2024-12-18 Wed

In AH 962, Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah was engaged in battle with his cousins, Sikandar and Ibrahim. Muhammad Shah Ghazi, the governor of Bengal, seized the opportunity to declare independence. He minted his coins, assembled a large army, and marched from Bengal through Bihar to Uttar Pradesh. Along the way, he captured Jaunpur and advanced towards Kalpi and Agra. This move alarmed Adil Shah, who decided to recall his general, Hemu.

Hemu made a surprise night attack at Chapar Ghata. The Bengal army was caught off guard and defeated. Muhammad Shah Ghazi’s fate is unknown, but his ambition was clear. He had reached deep into Adil’s territory.

During his campaign, Muhammad Shah Ghazi issued new coins featuring the Nagari script, which was commonly used in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This move was essential for paying his troops and ensuring that the coins would be accepted in the regions he intended to control.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction