to the post-Mauryan period, around c. 200 BC, a time when Ujjain (ancient Ujjayini) emerged as a major political, commercial, and religious centre of central India. Following the decline of Mauryan authority, local powers and tribal republics issued regional coinage reflecting indigenous beliefs and symbols. The depiction of Lord Shiva in his Mahakal form highlights Ujjain’s deep association with Shaivism and the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, already revered in antiquity. The reverse Ujjaini symbol represents regional identity and continuity of local monetary traditions. Such coins illustrate the fusion of economy, religion, and urban culture in early historic India and are important witnesses to Ujjain’s enduring spiritual legacy.