2018-01-23 Tue

This silver Shahrukhi was a joint issue of Humayun with Tahmasp I Safavi of Iran. This coin weighs around 4.27g and was minted at Qandhar. The obverse of the coin is inscribed with Shia version of Kalima ‘La Ilaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah Ali Waliullah’ and name and title of Tahmasp partly visible. The reverse of the coin also bears Shia version of Kalima, full name ‘Humayu bin Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur Badshah Gazi’.

Humayun was forced to flee India under the Afghan resurgence led by Sher Shah Suri and sought refuge with Tahmasp Safavi, the king of Iran. Tahmasp granted Humayun asylum on the condition he converts to Shi'ism. In 1545, a joint expedition under the charge of Humayun subsequently engaged Qandahar which was occupied by Humanyun’s rebellious brother Kamran. Humayun conquered the fort and city, nominally on behalf of Tahmasp. Both the facts - Humayun's conversion to Shi'ism and his vassalage to Tahmasp are reflected in legends on this coin. The conquest of Qandahar allowed Humayun a much needed strategic foothold to begin his re-conquest of India.

This coin was sold for INR 33,000 by Classical Numismatic Gallery.