Kidarite Huna Kings of Kashmir, Sri Meghamah (500-600 AD), Base Gold Dinar, 7.39 gms, Obv. Standing figure of Shiva, nimbate, in tribhanga pose making mudra by his right hand, holding trident with banners attached in left, wearing dhoti from waist below and an uttariya on shoulder, In background a lioness or a tiger walking left, looking to him with head turned back, brahmi legends on left upper field ‘MeGhaVaNa’, Rev. Goddess Lakshmi, nimbate, seated in full frontal cross-legged posture wearing flowing dress, uttariya, and jewellery; a lotus in her left hand and a flower (jewel) in her right hand. To her left, a conch-shell (Shankha) on a floral pedestal, and a vase (Kumbha) resting on the top of the lotus in her left hand. Brahmi legend Jaya below the lotus in her hand, TOTGE #18.3.2, very fine, less than 10 coins known, extremely rare. Note: The dies were carved by expert mint masters, most probably on an important occasion to commemorate an event. According to the Rajatarangini, the well-known historical chronicle of Kashmir written by Kalhana in the 12th century AD, Sri Meghavahana was the grandson of Yudhishthira, the son of Bhupaditya, and a ruler of Kashmir. He belonged to a family of Gonaddha. Some scholars believe that Meghavahana was a predecessor of Pravarasena, and some consider the other way around. The Rajatarangini mentions that Meghavahana was followed by Shreshthasena, who was succeeded by Hiranya. When Hiranya died, a usurper named Matrigupta assumed the throne of Kashmir with the help of Vikramaditya of Ujjaini. Pravarasena, the nephew of Hiranya, marched to Kashmir and defeated Matrigupta. Later on, Pravarasena became a great king who founded a city. The history of this period is not very clear in the chronicle, but this coin remains the sole testimony to the historical existence of a king named Meghavahana.