Prof. Gul Rahim Khan has been awarded the prestigious Oriental Numismatic Society (ONS) Ashoka Prize 2025 in London for the best paper published in the Journal of the Oriental Numismatic Society (JONS) during the year.
His award-winning study, “Attribution of Coins to the Queens of the Utpala Dynasty of Medieval Kashmir” (JONS 260), highlights the historical significance of medieval Kashmiri coinage.
“This prestigious international recognition reflects Prof. Dr. Gul Rahim Khan’s outstanding contribution to archaeology, numismatics, and South Asian heritage studies. His achievement not only enriches global academic scholarship but also reinforces the University of Peshawar’s reputation as a center of research excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor and hope his success continues to inspire future generations of scholars,” the University of Peshawar said in a statement.
Talking to local media, Prof. Khan described coins as “metallic documents” that provide authentic historical evidence where written records are lacking.
He said that attributing these coins to the queens of the Utpala Dynasty offers fresh insights into the socio-political status, governance, and agency of female rulers in medieval Kashmir.
