The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Numismatic gallery soon at State Museum

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Numismatic gallery soon at State Museum

Staff Reporter

Education Minister releases Telugu book on coins

TREASURE TROVE: D. Raja Reddy with his book `Charitra Khazana'. — PHOTO: P.V. Sivakumar

HYDERABAD: The State Museum located in the environs of Public Gardens will soon have a gallery showcasing an awesome collection of coins, said School Education Minister N. Rajyalakshmi, on Tuesday.

She was speaking after releasing a Telugu book `Charitra Khazana' written by D. Raja Reddy, a neurosurgeon. Interestingly, she said, the museum already has three lakh coins, including over 16,000 in gold, second only to the British Museum in London.

Space for the collection

"It was a wonderful experience seeing over one lakh coins and I want to ensure that people can access it too," she said, recalling a recent visit to the museum. Officials were working on how to carve out space for the coins and how to maximise viewing pleasure for visitors.

Dr. Raja Reddy, who is a consultant at Apollo Hospital, here, recalled how he was drawn to numismatics ever since his grandmother found two coins in their house 25 years ago.

The book has been published by Ramaiah Vidyapeetham. Educationalist Chukka Ramaiah said coins were a reflection of the rule and prosperity of a kingdom and lifestyle of the people. They symbolised the status of the economy.

State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan K. Chandramouli observed that coins were vital indicators of history. `Charitra Khazana' was a repository of information and truly a treasure for students.

A.B.K. Prasad, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Official Language Commission, presided.

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