Ujjain Symbol

The Ujjaini symbol is so common to Indian numismatics that one need not explain what this term means. Just by reading the words Ujjaini symbol one can visualize four circles joined by a cross. The so-called Ujjaini symbol is so named because of its abundance in appearance on coins found from Ujjain. Various theories and opinions for the origin of this symbol have been forwarded by many scholars. Amongst the important theories:

A typical Ujjaini Symbol

Jain¹ has remarked that this symbol represents the junction of the four roads that leads to the trading centre of Ujjayini.

Kothari and Morrison² have suggested that this symbol is a conventionalized form of Damru, which is an attribute of Shiva in one of his manifestations.

Chakrabarti³ opines that perhaps it is a solar symbol and was in extensive use in early times.

Pusalkar⁴ and Sarma⁵ agree to the opinion that Ujjayini symbol represents the occurrence of phenomena that: Equator passes thru India touching Ujjaini and tropic of cancer cuts the equator just in the middle of Ujjaini city. Thus forming a cross at Ujjaini.

Dube⁶ thinks that Ujjaini symbol represents Shiva, because of four gates of the city having four temples of Shiva (namely Pingleshwar, Kayavarohaneshwar, Vilkeshwar, and  Durdareshwar).

Katara⁷ is of the opinion that the Ujjaini symbol represents north, south, east, west and the solar system.

Bajpai⁸ says that it should better be called as Vajra symbolas various forms of Vajra (including cross and ball) are known in Indian art.

Chakravarti⁹ writes this so called Ujjaini symbol is in fact Vajra symbol. The symbol seems to have represented a meeting of four cross roads, which was applicable to Ujjaini as function of trade routes.

Shastri¹⁰ suggests that it might be a conventional form of swastika. 

Ujjaini symbol is found on coins of other city-states such as Ahichhatra, Ayodhya, Eran, Iksvakus, Kannauj, Koshambi, Mathura, Rairh, Nagari, Rajgir, Uddehika, Yaudheyas, Satavahanas, etc  which suggests its “universality”. I personally believe that this symbol was an authenticity mark on coins, and traders of Ujjaini accepted only those coins which had these marks.

Reference:

1. Jain, KC, Jounal of Numismatic Society of Madhya Pradesh, vol . I, 1972, p.15.
2. Kothari, N. and Morrison, M. ‘Numismatic Digest’, vol. XL, 1987, p.13.
3. Chakrabarti, SK. “JRASB, Numismatic Supplement”, 1936, No. XLVI, p.63.
4. Pusalkar, AD. “Vikramaditya in Purana”, Bharaiya Vidya, vol. VIII, p. 129.
5. Sarma, IK. (1980) “Coinage of Satavahana Empire”, Delhi, p. 69.
6. Dube, JN. (1922) “Ujjayini, the City Eternal”. M.P. Tourism, Ujjain, p. 78.
7. Katara, SL. (1922) “Ujjayini, the City Eternal”. M.P. Tourism, Ujjain, p. 78.
8. Bajpai, KD. Numismatic Studies, Vol. 2, New Delhi, 1992, p. 23.
9. Chakravarti, M. (1981) “Malwa in Post Mauryan Period”, Calcutta, p. 142.
10. Shastri, AM. “Religious Study of Symbols on Local Coins of Central India”, No. II, p.83.

"Ujjayini Coins" By Narendra Kothari , 2006 Reshma Books International, Mumbai

"ARTISTIC AND SOCIAL APPROACH IN THE UJJAYINI COINS" By Arpit Gupta <http://www.academia.edu/35602055/ARTISTIC_AND_SOCIAL_APPROACH_IN_THE_UJJAYINI_COINS>