Medieval Kashmir Utpala Dynasty Sankaravarman Æ stater

Ruler : Sankaravarman
Era : AD 883-902.
Dynasty : Utpala Dynasty
Denomination : Æ stater
Metal : Copper
Weight :  5.95 grams
Diameter :   18.03 mm
Reference : MNC 159-60.

Obverse :
Goddess Lakshmi seated facing, with Nagari legend "Sankara" to right.

Reverse :
Ruler standing sacrificing at altar and holding trident; with Nagari legend "varma" to right.

Comment:
Kalhana notes that Sankaravarman invaded Gujarat with an army composed of "nine lac infantrymen, three hundred elephants and one lac cavalry"; Alakhana, the local ruler had to gift a swath of territory to maintain his sovereignty. Samkaravarman was married to Sugandha, the daughter of a neighboring king and had at-least three other queens including one Surendravati. He is remarked to have brought cultural as well as economic prosperity. A boldly struck specimen of this enigmatic King. Scarce and choice.