2025-05-06 Tue

The rulers of the Princely State of Baroda were descendants of Maratha soldier Damaji, who received the title of ‘Shamsher Bahadur’ or ‘Distinguished Swordsman’ in 1721 CE. Most coins issued by Baroda feature an image of a scimitar.

The Gaekwad dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy ruled this state from 1721 until 1949 when it acceded to the newly formed Union of India.

Maharaja Sayaji Rao III, a prominent Gaekwad ruler, governed Baroda from 1875 to 1939. This 7.03g gold mohur, issued during his reign, fetched INR 2, 75,000 at an auction in Mumbai on April 25, 2025.

Obverse: Portrait of the Maharaja in the centre with a divided legend in Devanagari: ‘Sri Sayaji Rao Ma Gaikwad.’

Reverse: Name of the state, denomination, a scimitar, and date VS 1953 below, all within a wreath.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction