2018-07-28 Sat

Baroda was a Princely State during the British rule in India. Today the state is situated in modern-day Gujarat. It is also 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). The Princely State Baroda was ruled by Gaekwad’s of Maratha Confederacy from 1721 CE till 1949 CE.

This copper Half-Paisa was issued by Ganpat Rao Gaekwad of Baroda. Ganpat Rao Gaekwad was the ninth Maharaja of Baroda State, he ruled Baroda from 1847 CE till 1856 CE. He was the eldest son of Sayaji Rao Gaekwad II.

Ganpat Rao Gaekwad had issued this coin from the mint Amareli during the Hijri year 126x. The weight of these coins is around 3.2g. The obverse of this coin is inscribed with ‘Devnagari letter ‘Sri’ at the top and a ‘Star’ below, Lotus to the right of star and scimitar to the left of a star. The reverse of the coin is inscribed with the Julus formula.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques