2026-07-06 Mon

The Gonds are a major indigenous community of central India who built powerful kingdoms known as the Gondwana kingdoms. These were among the last major indigenous-ruled states in central India before the rise of Mughal and Maratha dominance. Today, they continue to preserve a vibrant cultural heritage through art, festivals, and oral traditions.

The Gond kingdoms flourished between the 14th and 18th centuries. They maintained autonomy while sometimes paying tribute to other rulers at times. They faced increasing pressure from the Mughals, Marathas, and later the British. Internal conflicts and external invasions led to their decline. By the late 18th–19th century, most Gond territories came under Maratha or British control. The Gond rulers lost political power, but their cultural identity and traditions persist strongly today.

Deogarh Gond Kingdom c. 15th–18th century covered parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra around Chhindwara and Nagpur was founded by Jatba 'Ajanubahu'.

Gorakh Shah was the third and important gond ruler to hold the titles ‘Kok Shah’, ‘Mahipati’ and ‘Bhupati Raj’. His rule was contemporary to Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His copper coins are found which are very rare.

The above coin is a exceptionally rare copper dam weighing 11.40g which is beautifully struck in a round flan. The obverse read ‘Shri Maharaja Kesari Shah Suta Koka Sahi Gorakh Shah’ with ceremonial broad blade sword in the centre. The reverse reads ‘Shri Shiva Maharaja Koka Sahi Mahipati Rao Devgadh’.