2018-06-20 Wed

Islam became the dominant religion in Kashmir around 14th Century. Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri, the sixth Sultan of Kashmir, who had ruled Kashmir between 1389 to 1413 CE, had imposed heavy taxes to the non-Muslim people, they were also forced to convert into Islam. He had also destroyed many old temples and idols, due to this reason he is also called as Butcher of Kashmir.

Zain Al Abidin ruled Kashmir Sultanate from 1420 CE till 1470 CE; He was the son of Sikandar Shah I. Zain Al Abidin had also played an important promoting Islam in Kashmir. He had also invited artist and craftsman from Central Asia to train local artists in Kashmir.

Zain Al Abidin issued coins in gold, silver and copper. Gold coins issued by him are extremely rare. He issued a large number of silver sasnus and copper kaserahs. All the silver sasnu issued by him were struck with a fixed date 842 till the end of his reign. His silver sasnus were struck with an irregular period.

This Extremely rare silver tanka which weighs around 10.4g was issued by Zain-al-Abidin. The obverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Na’ib Amir Al-Mu’minin Ghiyath Al-Dunya Wa’l Din’ Hijri date is not probably inscribed on the coin but it may have struck in the Hijri Year 842. The reverse of the coin is inscribed as 'Abu 'l Muzaffar Sultan Zain Al-Abidin’.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction