Mughal Numismatics Revisiting Rarities New Perspectives and Fresh Approach
The work of Mitresh Singh encompasses all aspects of the Mughal Numismatics, such as, coins of Akbar the Great showing victory over Asirgadh and an image of a falcon, that of Rama Sita revered by the emperor, and his Mehrabi coins. He also talks of the coinage of Jahangir where important issues such as Portrait mohurs and Zodiacal mohurs have been addressed very well.
The Editors are pleased to acknowledge the tremendous efforts undertaken by Mitresh Singh in writing this book. The readers would find all Mughal rarities listed with coin images in one place hence the Editors believe this book would become a go-to ready reckoner of sorts for a collector, researcher, dealer. cataloguer, auctioneer, curator or anyone interested in Mughal numismatics.
The book provides a general introduction to establish background context. It thereafter touches upon specific topics viz nisars, gigantic coins, mehrabi, Ram-Siya coins, zodiac and portrait coins, etc. The research and citation of minute references from authentic Mughal sources viz Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri etc is so meticulous that it reminds us of the earlier researches done by Prof. S. H. Hodivala and Dr. R. B. Whitehead.
Mitresh has done commendable research work on the Portrait coins. The fact that the book on which King places his hand is indeed a balustrade covered with carpet has been brought to light by him in print for the first time, but thanks also need to be given to Shailendra Bhandare who has been saying this many times in private discussions.
Enormous material has been brought to light by Mitresh as regards the Jizia taxes. He has also found that there was a Nur Afshan garden which the royal family would use. This name is previously associated only with scattering coins.
The readers would find the book interesting, lucid, and mind-boggling considering the wealth of the empire, varieties of coins, and its history side by side.
This book on Mughal Rarities including, Ram Sita, Portrait, Birds, Nisar, Meharabi, Zodiac, and Much more coinage.
Multi-Color Soft Bound Book Printed with nearly 250 pages.
Salient features of the book :
• 226 colour pages, soft paperback edition.
• 200+ colour pictures & illustrations from 15 International Museums and private collections.
• Expert review notes by Jan Lingen & John Deyell.
• Detailed Table of all Mughal rulers who issued coins with their reign dates in AH & CE, as well as an introduction to Mughal currency system, administration and military set up.
• Explains the process by which Gigantic coins were struck & provides a list as well as coin images.
• The symbolism behind Portrait coins as well as Jahangir’s rebellion as Prince Salim is outlined. Several misconceptions are placed to rest. The Mughal Emperors role of dispensing justice is explained.
• The chapter on Zodiac coins outlines the basis and rationale that inspired Jahangir to strike these remarkable coins.
• The different types of Mihrabi Mohurs are dealt with specific considerations to its year of issue and significant events therein.
• The reason why Akbar launched ‘Din-e-Ilahi’ / Ilahi Era coins from the 30th year of reign is explained, as also the rationale for issuing Alf or Millennium coins a decade earlier in AH 990. The progressive steps for issuing Ilahi Rupees explained.
• The chapter on Hawk & Duck Mohur, as well as Rupees with birds, articulates detailed historical background as well as symbolism behind such issues.
• The Dirham Sharai or coins used to pay the Jiziya tax by Hindus, re-introduced by Aurangzeb, is dealt with extensively including its potential impact on rise of rebellions and increased strife across the Mughal Empire. The excerpts of the letter written by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja to Aurangzeb is included.
• Issues of pretenders and usurpers are listed together with the historical background.
The book attempts to answer questions never addressed before as well as throw new light upon past knowledge. The book compiles all the great Mughal rarities in one place so it’s a single-point referral for all interested in rare Mughal coins.
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