ഇന്നത്തെ പഠനം
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അവതരണം
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Augustine Stephen D'souza
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വിഷയം
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ANCIENT INDIAN COINS
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ലക്കം
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Sikh Empire
The coinage was introduced under the leadership of Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur (1710 - 1715 AD).
The use of the coins reached its height at the time of Maharaja Renjit Singh, who was the founder of the Sikh Empire (1799 - 1849 AD). Interestingly none of the coins issued bore his name. They were dedicated to the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Devji.
Most of the coins bore the symbol of banyan leaf, being the symbol of the empire. Other symbols included sword, dagger, and lotus. The script used was Persian, with words significance in Nagari.
The Sikh coins were called by different names and had a history too.
Nanashahi coins - First issued from Lahore, Amritsar and later Multan and had the name of Guru Nanakji inscribed on them.
Gobindshahi coins - Coins issued in the name of Guru Gobindsinghji.
Morashahi coins - issued in the name of Mora, a dancing girl whom Ranjit Singjhi took as one of his queens. These coins were not recognised by the Akaal Thakt.
Rajeshahi coins - coins issued by Patiala ruler Ala Singh (nicknamed Raja).
and Mahmmudshahi coins.
The coinage of one province was not legal tender in other provinces of the empire.
The coins issued by Sher Singh, son of Ranjit Singhji were not accepted by Akaal Thakt, as they bore the legend "Akaal Sahai Sher Singh" instead of the usual legend "Akaal Sahai Guru Nanakji".
On the annexation of the empire by the British in 1849 AD, most of the coins were confiscated and melted. The Sikh coins were declared to be a dead currency unlike the coins of the kingdoms that were in circulation till the declaration of independence.
The coin below is attributed to the Nanakshahi category.
Specifics of the coin shown below
Denomination - Rupee
Weight - 11.05 gms
Obverse - Persian inscript with banyan leaf
Reverse - Persian inscript and "Om" in Nagari
Mint - Amritsar
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