Rani Didda was the ruler of Kashmir; she ruled Kashmir from 980 CE to 1003 CE. Rani Didda was the daughter of Simharaja, the king of Lohara, and a granddaughter on her maternal side of Bhimadeva Shahi, one of the Hindu Shahi of Kabul.

As a ruler, Rani Didda was clever, manipulative, ruthless, and ruled Kashmir for more than 40 years. The women's power was at its peak during the rule. Rani Didda got married to the king of Kashmir, Ksemagupta, thus uniting the kingdom of Lohara with that of her husband.

When the king of Kashmir, Ksemagupta died, he was succeeded by this son Abhimanyu II. As Abhimanyu was a child Rani Didda acted as a regent and effectively exercised sole power.

This copper Drachma was issued by him during her rule in Kashmir. The weight of this copper drachma is around 6.3g. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘king standing slightly left, sacrificing over altar and holding a trident with ‘Dida Rani’ in Nagari to left. The reverse of this coin depicts ‘Ardoksho seated facing, holding diadem and cornucopia’.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction