2019-06-11 Tue

Khandesh is situated in the north-western region of Maharashtra State. It lies on the north-western corner of Deccan Plateau, in the Valley of Tapi River.

This region was ruled by Chauhan of Asirgarh in the year 1295 CE; later it came under the control of Ala-ud-Din Khilji of Delhi. After Ala-ud-Din Khilji various dynasties control Khandesh over the next century.

From the year 1370 CE to 1600 CE this region was controlled by Faruqi Dynasty with Burhanpur as its capital. The Sultanate was formed by Malik Ahmad also known as Malik Khan as an independent kingdom. Malik Khan was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of Khandesh by Firuz Shah Tughluq, but after the death of Firuz Shah Tughluq, Malik Khan declares him as independent and formed this kingdom.

In the year 1600 CE with the arrival of Mughal king Muhammad Akbar it came under the control of the Mughal Empire. After the Mughal Empire, this region came under the control of Maratha in the year 1760 CE.

After the Maratha, the British government took charge of Khandesh. Under the rule of the British government, it was a district under Bombay presidency; in the year 1906 Khandesh was divided into two districts east Khandesh and West Khandesh.

In the year 1960 CE, Khandesh was divided into linguistic state of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The east Khandesh became Jalgaon district and west Khandesh became Dhule districts. East Khandesh became Jalgaon district and west khandesh became Dhule district, later it was further divided into Dhule and Nandurbar districts.

This silver tanka which weighs around 7.2g was issued by Adil Khan III of Khandesh sultanate. It was issued by him in the name of Gujarat Sultanate Muzaffar Shah II in the Hijri year 921.

Image Courtesy: Rajgor’s Auction