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The origin of coins in India around the 6th and 7th centuries B.C. and the birth of Buddhism based on the teachings of Lord Buddha (563 B.C.-483 B.C) followed by its spread almost coincided. Unsurpris ingly, Lord Buddha and Buddhism were
represented in ancient Indian coins. The symbols that represented Buddhist faith were 1. tree in railing,
2. nandipada, 3. Chakra and 4. Eight-spoke wheel. Another Buddhist symbol Buddha-pada which found its place in art and even in coins is a great revelation. The most significant observation was the find ing of a hoard of 291 gold coins with the
Buddhapada image from Mahbubnagar area. The design of gold coins with central image and images around the periphery is known from the coins of dynasties that ruled during the medieval period in Telangana. Though Buddhism flourished in Telangana in ancient times it disappeared with the revival of Hinduism from the time of Vish nukundins onwards in the region. The find of this hoard means that there were pockets of Buddhism in Telangana that flourished and issued such types of coins providing proof of the presence of Buddhism in this region for a longer period than known.