2019-09-30 Mon

Baija Bai also known as Baza Bai and Baeza Byee was born in Kolhapur in the year 1784 CE. She was the third wife of Daulat Rao Scindia. She acceded to the regency of the Scindia kingdom following his death.

Baija Bai was one of the few warriors who can handle firearms; she was also a good horserider, masterful swordswoman, and adroit spear-wielder. Baija Bai is considered as one of the few Maratha regents who have retained considerable territory and formidable power in wake of third-Anglo-Maratha war.

This gold mohur was issued by from the mint Lashkar during the 2nd year of her reign. The obverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Sikke Mubarak Sahib Qiran Sani Muhammad Shah Gazi in Persian legend with AH date’. The reverse of this coin is inscribed with Devnagari word ‘Shri, RY date 2, Julus Mainamat Manus and mint name. This gold mohur was sold for INR 60,000 in an auction of Todywalla which was held in Mumbai on 21st September 2019.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction