The western and central part of India consisting of Saurashtra and Malwa (modern Gujrat and neighbouring Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states) was ruled by rulers known as Ksatrapa or Kshatrapas. This prosperous region was goverend by 27 independent Kshatrapa rulers for about 350 years. The term Kshatrapa is considered to be Sanskritized version of old Persian word `Ksatrapavan’, the protector of land or viceroy. The Shaka-Pahalava kings of present day Iran and Afghanistan ruled over a large area and governors of the provinces of these empire were known as `Satraps or Ksatrapas’. It is believed that the early Kshatrapa rulers which belonged to Kshaharata family, occupied north-western and central India adjoining Mathura and possibly ruled as viceroys of Kushans (this is a controversial issue, it is likely they were never true vassals of Kushan). Nevertheless, very soon they acquired enough territory to be sovereign rulers. Although, they retained name Kshatrapa, they were indeed independent rulers as some of the later rulers even proclaimed themselves Mahakshtrapas, the great Kshatrapas. Since the later Kshatrapas ruled mainly in Saurashtra and Malwa region (western India), they are called Western Kshatrapas to distinguish them from early rulers (Kshatrpas) who ruled Mathura and adjoining region (and lost that territory to expanding Gupta empire). 

The early Kshatrapas became independent rulers by carving out a principality on the ruins of Satavahana empire. These kings have minted some of the most fascinating silver coins of Indian numismatic history. The life-like portraits of the rulers of early rulers suggests that different dies were made as king grew older, clearly indicating the high degree of care taken while minting their coinage. These remarkable series of silver coins became extremely popular not only in the western provinces directly governed by Kshatrapa rulers, but also in the adjoining regions, possibly whole of northern, central and western India. The rulers of neighboring empires/kingdoms like Satavahanas, Guptas and many successive dynasties those followed Kshatrapas, minted their coinage in Kshatrapa style, providing proof of the immense popularity of Kshatrapa coinage. Apart from aesthetic nature, this series has turn out to be very crucial in deciphering the early history of India. These coins with complete name of ruler, his father’s name and date of issue, provided historians necessary evidence for determination of genealogy of not only the Kshatrapa rulers, but also immensely helped in deciphering the duration of reigns of their contemporary rulers in adjoining kingdoms/empires.