2018-05-29 Tue

Shuja-ud-Daula was a Nawab of Awadh from 1754 to 1775 AD. Though a minor royal, he is best known for his key roles in two definitive battles in Indian history the Third Battle of Panipat and the Battle of Buxar.

Above shown silver Rupee was issued in the reign of Shujaa-ud-Daula. It was struck at Balwant Nagar (Jhansi) in the name of Shah Alam II. The obverse of the coins depicts the Persian legend ‘Saya Fazl Ilah Hami Deen Zad Bar Haft Kishwara Muhammad Shah Alam’. The reverse showed the legend ‘Sanah 3 Zarb Balwant Nagar Julus Mainamat Manus’.

Jhansi was occupied by Awadh for four years after the battle of Panipat. The coins struck under Awadh control are markedly different than the Maratha issues and also include extra inscription 'Roshan Akhtar' on the reverse, of which very little is seen on this coin.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery