2019-05-17 Fri

Suraj Mal was the ruler of Bharatpur Princely State, situated in present-day Rajasthan from 1755 CE to 1763 CE. Due to his political strategy, steady intellect and clear vision, historians call him as “Plato of Jat people” and modern writers call him “Jat Odysseus". During his rule, the Jats overran the Mughal garrison at Agra and looted this city by taking two great doors at the entrance of the famous Taj Mahal, which was later melted down by Suraj Mal in 1763.

In 1753 CE; Suraj Mal marched and captured the Ghasera fort of Bahadur Singh Bargujar, the chief of 11 villages. After this, the Jats marched towards Delhi and defeated the force of Mughal ruler Ahmed Shah Bahadur, and also occupied Red Fort in the year 1754 CE. In the same year, Suraj Mal got killed by Mughal army near Hindon River, Shahadra Delhi.

This silver rupee was issued during the reign of Suraj Mal in the name of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan III from the mint at Mahainderpur Dig. The obverse of this coin is inscribed with the name and title of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan III and reverse of this coin is inscribed with Julus formula and Mint name.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auctions