2024-05-10 Fri

Hyder Ali ruled the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India from 1761 until he died in 1782. He began his career as a soldier in the Wodeyar army. Due to his professional skills, he rose to the designation of 'Commander in Chief' in the army of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II. Later on, he was appointed to the position of Chief Minister in the year 1761. During his career, he fought hard against the military advances of the British East India Company in the first and second Anglo-Mysore War.

Hyder Ali issued coins in all three metals: Gold, Silver and copper. In gold, he minted coins featuring Hindu deities, similar to those of the Vijayanagar and Keladi kings.

Hyder Ali issued this Gold Pagoda weighing 3.42g, during his rule. The obverse features seated Shiva and Parvati and reverse is inscribed with Persian letter ‘He’ for Haider Ali.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery