2021-05-12 Wed

Herewith, Copper Half Pice was issued in the name of Queen Victoria at Bikaner mint by Ganga Singh in 1894. The obverse of the coin depicts, “Crowned bust of Queen Victoria facing left” and the reverse of the coin depicts, “1/2 Pice India 1894 within a beaded circle and Mint name Bikaner State in an outer circle”.

Bikaner (Bikanir) State was founded by Bika, the sixth son of Rao Jodha who was the chief of Marwar. He was born in 1439 and at the age of twenty-six accompanied his uncle Kandhal and his brother Bida to conquer Bikaner. The territory at that time was occupied partly by Rajput clans (Bhatis, Chahans, Mohils, Johiyas) partly by Muslims (Bhati Rajputs who converted to Islam) and partly by Jats.

Bika was first opposed by Bhatis in the west, but by marrying the daughter of Rao of Pugal, he allied gained the support of one of the most powerful families in that region. He next came in contact with the Jats who were constantly quarreling with each other. The most powerful clan was of Godaras who were determined to conciliate the invader. Hence they voluntarily acknowledged the sovereignty of Bika. In 1485, Bika founded a small fort at the capital called Rati Ghati which still bears his name. In 1488 he began the building of the city itself.

Image Courtesy: Mintage World