2018-10-03 Wed

The princely state of Karauli is one of the biggest states in British India, located in the north-west region of Rajasthan. It was established in 11th century, but according to some ancient references it was also said to be a part of the Matsya Janapada. The royal line of Karauli was ruled by the Jadon Rajput clan and claimed to be the descendants of Hindu god Krishna.

It is believed that coins were first struck by Maharaja Manak Pal about 1780. These coins were issued in the name Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. Coins depicted the distinctive mint-marks such as jhar (spray) and the katar (dagger).

Arjun Pal was ruled the Karauli Princely State for almost 10 years from 1876 to 1886. He issued coins gold, silver, and copper in the denomination of Mohur, Rupee, and Takka. These coins were struck from Karauli and Sawai Jaipur mint.

The extremely rare gold Mohur of Arjun Pal was sold for INR 49,000 by Classical Numismatic Gallery. This coin was issued the name of Queen Victoria. The obverse of a coin depicted the Persian legend ‘Alahd malk-e-muazzama Sultanate Inglistan Victoria’ while reverse of a coin bore the RY date, Jhar, Mint name and Julus formula.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery