2018-07-05 Thu

Baroda was the Princely State during the British rule in India. It was known as Vadodara, this state derived its name from a Sanskrit word ‘Vata Udara’. The meaning of this word ‘Vata Udara’ is in the heart of ‘Banayan’ (Vata) tree. It also has another name like Virakshetra or Virawati (Land of warriors).

Today Baroda is located in the Present day Gujarat. The State was ruled by the Gaekwad dynasty of Maratha confederacy. The ruling class descended from Maratha Soldier, Damaji. He had received the title of ‘Shamsher Bahadur’ or ‘Distinguished Swordsman’ in the year CE 1721. Hence, due to this reason, most of the coin issued by Baroda comes with the image of Scimitar.

This gold 1/5th Mohur which weighs around 2.1g was issued by Sayaji Rao II in the name of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Akbar II. The obverse of this coin is inscribed with the name and title of ‘Muhammad Akbar II’. The reverse of the coin is inscribed with the image of ‘Scimitar’ with Devnagari letter ‘Sa’.

This coin is listed for INR 30,000 in the online auction of Oswal which will be held on 22nd July 2018.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques