2018-11-22 Thu

Bikaner, today a part of Rajasthan state, was once ruled by the royal lineage of Rathore Rajputs. It was established by Rao Bikaji in between 1465 to 1504 AD. But like all other Kingdom Bikaner also came under British rule in 1817 AD.

Due to their ties with the Mughal Empire, Bikaner State issued many coins in the name of the Mughal emperor. But later on under the British rule, Bikaner acknowledged the British authority through the coinage. Bikaner issued coins from their own mints but when British offered to issue coins for the Princely State at no charges if they agreed to follow the British designs, Bikaner agreed.

Dungar Singh was a Maharaja of the Bikaner Princely State from 1872 to 1887 AD. An enlightened and progressive monarch, he aided the British during the second Afghan war by supplying 800 camels. During the reign, he issued silver and copper coins from Bikaner mint. These coins were issued in the denomination of Nazarana Rupee, Rupee, and Paisa.

The coin depicts beside is an 11.42 g silver Rupee of Dungar Singh struck at the Bikaner mint. This Very Rare coin has on its obverse a Persian legend ‘Queen Victoria Aurang Arai Hind-O-Inglistan’ and 1859 date at the bottom all within dotted circle. The reverse also has the Persian legend ‘Zarb Sri Bikanir’, VS 1916 date, and symbols of rulers of the House of Rathods.

Image Source: Todywalla Auctions