2020-08-17 Mon

The Hyderabad state was founded by Mir Qamar ud din Khan, the governor of Deccan under the Mughals from 1713 to 1721. He held the grand titles of Asaf Jah, Nizam ul Mulk and Nizam of Hyderabad.

Mir Mahbub Ali Khan was the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad ruled the state from 1869 to 1911 AD. Born on August 17, 1866, he came to the throne at the age of three after the death of his father, Afzal-ud-Daula. Mahbub Ali was a perfect example of a Victorian Prince. He had a great taste for western culture and modern ways of life.

His reign of forty-two years was the most cherished in the memory of Hyderabad. His lasting legacy is evident not only in the affairs of the state but also imprinted on the lives and collective memory of his subjects. Hyderabad continued to grow and it enjoyed peace and stability under his reign.

He issued various coins in gold, silver, copper, bronze, and tin in rectangular and round space. These coins were issued in the name of Ashrafi, Rupee, Anna, Pai, and Paisa.

The above-shown silver eight Anna was issued in his reign. The obverse of the coin is inscribed with the Persian legend ‘Nizam-ul-Mulk Bahadur Asaf Jah’ with a Persian letter (Meem) for Mahbub, Sanah 1318, and Numeral 92 which is Numerical value of the name “Muhammad”. The reverse of the coin is read as ‘Zarb Farkhanda Bunyad Hyderabad Julus Mainamat Manus’, RY 34, and denomination Hasht Anna added in the second line.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic gallery