2018-05-26 Sat

Hyderabad was a Princely State located in the South-central region of India. It was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan, a governor of Deccan under the Mughal Empire from 1713 till 1721AD. In the year 1724, he became free from Mughal administration and founded Asaf Jahi dynasty. He took the title Asaf Jha and his other title Nizam-ul-Mulk became the title of his position Nizam of Hyderabad.

Afzal-ad-Daula was the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad from 1857 to 1869 AD. He reformed the Hyderabad revenue and judicial systems, instituted a postal service and constructed the first rail and telegraph networks. In 1861 he was awarded the Star of India by the Queen Victoria.

His coins were struck in three metals viz gold, silver, and copper from Hyderabad mint. His copper paisa was issued in the name of Mughal Emperor and it contains the legend ‘Bahadur Shah II’ on its obverse. The reverse has mint name, regnal year and Julus formula. While the other denominations like silver Rupee and gold Mohur contains the legend ‘Asaf Jah, Nizam-ul-Mulk’ on the obverse.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery .