1890.] 
205 
Punch-marked coins of Hindustan, ^c. 
knots, either loops ot the main chain, or independently introduced, and 
in these loops I think the same esoteric meaning may be conveyed as 
attaches to the bars crossing the cistrum of Isis. 
The same variant also occurs on the Cross at Kildalton, Argyleshire, 
(S. S. S. Vol. II, PI. XXXVI). 
9. A RELIQUARY SURROUNDED BY SIX ‘ TaUEINES.’ Fig. 185, 
It is not very certain what the central object of this symbol is in- 
tended for. It is probably the object of uncertain import of fig. 6.3, 
which may be either a ‘ reliquaiy a ‘lamp’ or an ‘altar.’ The 
‘ Taurines ’ are simply used most likely as auspicious signs, as the 
‘ Swastika ’ might be, or the sign of ‘ Qanesh ’ by a Hindu merchant. 
The symbol occurs on a coin in my possession, 
10. Solar wheel with straight rays. Fig. 139. 
This though a planetary emblem has perhaps an equal claim to be 
considered a Buddhist one also by adoption. In the solar wheel the 
centre consists of a raised or solid boss or nave, whereby it may be dis- 
tinguished from the wheel used by man for industrial purposes, which 
has a hollow axis, the difference being clearly seen in fig. 143. The 
normal number of spokes appears to he sixteen but the number varies 
from twelve to twenty-four, both being multiples of four the favourite 
unit for calculation in India. It is the most prevalent symbol on these 
coins, and one which emphatically disproves the conclusion of Thomas 
that these symbols are the “ produce of purely home fancies and local 
thought,” as this solar wheel is an extremely common symbol on terra- 
cotta whorls, dug up by Schliemann at Troy, (Schliemann, Troy PI. 
XXII, fig. 329. 
The rayed sun is also met with on sculptured stones in Scotland, 
as for example on a cross near Dnpplin figured in the Magazine of Art, 
Vol. VI, page 20, fig. 22. 
11, Small eight-spoked wheel. Fig. 140. 
This symbol is probably solar also, as the axis is solid, and we can- 
not therefore regard it as a wheel used for industrial purposes as the 
wheel fig. 143. 
12. Foue-spoked wheel. Fig. 141. 
Rare on the coins and a variant of the last. 
13. Symbol op Mahadev and his ' sakti' {Burga). Fig. 186. 
This emblem of Siva and Barga, so universally worshipped through- 
out Hindustan is rare on these coins but occurs on the reverse of one 
