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[[File:Paratarajas name on coin of Arjuna.jpg|thumb|left|The name "Parataraja" in the [[Brahmi script]] ([[File:Gupta girnar paa.png|12px]][[File:Gupta girnar r.svg|12px]][[File:Gupta_ashoka_t.svg|12px]][[File:Gupta girnar raa.png|12px]][[File:Gupta_ashoka_j.svg|12px]] ''Pāratarāja'') on a coin of Arjuna.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=TANDON |first1=PANKAJ |title=Further Light on the Pāratarājas: an Absolute Chronology of the Brāhmī and Kharoṣṭhī Series |journal=The Numismatic Chronicle (1966-) |date=2009 |volume=169 |pages=137–171 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42678609 |issn=0078-2696}}</ref>]]
[[File:Paratarajas name on coin of Arjuna.jpg|thumb|left|The name "Parataraja" in the [[Brahmi script]] ([[File:Gupta girnar paa.png|12px]][[File:Gupta girnar r.svg|12px]][[File:Gupta_ashoka_t.svg|12px]][[File:Gupta girnar raa.png|12px]][[File:Gupta_ashoka_j.svg|12px]] ''Pāratarāja'') on a coin of Arjuna.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=TANDON |first1=PANKAJ |title=Further Light on the Pāratarājas: an Absolute Chronology of the Brāhmī and Kharoṣṭhī Series |journal=The Numismatic Chronicle (1966-) |date=2009 |volume=169 |pages=137–171 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42678609 |issn=0078-2696}}</ref>]]
The dynasty is essentially known through their coinage which have been primarily found in and around the district of [[Loralai]], [[Balochistan (Pakistan)|Balochistan]], western [[Pakistan]]. Coins were also found as far as [[Sri Lanka]], suggesting intense trade.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=TANDON |first1=PANKAJ |title=New Light on the Pāratarājas |journal=The Numismatic Chronicle |date=2006 |volume=166 |pages=173–209 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42666407 |issn=0078-2696}}</ref>
The dynasty is essentially known through their coinage which have been primarily found in and around the district of [[Loralai]], [[Balochistan (Pakistan)|Balochistan]], western [[Pakistan]]. Coins were also found as far as [[Sri Lanka]], suggesting intense trade.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=TANDON |first1=PANKAJ |title=New Light on the Pāratarājas |journal=The Numismatic Chronicle |date=2006 |volume=166 |pages=173–209 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/42666407 |issn=0078-2696}}</ref> The coinage was first studied by [[E. J. Rapson]] in 1905 before being subject to a comprehensive evaluation by B. N. Mukherjee in 1972; they have been since superseded by Pankoj Tandon's analyses.
Coinage was issued in five denominations: didrachms, drachms, hemidrachms, quarter drachms, and obols. However all rulers did not issue every denomination. The didrachm was issued by almost every ruler, probably on the occasion of coronation. The first six rulers minted in silver, before it was devalued and gave way to bulion followed by copper.
The coins exhibit the bust of a particular monarch on the obverse (having long hair within a headband), and a [[swastika]] withinacircular legend on the reverse in [[Kharoshthi]] (usually copper coins) and sometimes in [[Brāhmī script|Brahmi]] (usually silver coins). Many similarities have been noted between Parataraja and [[Indo-Parthian]] coinage, as well as with the coinage of the [[Western Satraps]], who were roughly contemporary and contiguous to the Paratarajas.
The coins exhibit the bust of a monarch on the obverse (having long hair within a headband), and a [[swastika|swastika—]]<nowiki/>either right-facing or left-facing—on the reverse, circumscribed by a legend in [[Kharoshthi]] (usually copper coins) or [[Brāhmī script|Brahmi]] (usually silver coins) or even Sanskrit. This legend carried the name of the issuer, followed by patronymic, and identification as the "King of Paratas". Many similarities have been noted between Parataraja and [[Indo-Parthian]] coinage, as well as with the coinage of the [[Western Satraps]], who were roughly contemporary and contiguous to the Paratarajas.
Coinage was issued in five denominations: didrachms, drachms, hemidrachms, quarter drachms, and obols. But all rulers did not issue every denomination. The didrachm was issued by almost every ruler, probably on the occasion of coronation. Allcoinscarrynamesoftheissuer, followedbypatronymic, and aself-identificationastheKingofParatas.
=== Classical literature ===
=== Classical literature ===
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Coinage was issued in all five denominations. Three distinct phases of minting—bearded bust (obv.) + right-facing swastika (rev.); clean-shaven bust + left-facing swastika; clean-shaven bust + right-facing swastika—have been observed. The didrachm was minted only in the second phase.
Coinage was issued in all five denominations. Three distinct phases of minting—bearded bust (obv.) + right-facing swastika (rev.); clean-shaven bust + left-facing swastika; clean-shaven bust + right-facing swastika—have been observed. The didrachm was minted only in the second phase.
The coin legend—mostly, ''Yolamirasa Bagarevaputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the [[Brahmi script]] on the reverse.
The coin legend—mostly, ''Yolamirasa Bagarevaputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the [[Brahmi script|Brahmi]] script.
|-
|-
| Bagamira || || Eldest son of Yolamira || c. 150 CE ||The name translates to "Lord [[Mithra]]."
| Bagamira || || Eldest son of Yolamira || c. 150 CE ||The name translates to "Lord [[Mithra]]."
Only two drachms are known, both of which were struck on the die used by Yolamira in his third phase.
Only two drachms are known, both of which were struck on the die used by Yolamira in his third phase.
The coin legend—''Bagamirasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Bagamirasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script.
|-
|-
| Arjuna || [[File:Paratarajas_ruler_Arjuna_Circa_150-165_CE.jpg|center|250px|Paratarajas_ruler_Arjuna_Circa_150-165_CE.]] || Second son of Yolamira || c. 150–160 CE ||The name was probably adopted from the eponymous character in [[Mahabharata]], a Hindu epic; Tandon hypothesizes that he might have been the son of an Indian wife.
| Arjuna || [[File:Paratarajas_ruler_Arjuna_Circa_150-165_CE.jpg|center|250px|Paratarajas_ruler_Arjuna_Circa_150-165_CE.]] || Second son of Yolamira || c. 150–160 CE ||The name was probably adopted from the eponymous character in [[Mahabharata]], a Hindu epic; Tandon hypothesizes that he might have been the son of an Indian wife.
In his first phase, used Bagamira's obverse die to issue drachms and hemidrachms. A new obverse die was then used with a left-facing swastika on the reverse to mint the same denominations. In another (probably succeeding) phase, the new obverse die was coupled with a left-facing swastika to mint drachms.
In his first phase, used Bagamira's obverse die to issue drachms and hemidrachms. A new obverse die was then used with a left-facing swastika on the reverse to mint the same denominations. In another (probably succeeding) phase, the new obverse die was coupled with a left-facing swastika to mint drachms.
The coin legend—''Arjunasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Arjunasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script.
|-
|-
| Hvaramira || [[File:Pāratarājas. Hvaramira. Circa AD 165-175.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Hvaramira. Circa AD 165-175]] || a third son of Yolamira || c. 160–175 CE ||The name translates to "Glorious [[Mithra]]"; ''hvara'' > [[Khvarenah|''khwarrah'']].
| Hvaramira || [[File:Pāratarājas. Hvaramira. Circa AD 165-175.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Hvaramira. Circa AD 165-175]] || a third son of Yolamira || c. 160–175 CE ||The name translates to "Glorious [[Mithra]]"; ''hvara'' > [[Khvarenah|''khwarrah'']].
In his first phase, used Arjuna's die from the third phase to mint drachms. Followed by the usage of a new obverse die in the minting of drachms as well as didrachms. Finally, this obverse die was coupled with a left-facing swastika on the reverse, to mint drachms.
In his first phase, used Arjuna's die from the third phase to mint drachms. Followed by the usage of a new obverse die in the minting of drachms as well as didrachms. Finally, this obverse die was coupled with a left-facing swastika on the reverse, to mint drachms.
The coin legend—''Hvaramirasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script on the reverse; some coins use a variant spelling of ''Yodamiraputrasa.''
The coin legend—''Hvaramirasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script; some coins use a variant spelling of ''Yodamiraputrasa.''
|-
|-
| Mirahvara || [[File:Pāratarājas. Mirahvara. Circa AD 175-185.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Mirahvara. Circa AD 175-185]] || son of Hvaramira || c. 175–185 CE ||The name translates to "Glorious [[Mithra]]".
| Mirahvara || [[File:Pāratarājas. Mirahvara. Circa AD 175-185.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Mirahvara. Circa AD 175-185]] || son of Hvaramira || c. 175–185 CE ||The name translates to "Glorious [[Mithra]]".
In his first phase, used Hvaramira's die from the third phase to mint drachms; Arjuna's hemidrachm die from the second phase to mint quarter drachms; and Yolamira's die from the third phase to mint hemidrachms. In the next phase, Hvaramira's obverse dies from the second and third phase were coupled with a left-facing swastika on the reverse to respectively mint didrachms as well as drachms. In the third phase, a new obverse die and Yolamira's obverse die from the third phase were used with a right-facing swastika on the reverse to respectively mint drachms and hemidrachms.
In his first phase, used Hvaramira's die from the third phase to mint drachms; Arjuna's hemidrachm die from the second phase to mint quarter drachms; and Yolamira's die from the third phase to mint hemidrachms. In the next phase, Hvaramira's obverse dies from the second and third phase were coupled with a left-facing swastika on the reverse to respectively mint didrachms as well as drachms. In the third phase, a new obverse die and Yolamira's obverse die from the third phase were used with a right-facing swastika on the reverse to respectively mint drachms and hemidrachms.
The coin legend—''Mirahvarasa Hvaramiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Mirahvarasa Hvaramiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Brahmi script.
|-
|-
| Miratakhma || [[File:Parata Rajas. Miratakhma.jpg|center|250px|Parata Rajas. Miratakhma]] || another son of Hvaramira || c. 185–200 CE ||The name translates to "Heroic [[Mithra]]."
| Miratakhma || [[File:Parata Rajas. Miratakhma.jpg|center|250px|Parata Rajas. Miratakhma]] || another son of Hvaramira || c. 185–200 CE ||The name translates to "Heroic [[Mithra]]."
Drachm and hemidrachm issues have been found: Tandon suspects didrachms were likely, given the abundance of his coins. Phases are not very coherent. Used Mirahvara's die from the third phase as well as a new obverse die to mint drachms; both right-facing and left-facing Swastika is found on the reverse. The hemidrachm used Arjuna's obverse die from the second phase with a right-facing swastika on the reverse.
Drachm and hemidrachm issues have been found: Tandon suspects didrachms were likely, given the abundance of his coins. Phases are not very coherent. Used Mirahvara's die from the third phase as well as a new obverse die to mint drachms; both right-facing and left-facing Swastika is found on the reverse. The hemidrachm used Arjuna's obverse die from the second phase with a right-facing swastika on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Mirahvarasa Hvaramiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the [[Brahmi script]] on the reverse. Is the '''only''' king to feature a Sanskrit legend—''Miratakhmasya Hvaramiraputrasya Pāratarāja(sya)''—on some drachms.
The coin legend—''Mirahvarasa Hvaramiraputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the [[Brahmi script|Brahmi]] script. Is the '''only''' king to feature a Sanskrit legend—''Miratakhmasya Hvaramiraputrasya Pāratarāja(sya)''—on some drachms.
|-
|-
| Kozana || [[File:Pāratarājas Kozana Circa 200-220 CE.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas Kozana Circa 200-220 CE]] || son of Bagavharna (and perhaps grandson of Bagamira?) || c. 200–220 CE ||The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk speculates a connection with the [[Kujula Kadphises|homonymous founder]] of the Kushana empire. Was the first Pāratarāja king to issue coins with the legends in [[Kharoshthi]], which will be adopted by upcoming rulers. Significant devaluation is observed for the first time.
| Kozana || [[File:Pāratarājas Kozana Circa 200-220 CE.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas Kozana Circa 200-220 CE]] || son of Bagavharna (and perhaps grandson of Bagamira?) || c. 200–220 CE ||The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk speculates a connection with the [[Kujula Kadphises|homonymous founder]] of the Kushana empire. Was the first Pāratarāja king to issue coins with the legends in [[Kharoshthi]], which will be adopted by upcoming rulers. Significant devaluation is observed for the first time.
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Last King to issue silver mints; only drachms have been found. Used a new die—that did not match with any previous ruler's but was stylistically similar to Kozana's (i.e. Miratakhma's)—with a right-facing Swastika on the reverse. There is a drastic devaluation from silver to billon to copper.
Last King to issue silver mints; only drachms have been found. Used a new die—that did not match with any previous ruler's but was stylistically similar to Kozana's (i.e. Miratakhma's)—with a right-facing Swastika on the reverse. There is a drastic devaluation from silver to billon to copper.
The coin legend—''Bhimarjunasa Yolatakhmaputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Kharoshthi script on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Bhimarjunasa Yolatakhmaputrasa Pāratarājasa''—runs in the Kharoshthi script.
|-
|-
| Koziya || [[File:Pāratarājas. Koziya. Circa AD 230-270.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Koziya. Circa AD 230-270]] || son of Kozana || c. 235–265 CE ||The meaning of the name remains unknown.
| Koziya || [[File:Pāratarājas. Koziya. Circa AD 230-270.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Koziya. Circa AD 230-270]] || son of Kozana || c. 235–265 CE ||The meaning of the name remains unknown.
Most abundant and complex coinage among all Paratarajas with several innovations—from inscribing names of Kings on the obverse to changing the bust image to that of a standing King—which will become the mainstay of upcoming rulers.
Most abundant and complex coinage among all Paratarajas with several innovations—from inscribing names of Kings on the obverse to changing the bust image to that of a standing King—which will become the mainstay of upcoming rulers.
The coin legend—''Koziyasa Kozanaputra Pāratarāja''—runs in the Kharoshthi script on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Koziyasa Kozanaputra Pāratarāja''—runs in the Kharoshthi script.
|-
|-
| Datarvharna || [[File:Pāratarājas. Datarvharna. Circa AD 270-280.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Datarvharna. Circa AD 270-280]] || son of Datayola I (and perhaps grandson of Bhimarjuna?) || c. 265–280 CE ||The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk translates to "Glory of the Creator".
| Datarvharna || [[File:Pāratarājas. Datarvharna. Circa AD 270-280.jpg|center|250px|Pāratarājas. Datarvharna. Circa AD 270-280]] || son of Datayola I (and perhaps grandson of Bhimarjuna?) || c. 265–280 CE ||The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk translates to "Glory of the Creator".
Only a few didrachms have been found, in what Tandon suspects as an indicator of short regime as well as extreme inflation reducing the need for lower denomination coins. Used dies stylistically similar to Koziya's with a right-facing Swastika on the reverse.
Only a few didrachms have been found, in what Tandon suspects as an indicator of short regime as well as extreme inflation reducing the need for lower denomination coins. Used dies stylistically similar to Koziya's with a right-facing Swastika on the reverse.
The coin legend—''Datarvharnasa Datayolaputrasa Pāratarāja''—runs in the Kharoshthi script on the reverse. The nominative ''Datarvharna'' is inscribed on the obverse.
The coin legend—''Datarvharnasa Datayolaputrasa Pāratarāja''—runs in the Kharoshthi script. The nominative ''Datarvharna'' is inscribed on the obverse.
|-
|-
| Datayola II || || son of Datarvharna || c. 280–300 CE ||
| Datayola II || || son of Datarvharna || c. 280–300 CE ||The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk translates to "Fighter for the Law".
|}
|}
Revision as of 09:27, 3 May 2022
Paratarajas
end of 1st century CE–Circa 262 CE
Portrait of Paratarajas ruler Kozana circa 200-220 CE.[1]
The Pāratarājas (Brahmi: Pāratarāja, Kharosthi: 𐨤𐨪𐨟𐨪𐨗Pa-ra-ta-ra-ja, Parataraja) was a dynasty of Parthian kings, and ruling family from what is now Pakistan, from the end of the 1st century to the 3rd century CE. The seat of their capital was Balochistan.
The Pāratas are thought to be identical with the Parθava of Iranian literature, the Parthians of Greek literature, and the Pāradas of Indian literature.[4][5]
Sources
Coinage
The name "Parataraja" in the Brahmi script (Pāratarāja) on a coin of Arjuna.[6]
The dynasty is essentially known through their coinage which have been primarily found in and around the district of Loralai, Balochistan, western Pakistan. Coins were also found as far as Sri Lanka, suggesting intense trade.[7] The coinage was first studied by E. J. Rapson in 1905 before being subject to a comprehensive evaluation by B. N. Mukherjee in 1972; they have been since superseded by Pankoj Tandon's analyses.
Coinage was issued in five denominations: didrachms, drachms, hemidrachms, quarter drachms, and obols. However all rulers did not issue every denomination. The didrachm was issued by almost every ruler, probably on the occasion of coronation. The first six rulers minted in silver, before it was devalued and gave way to bulion followed by copper.
The coins exhibit the bust of a monarch on the obverse (having long hair within a headband), and a swastika—either right-facing or left-facing—on the reverse, circumscribed by a legend in Kharoshthi (usually copper coins) or Brahmi (usually silver coins) or even Sanskrit. This legend carried the name of the issuer, followed by patronymic, and identification as the "King of Paratas". Many similarities have been noted between Parataraja and Indo-Parthian coinage, as well as with the coinage of the Western Satraps, who were roughly contemporary and contiguous to the Paratarajas.
Based on ancient sources, the Paratas may have originated in northwestern Iran, northern Iraq or even eastern Turkey, roughly in the areas where Kurds live today, around the 7th century BCE.[9] They then migrated, so that Alexander the Great encountered them in the area of Bactria and Sogdiana.[9] They then moved through Seistan to reach Baluchistan in the 1st century CE, where they settled, first on the coast, and then in the interior.[9] Indian sources also locate them in the same general area, beyond the Indus river.[9]
The Paratarajas must have maintained a strong interaction with their neighbors to the West (the Indo-Parthians), and their neighbors to the east (the Western Satraps), perhaps having a role of intermediary.[10] The presence of the Paratarajas in Baluchistan suggests that the Kushans did not rule in that area.[10]
Parthian version of the Shapur I inscription at Ka'ba-ye Zartosht.
...[I] am ruler of Ērānshahr, and I possess the lands of [provinces; Greek ethne]: (....) Sakastan (Sistan), Turgistan/Turan, Makuran, Pardan/Paradene, Hind, the Kushanshahr up to Peshawar/Pashkibur, and up to Kashgar[ia], Sogdiana/Sogdia and to the mountains of Tashkent (Chach), and on the other side of the sea, Oman (i.e. Mazonshahr).
From a linguistic standpoint, the Baluchi language belongs to the Iranian group of Indo-European languages, and is most closely related to Kurdish, whose locutors live today in the area from which the Paratas seem to have originally immigrated. This raises the possibility that today's Baluchis are somehow descendants of the Paratas.[15]
Most of the names of kings on Parataraja suggest an Iranian origin.[10]
Anonymous. Early coin of a type found in the context of the Paratarajas in Baluchistan, 1st century CE
1st century CE
Early coin of a type found in the context of the Paratarajas in Baluchistan, 1st century CE. Also have stylistic affinities with the coins of the Dahae.
Yolamira
Pāratarājas. Yolamira. Circa AD 125-150
Son of Bagareva
c. 125–150 CE
The only king whose name can be corroborated from non-numismatist sources — potsherds note him to be the patron of a vihāra. The name translates to "Warrior Mithra."
Coinage was issued in all five denominations. Three distinct phases of minting—bearded bust (obv.) + right-facing swastika (rev.); clean-shaven bust + left-facing swastika; clean-shaven bust + right-facing swastika—have been observed. The didrachm was minted only in the second phase.
The coin legend—mostly, Yolamirasa Bagarevaputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Brahmi script.
Only two drachms are known, both of which were struck on the die used by Yolamira in his third phase.
The coin legend—Bagamirasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Brahmi script.
Arjuna
Paratarajas_ruler_Arjuna_Circa_150-165_CE.
Second son of Yolamira
c. 150–160 CE
The name was probably adopted from the eponymous character in Mahabharata, a Hindu epic; Tandon hypothesizes that he might have been the son of an Indian wife.
In his first phase, used Bagamira's obverse die to issue drachms and hemidrachms. A new obverse die was then used with a left-facing swastika on the reverse to mint the same denominations. In another (probably succeeding) phase, the new obverse die was coupled with a left-facing swastika to mint drachms.
The coin legend—Arjunasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Brahmi script.
Hvaramira
Pāratarājas. Hvaramira. Circa AD 165-175
a third son of Yolamira
c. 160–175 CE
The name translates to "Glorious Mithra"; hvara > khwarrah.
In his first phase, used Arjuna's die from the third phase to mint drachms. Followed by the usage of a new obverse die in the minting of drachms as well as didrachms. Finally, this obverse die was coupled with a left-facing swastika on the reverse, to mint drachms.
The coin legend—Hvaramirasa Yolamiraputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Brahmi script; some coins use a variant spelling of Yodamiraputrasa.
In his first phase, used Hvaramira's die from the third phase to mint drachms; Arjuna's hemidrachm die from the second phase to mint quarter drachms; and Yolamira's die from the third phase to mint hemidrachms. In the next phase, Hvaramira's obverse dies from the second and third phase were coupled with a left-facing swastika on the reverse to respectively mint didrachms as well as drachms. In the third phase, a new obverse die and Yolamira's obverse die from the third phase were used with a right-facing swastika on the reverse to respectively mint drachms and hemidrachms.
The coin legend—Mirahvarasa Hvaramiraputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Brahmi script.
Drachm and hemidrachm issues have been found: Tandon suspects didrachms were likely, given the abundance of his coins. Phases are not very coherent. Used Mirahvara's die from the third phase as well as a new obverse die to mint drachms; both right-facing and left-facing Swastika is found on the reverse. The hemidrachm used Arjuna's obverse die from the second phase with a right-facing swastika on the reverse.
The coin legend—Mirahvarasa Hvaramiraputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Brahmi script. Is the only king to feature a Sanskrit legend—Miratakhmasya Hvaramiraputrasya Pāratarāja(sya)—on some drachms.
Kozana
Pāratarājas Kozana Circa 200-220 CE
son of Bagavharna (and perhaps grandson of Bagamira?)
c. 200–220 CE
The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk speculates a connection with the homonymous founder of the Kushana empire. Was the first Pāratarāja king to issue coins with the legends in Kharoshthi, which will be adopted by upcoming rulers. Significant devaluation is observed for the first time.
All mints used Miratakhma's dies. In the first phase, minted hemidrachms (and prob. drachms) with Brahmi legends. In the second phase, drachms were minted with Kharoshthi legend. In the third phase, minted drachms, didrachms, and hemidrachms on a reduced weight base. All mints used a right-facing Swastika on the reverse.
The Brahmi legend ran, Kozanasa putra Pāratarāja. The Kharoshthi legend ran, Kozanasa Bagavharnaputrasa Pāratarājasa.
Bhimarjuna
son of Yolatakhma (and perhaps grandson of Arjuna?)
c. 220–235 CE
Apart from Arjuna, the only King to adopt an Indian name; the name is a portmanteau of two characters in Mahabharata, a Hindu epic.
Last King to issue silver mints; only drachms have been found. Used a new die—that did not match with any previous ruler's but was stylistically similar to Kozana's (i.e. Miratakhma's)—with a right-facing Swastika on the reverse. There is a drastic devaluation from silver to billon to copper.
The coin legend—Bhimarjunasa Yolatakhmaputrasa Pāratarājasa—runs in the Kharoshthi script.
Koziya
Pāratarājas. Koziya. Circa AD 230-270
son of Kozana
c. 235–265 CE
The meaning of the name remains unknown.
Most abundant and complex coinage among all Paratarajas with several innovations—from inscribing names of Kings on the obverse to changing the bust image to that of a standing King—which will become the mainstay of upcoming rulers.
The coin legend—Koziyasa Kozanaputra Pāratarāja—runs in the Kharoshthi script.
Datarvharna
Pāratarājas. Datarvharna. Circa AD 270-280
son of Datayola I (and perhaps grandson of Bhimarjuna?)
c. 265–280 CE
The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk translates to "Glory of the Creator".
Only a few didrachms have been found, in what Tandon suspects as an indicator of short regime as well as extreme inflation reducing the need for lower denomination coins. Used dies stylistically similar to Koziya's with a right-facing Swastika on the reverse.
The coin legend—Datarvharnasa Datayolaputrasa Pāratarāja—runs in the Kharoshthi script. The nominative Datarvharna is inscribed on the obverse.
Datayola II
son of Datarvharna
c. 280–300 CE
The meaning of the name cannot be conclusively deciphered; Harry Falk translates to "Fighter for the Law".
^Coins depicting Pārata monarchs have been found in and around the district of Loralai, Balochistan, western Pakistan. This was the seat of their capital. Coins were also found as far as Sri Lanka, suggesting intense trade.TANDON, PANKAJ (2006). "New Light on the Pāratarājas". The Numismatic Chronicle. 166: 173–209. ISSN0078-2696.
^The Baluchi language "is classified as a member of the Iranian group of the Indo-European language family, which includes Farsi (Persian), Pushtu, Baluchi, and Kurdish. Baluchi is closely related to only one of the members of the Iranian group, Kurdish": see Selig S. Harrison,
In Afghanistan’s Shadow: Baloch Nationalism and Soviet Temptations (Washington: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1981) quoted in "New light on the Paratarajas" Pankaj Tandon p.31 Note 35
Schindel, Nikolaus (2016). "The Coinages of Paradan and Sind in the Context of Kushan and Kushano-Sasanian Numismatics". In Curtis, Vesta Sarkhosh; Pendleton, Elizabeth J.; Alram, Michael; Daryaee, Touraj (eds.). The Parthian and Early Sasanian Empires: Adaptation and Expansion. Oxbow Books. ISBN 9781785702082.
Tandon, Pankaj (2021). "The Paratarajas". In Piper, Wilfried (ed.). Ancient Indian Coins: A Comprehensive Catalogue. Nasik, India: IIRNS Publications. ISBN 9789392280016.