Eran-Vidisha Region, Copper Square Unit (300-200 BC)

Region : Eran-Vidisha
Era : (300-200 BC)
Weight :  4.28 grams 
Diameter : 17.04 mm, 
Reference : (W. Pieper # 461)
Rarity : Rare

Obverse : 
punches consisting of a railed tree in the center, an elephant on left and taurine in an open enclosure on right, an Indradhvaja on top, and a river with fishes at the bottom

Reverse : 
Blank

Comment : 
Eran was an important center during the Gupta period and earlier, with a history that dates back to the Mauryan period. Eran is known for the Gupta-era inscriptions, some of which are significant because they mention Sati (the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's pyre), which is one of the earliest references to this practice in Indian history. While Vidisha is situated in Madhya Pradesh, near the confluence of the Betwa and Bes rivers, and is around 10 kilometers away from the famous Buddhist site of Sanchi. Vidisha was an important trading center, linking the north and south of India. The town also played a role in the spread of Buddhism, being close to the significant Buddhist site of Sanchi.