As part of the International Museum Day celebrations, the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage organised an exhibition of ancient coins at the Government Museum located within Madikeri Fort premises under the theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World”.
The exhibition featured over 2,000 rare coins from the collection of noted doctor and coin collector Dr. M.G. Patkar and attracted hundreds of visitors.
Inaugurating the exhibition, renowned coin and note collector P.K. Kesavamurthy of Hunsur said such exhibitions provide students with an opportunity to understand history beyond textbooks through firsthand observation of historical artifacts.
He observed that exhibitions of this nature help the younger generation understand various dynasties, emblems, and historical periods more clearly, while also supporting historians and researchers.
The exhibition showcased punch-marked coins from the 6th century BC, along with Greek, Roman, Kushan, Gupta, Satavahana, Chola, Pallava, Pandya, and British-era coins, besides a wide range of pre- and post-Independence coins made of copper, silver, gold, brass, bronze, and lead.
Coins belonging to Karnataka dynasties including the Gangas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara rulers, and Mysore rulers were also displayed.
Dr. M.G. Patkar, Vijayalakshi Patkar, B.G. Ananthashayana, president of the Kodagu District Folk Council, museum curator B.P. Rekha, and staff members were present.
