2020-01-29 Wed

Baija Bai is also known as Baiza Bai, Baza Bai, Baeza Byee was born in Kolhapur in the year 1784. She was the third wife of Daulat Rao Scindia. She sat off the throne of Scindia after the death of Daulat Roa Scindia. She was not only the Maharani of Scindia but also the banker of Scindia.

Baija Bai was a good horse rider, she was also well trained to fight with a sword and spear. She had also accompanied her husband Daulat Rao Scindia in the Maratha wars with the British. She fought against Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, at the Battle of Assaye. Baija Bai is considered 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 Baija Bai from princely state Gwalior from the mint Lashkar weighs around 10.7g. This gold mohur was issued by her in the name of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The obverse of this coin is inscribed with the name and title of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The reverse of this coin is inscribed with the Julus formula with Devnagari ‘Shri’ for the regent Baija Rao.

This gold mohur is listed for INR 50,000 in the upcoming auction to Todywalla which will be held in Ahmadabad on 8th February 2020.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction