2019-03-16 Sat

Born on 16th March 1693 in the village of Hol, near Jejuri, Pune, Malhar Rao Holkar changed the fate of the Marathas and brought it out of the mist of disaster. With unique personality and strong traits such as leadership skills, military tactics, and an undeterred will, Malhar Rao spread the Maratha rule to northern states. Holkar was a part of the expedition to Delhi organized by Balaji Vishwanath and became a soldier in the service of the Peshwa, Bajirao. Peshwa assumed the full control of Malwa and appointed his commander Malhar Rao Holkar as the Subhedar (Governor) of the province. He then established the dynasty's rule over Indore thus, forming one of the powerful dynasties of central Asia. Many coins were struck during his reign chiefly in the name of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The coins of Malhar Rao were chiefly struck at Malhar Nagar mint and Maheshwar Mint. This particular coin was struck in the year 1758 AD. The obverse of the coin is inscribed with the name of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam in the centre and shows the AH date 1172 at the top right corner. On the other hand, the reverse depicts the mint name (Malharnagar) in the centre. There are kings born with a golden spoon and then there was Malhar Rao Holkar, who not only brutally worked hard, but also showcased how a king should live. Image Courtesy: https://www.todywallaauctions.com