2018-10-26 Fri

The Sanskrit word Kutch (earlier Cutch and now Kachchh) means a Tortoise. This peculiar shaped state on the western coast of India literally looks like a tortoise entering the sea and was the only Princely State of India to have a coastline!

The state was a part of the Cutch agency and was later shifted to the Western India States Agency as a part of the Bombay Presidency. The history of Kutch goes back to Dholavira, a famous Indus Valley Civilization site for trade and maritime activities.

The Jadeja Rajput dynasty that belonged to the Samma tribe ruled the state of Kutch from the time it was created in 1147 up to 1947 when it became part of the new India. The first series of coins were circulated in 1586. Coins issued in Kutch were likely to be the last coins issued by an Indian Princely State. Maharaja Madan Singhji issued coinage with the unique inscription, ”Jai Hind Kori” and “Jai Hind Mohur” which were minted right before independence. As per the World Gold Coin catalogue, only 30 pieces of Gold Mohurs were issued making them one of the rarest coins of India.

The coin shown beside is a Silver Kori coin issued by Bharmalji I (1586-1632 AD) with the name of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, AH 1028, Nagari 'Ji' in Bharaji. It is interesting to note that coins with AH date are very rare than without dated coins.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery