2018-11-27 Tue

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 the 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.

Manak Pal ruled the Karauli State from 1772 to 1804 AD. It is believed that coins were first struck by Maharaja Manak Pal about 1780. These coins were issued in the denomination of Nazarana Mohur, Rupee, and Takka in the name Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. Coins depicted the distinctive mint-marks such as jhar (spray) and the katar (dagger).

The extremely rare gold Nazarana Mohur of Manak Pal is listed at INR 1,25,000 to 1,50,000 at Classical Numismatic Gallery. This coin bears the Persian legend ‘Sikka Mubarak Badshah Gazi Shah Alam’ on its obverse while the reverse of a coin bore the RY date, Mint name and Julus formula which is read as ‘Zarb Sawai Jaipur Sanah 26 Julus Mainamat Manus’.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery