Background
Numismatics, simply speaking, means 'study of coins'. But it is not merely the study of the physical features of coins. It is the study of coins as historical objects and as a source for history. Coins are one of the most important tools for reconstructing our history. Considering the vital importance of coins as a source for our history, there had been a long-felt need for an Institution devoted to the discipline of Indian Numismatic Studies. This need was brought to fruition when as the result of the joint efforts of Dr. Parmeshwari Lal Gupta and Shri K. K. Maheshwari, the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies was established.

Dr. Gupta, a numismatic scholar of global repute, and Shri Maheshwari, an industrialist and an avid coin collector since his childhood, came in contact with each other when the former was working in the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai. The acquaintance soon grew into a 'Guru-Shisya' relationship as Shri Maheshwari would often visit Dr. Gupta in the Museum to seek information on coins. Even when Dr. Gupta shifted to the Patna Museum, they remained in touch with each other through regular correspondence. Both, in course of their careers, had felt the need for an Institution devoted exclusively to numismatic studies. And once the idea came up in course of a conversation both readily agreed to it. Shri Maheshwari agreed to back the project of establishing and running such an institution financially and Dr. Gupta accepted to guide it in its formative years.

Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies was born when it was registered as a Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act in 1980 (Registration no. E7625). Soon land was purchased for the Institute at its present location and construction work started. The Institute was inaugurated by Shri Karl Khandalavala, noted jurist and art historian, on January 8, 1984. At the time of the inauguration, the first international seminar on the theme 'Numismatics and Archaeology' was also organised. A large number of scholars both from India and abroad attended the inaugural function and the seminar.

Location and Campus
Nestling in the hills of the Sahyadri ranges, the Institute is located in the peaceful surroundings near Anjaneri village on the Nashik-Tryambakeshwar road, about 20 kms east of Nashik city. The nearby Anjaneri village is a historical site for here existed a Jaina settlement in the early-medieval period. Still extant is a group of temples, mostly Jaina, of 9th-10th century AD.

For coming to the Institute from Nashik city, one can take the bus (ordinary and not the express ones) leaving for Tryambakeshwar from the Mela Bus Stand located just opposite the City Bus Stand (CBS) or take a Share Taxi leaving for Tryambakeshwar from the lane adjacent to the Mela Bus Stand.

The Institute has a residential campus spread over an area of 5.5 acres. In the campus are located the Research-Centre and office building, Museum, quarters for the research staff and the Scholars' Residence for the visiting scholars and students. The Research Centre and office building has a built up area of approximately 10,000 square feet. It houses the library, lecture room, workshop room, study rooms, dark room, relaxing room, strong room, Director's office, Research Officers' office and the Junior office. In 1999, a separate small Museum building was constructed. It has a built up area of approx 3000 square feet.

A section of the Institute's Reception	Part of the Director' Office
Research Officer's Office: A View from back	Study Room for Research Scholars
Computer Room with Scanner & Network Printer	A View of the Lecture Room.

Management
The management of the Institute is headed by the Board of Trustees. Shri K.K. Maheshwari is the Chairman of the Trust. He, himself a very keen student of Indian numismatics, has since the inception of the Institute been taking an active interest in the academic development of the Institute besides ensuring that the Institute continues functioning smoothly. The Board of Trustees has constituted a Board of Advisors comprising eminent scholars to advise it on the issues relating to the Institute.

The direct administration of the Institute is in the hands of the Director (Research) and his colleagues. The Institute was fortunate to have Dr. Parmeshwari Lal Gupta as its founding Director. Notwithstanding his advance age when he assumed the Directorship of the Institute, he worked actively and contributed to the development of the Institute. So dear was the cause of the Institute to his heart that even when he handed over the charge of Directorship to his colleague Amal Kumar Jha in 1987 because of bad health he continued to reside in the Institute's campus. Shri Jha was also associated with Institute since its beginning and the progress of the Institute owes a great deal to him too.

Present Team The present team of the Institute has young members in it. At the head is the Director (Research), who looks after the administration, research, training and publication activities of the Institute. Presently the post is held by Amiteshwar Jha (b. 1963), who had his education and training at Patna and Delhi University. He has been working at the Institute since 1988. His main area of study is ancient Indian numismatics and main interest is to popularise study of coins among young students.

(From R) Mr. P.V.Radhakrishna, Mr. Rehan Ahmed, Mr. Amiteshwar Jha, Mr. Danish Moin, Mr. Dilip Balsekar, Mr. K.T.Raundal, Mrs. L.D.Navale.

He also edits Numismatic Digest and IIRNS Newsline, the annual research journal and quarterly newsletter respectively brought out by IIRNS Publications, the publication division of the Institute.

The Director is assisted by a team of Research Officers. P. V. Radhakrishnan (b. 1962), currently holding the post of Principal Research Officer, had his education at the University of Madras. He is working at the Institute since 1990. His main area of interest is Ancient Indian Numismatics especially South Indian and Roman coins. Danish Moin (b.1965), working presently as Senior Research Officer, has been at the Institute since 1992. Educated at Aligarh Muslim University, his area of study includes medieval Indian numismatics. Dilip P. Balsekar (b. 1967), currently working as Research Officer, has been at the Institute since 1985. He had his education from the University of Poona. He is mainly interested in the medieval Indian coins. The youngest member of the research team is Rehan Ahamad (b.1970), presently holding the post of Junior Research Officer. He received his training at the Aligarh Muslim University and this Institute and has been working here since 1995. His area of interest include ancient and medieval Indian numismatics especially the earliest coins. Another member of the team is K.T. Raundal (b. 1959), who is working as Librarian. He has been at the Institute since 1984. In the office work, assistance is rendered by Lata D. Navale (b. 1964), who is working as Office Assistant. She has been at the Institute since 1988. Apart from these, a team of eight attendants and museum assistants also work at the Institute.