The Hinduja Foundation unveiled its latest publication, Early North India and Its Coinage, at a distinguished ceremony in New Delhi, with Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, formally releasing the book. The event was attended by scholars, historians and dignitaries, including Shri Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Prakash P. Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation, and Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation.

Published in both English and Hindi, the book is India’s first comprehensive and illustrated study of early North Indian coinage, documenting coins dating from 300 BCE to 300 CE. Authored by historian Devendra Handa, the publication features over 850 coins, making it the largest documented assemblage of indigenous coinage from this period in North India.

The book examines coinage from republics, tribes and monarchies that emerged after the Mauryan period, covering regions such as Mathura, Kannauj, Panchal and Kaushambi in the Ganga–Yamuna doab, along with parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Through detailed visuals and commentary, it reflects the religious, cultural and geopolitical context that shaped early Indian society.

Plans are underway to showcase select coins from the collection at the Lucknow Museum, allowing the public to engage closely with this aspect of India’s heritage. The Hinduja Foundation’s numismatic collection today includes over 34,000 historically significant coins, with around 7,000 from North India and nearly 4,200 from Uttar Pradesh alone.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Yogi Adityanath said, “Understanding and preserving history is a national responsibility, and I commend the Hinduja Foundation for this remarkable initiative. The book sheds light on the economic, cultural and political fabric of early North India and highlights the importance of preserving the region's historical heritage for future generations. This book not only chronicles India's heritage but also underscores the enduring contributions of our civilisation to world history, making it an invaluable resource.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation, said, “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, for unveiling this important volume and supporting the plan for public display of these coins at the museum in Lucknow. With a legacy rooted in India, the Hinduja family has always seen itself as a custodian of the country’s cultural and civilisational heritage.”

Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, added, “This publication marks an important step in introducing a significant part of North India’s glorious heritage to the public. By showcasing these coins, we enable scholars, students and the wider public to engage with India’s early civilisations first-hand.”

The book showcases a wide variety of coin shapes, metals and symbols, including early depictions of deities such as Kārttikeya, Śiva and Lakṣmī, as well as temples and cultural motifs. Drawing on archaeological findings and the Foundation’s collection, it demonstrates how coins provide insights into trade, governance, religion and everyday life in ancient India.

With this publication, the Hinduja Foundation reinforces its commitment to preserving India’s heritage, promoting scholarship, and ensuring that the country’s cultural legacy is documented and passed on to future generations.