The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India, which lasted from 322 BCE to 185 BCE. It was during this period that the standard coin of the Mauryan Empire was introduced, known as the Pana.

Meaning of Pana
The Pana was a small copper coin that was widely circulated and accepted as the standard coin of the Mauryan Empire. It was used for trade and commerce, and its value was equivalent to a certain weight of silver or gold.

Features of Pana
The Pana was a small copper coin, weighing around 3 grams and measuring around 1.5 cm in diameter. It was inscribed with Brahmi script on one side and had various symbols on the other side, such as a bull, an elephant, a lion, etc. The inscriptions on the coin included the name of the ruler, the place of minting, and the year of issue.

Importance of Pana
The Pana was an important coin during the Mauryan period, as it helped in the growth of trade and commerce in the empire. It was accepted as a standard coin in all parts of the empire, which made it easier for traders and merchants to conduct business transactions. The use of Pana also helped in the development of a uniform system of weights and measures, which further facilitated trade and commerce.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pana was the standard coin of the Mauryan Empire, which played a crucial role in the growth of trade and commerce during that era. It was a small copper coin with inscriptions in Brahmi script, and its wide acceptance helped in the development of a uniform system of weights and measures.