2018-03-16 Fri

The accession of Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab Wazir of Awadh, brought a great change in Awadh politics. Under the rule of Asaf-ud- Daula, the court of Lucknow became utterly magnificent and the town of Lucknow acquired great splendour. The capital was finally shifted from Faizabad to Lucknow in 1755 which contributed to its significant growth.

The most important outcome of Asaf-ud-Daula’s consolidation of the court at Lucknow, was the emergence of a powerful Shia culture, in constant interaction with the Shia heart lands of Iran & Iraq. The increasing number of Shia emigrants from Iranian cities veritably transformed Lucknow into a great intellectual centre.

An extremely rare silver Rupee was issued by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula from Asafabad mint. The obverse has a Persian legend ‘Sikka Zad Bar Haft Kishwara (Saya) Fazl Ilah Hami Deen Muhammad Shah Alam Badshah’ with Danda Symbol. The reverse of the coin is inscribed with the legend ‘Zarb Asafabad Sanah 21 Julus Mainamat Manus’ and sun-shield (Aftabgir) mint mark.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery