Component-I (A) – Personal details:

Prof. P. Bhaskar Reddy

Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.

Prof. V. Sakunthalamma
Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. &
Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar
Dept. of AIHC, University of Calcutta.

Dr. Danish Moin

Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad.

Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar

Dept. of AIHC, University of Calcutta.

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Component-I (B) – Description of module :

Subject Name Indian Culture

Paper Name Indian Numismatics

Module Name/Title Coins of Deccan Sultanates

Module Id IC / NMST / 26

Pre-requisites

Objectives Aims to understand coins of Deccan and south

India issued on Islamic pattern. It includes coins
of Bahamani, Qutub Shahi, Adil Shahi, Nizam
Shahi, Barid Shahi and Imad Shahi and Madurai
sultanates.
Keywords Coins / Typology/ Mint / Metrology

E-text (Quadrant-I) :

The present module aims to understand coins of Deccan sultanates (Bahamani, Qutub
Shahi, Adil Shahi, Nizam Shahi, Barid Shahi and Imad Shahi) which ruled primarily in the
modern states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka between 14th
and 17th c. Besides, Madurai sultanate which ruled in Tamil Nadu is also included in this
module in order to understand Islamic coinage tradition in medieval Deccan and south India
in proper manner.

1. Introduction

The medieval India coins generally witnessed Islamic influence with its inscription in Arabic
script, primarily contains two sets of information- religious and secular. These include kalima
and the name of caliphs, rulers name often with their father and grandfather’s name, date
and mint etc. The Indian coins with Islamic influence are first noticed in north India in 9 th c.
CE but it became common in 13th century during the rule of Mameluk. With the expansion of
Delhi sultanates -Khalji and Tughluq, Islamic type coins came into circulation in the Deccan
as a currency of Delhi sultanate. But by second quarter of 14th century, Deccan developed
its own currency system with Islamic influence.

The second quarter of the 14th c. witnessed disintegration of Delhi sultanate and two
independent provincial sultanates namely Madurai sultanate and Bahamani came into
prominence in Deccan and south India. The former was founded by Jalaluddin Ahsan Shah
in 1334 CE, while later was founded by Hassan Gangu (Alauddin Bahman Shah) in 1346
CE. Madurai sultanate could rule for a period of 43 years by as many as 8 rulers and finally
captured by Vijaynagar. Bahamani sultanate ruled for about 200 years by as many as 18
rulers and was further divided into five small sultanates.

2. Coins of Madurai Sultanate:

2.1 Emergence of first Sultanate of south India/ Deccan

Madurai was ruled by Pandya king and it was invaded during the reign of Alauddin
Muhammad shah Khalji under the command of his general Malik Kafur and partly came
under the control of the of Delhi sultanate. During the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq it was

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finally captured and made a province of Delhi sultanate. Jalaluddin Ahsan was appointed as
governor of the province who later rebelled against the Delhi sultanate and established an
independent dynasty in 1334 CE.

Jalaluddin Ahsan (1333-1339 CE) was the first sultan of Madurai, who is represented by
his coins (gold, silver, copper) bearing hijri date 735 (1333CE). Thus with the help of date
on the coin we may consider him as first independent sultan of Deccan or south India, who
had issued his coins on Islamic pattern. The coins of Jalaluddin Ahsan and his immediate
successors do not bear the mint name. However, in the absence of mint name on the coins,
Madurai being the capital city of kingdom may be considered as mint of Jalaluddin Ahsan. It
won’t be wrong if we presumed Ma’bar or Madurai as first mint of independent Deccani or
south Indian sultanate. The later sultans of Madurai had issued coins with mints name
Daulatabad and Maabar. But this Daulatabad is not Daulatabad (Devgiri). However, the
exact location of this Daulatabad is not clear so far.

2.2 The Typology of the coins of Madurai Sultanate

The coins of Madurai sultans are primarily known in billon and copper issued more or less on
the pattern of Khaljis and Tughluq. Jalaluddin Ahsan Shah, the founder of the dynasty,
however, issued coins in gold, silver, billon and copper. The coins of first three metals were
issued in the in the weight standard of about 3.5 gms. while copper coins weighed about
4.5gms. His coins bear small inscription, inscribed as as-sultan al-azam on the one side and
Ahsan shah as-sultan on the other. He has also adopted the title of Khalifat zaman or
sikander us-zaman on the one side and Ahsan shah date on the other. Udauji Shah,
successor of Jalaluddin Ahsan is known only in billon coins while Qutubuddin Firuz is known
to have issued coins in silver and copper. Their coins are also issued with small legend.
Ghiyasuddin Muhammad Damghan shah issued gold coins in the weight standard of about
11.9 gms., similar to the weight standard of gold and silver tanka of Alauddin Muhammad
shah of Khalji. Like Alauddin Muhammad shah he even adopted the tittle of sikander us sani
and yamin ul khilafah. Other sultans such as Nasiruddin Damghan, Shamsuddin Adil shah
and Alauddin Sikander Shah have also issued their gold coins on tanka pattern. But their
gold tanka are rare.

Jalaluddin Ahsan: copper

3. The Coins of Bahamani Sultanate

3.1. Foundation of a strong sultanate in Deccan

It was Alauddin Muhammad Khalji of Delhi who first invaded the region of Deccan in 1294
CE and also issued his coins from Qila Degir. Deccan, however, became a strong province
of Delhi sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He even transferred his
capital from Delhi to Deogir and named it Daulatabad. Muhammad bin Tughluq, however,
could not control the region of Deccan for a long and his authority was challenged by a
group of nobles under the leadership of Ismail Mukh and Daulatabad was captured. Later, in
1346 CE Hasan Gangu, another important noble of this group established Bahamani
dynasty with Gulbarga its capital, later, it was shifted to Bidar. He ruled in the name of
Alauddin Bahman Shah(1347-1359 CE). The dynasty continued to rule for about 200 years
by as many as 18 rulers. Out of eighteen rulers, sixteen are represented by their coins,

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known in gold, silver and copper. Ten rulers are represented in all three metals. Three rulers
Tahmathan Shah(1397CE), Ahmad I (1422-35 CE) and Daud Shah (1397 CE) are known in
silver and copper. The last two rulers Waliullah Shah(1523-1526 CE) and Kalimullah Shah
(1526-1538 CE)are represented only in copper. The Bahamani coins were minted in four
places named Ahsanabad (Gulbarga), Fatahabad (Daulatabad) Muhammadabad (Bidar) and
Goa.

3.2 Islamic type coins of Deccan: Continuity and Changes in coin typology

Though, the Bahamanis issued their coins on Islamic tradition similar to the Khalji and
Tughluq of Delhi sultanates, but gradually they introduced some changes and made them
distinct than that of Delhi sultanate. .Apart from the distinct style of inscription and typology
of the coins, the Bahamani adopted new weight standard for its copper coins and discarded
billon currency. Heavy copper coins were introduced. The weight were increased upto
17gm. with its denominations varies from1.5 gm to 17 gm. The gold and silver coins were
issued in the weight of at about 11 gms., similar to the gold and silver coins of Delhi
sultanate.

3.3 Coin Inscription

Changes are also witnessed in the inscription- unlike Khalji and Tughluq, these coins do not
bear the name or Abassid caliph. kuniyah, laqab, nisbah and ism etc. are the commonly
used inscription of Bahamani. But these changes which are gradual and not abrupt as early
sultans of Bahamani followed the coin-types of Khaljis and Tughluq. Like Alauddin
Muhammad Shah Khalji, Alauddin Bahman Shah used the title of Yamin ul- khilafah and
Sikander-us sani on his gold and silver coins.

The gold and silver coins of Muhammad I introduced a new inscription inscribed as sultan al-
ahd wa zaman hami millat rasul ar-rahman on the one side and abul muzaffar Muhammad
shah bin Bahman shah as-sultan. His copper coins are issued with inscription Muhammad
shah as-sultan on the one side and ibn Bahman shah on the other.

Bahman Shah (sikander us sani type) Muhammad I al-ahd wa zaman type

The coins of Firuz Shah Bahamani(1397-1422 CE) are known in gold, silver and copper.
Most of his gold and silver coins are issued with the legend inscribed as al-mustansir billah
al-mannan al-wasiq bitayid ar Rahman abul muzaffar Taj -ud-duniya waddin Firuz shah as-
sultan. But his gold coins need special mention here as it inscribed Kalima on the one side
and al-wasiq bitayid ar Rahman abul muzaffar Tajuuddin Firuz shah on the other. He was
the only ruler of Bahamani known to have issued coins bearing Kalima. Copper coins are
issued with small legend such as Firuz shah Bahamni on the one side and Raji rizwan
muhmani or al-hakim be amr allah on the other. The coins of Ahmad Shah II (1435-1457
CE) are known in good numbers. His copper coins are known in various denominations
varies between about 16 gms. and 1,7 gms. The inscription on these coins are inscribed as
as sultan al halim al-karim al- ibadallah al-ghani al-muhamani on the one side and abul
muzaffar ala-udduniya waddin Ahmad shah bin Ahmad shah al-wali al-bahamani on the

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other. The copper coins are inscribed as al-mutawakkil al-ghani on the one side and ahmad
shah bin ahmad shah al-wali al-bahamani on the other, al-wasiq bataid al-mulk abul
muzaffar on the one side and Ahmad shah bin Ahmad shah Bahman shah. Humayun Shah
had issued some of his silver coins with quranic verses. Although, the last two sultans-
Waliullah and Kalimullah were merely puppet in the hand of their nobles Qasim Barid and
Amir Barid but their coins are known in good number, probably issued by Barid shahi in their
name.

Firuz Shah: al-wasiq bitayid ar Rahman type (gold) Firuz Shah: raji rizwan type (copper)

Ahmad I: Al-muwayyid type (copper) Ahmad II: Al- mutawakkil type (copper)

Mahmud : Al-mutawakkil type (copper) Kalimullah: Al-muwayyid be nasr allah type

(copper)

3.4 Decline of Bahamani and Rise of Five Deccani Sultanates:

In the third quarter of 14thc c. during the reign of Muhammad III (1463—1482 CE) the
Bahamani sultanate witnessed gradual disintegration and rise of powerful nobles at the
court. Last three sultans ---Mahmud Shah, Waliullah and Kalimullah were the mere puppets
in the hands of Amir Barid, a powerful noble of Bahamani. Taking advantages of the
weakness of Bahamani sultans, the other powerful nobles of the court declared their
independence. And from the territory of Bahamani five new dynasties namely Adil Shahi of
Bijapur, Barid Shahi of Bidar, Imad Shahi of Berar, Qutubshahi of Golkonda and Nizamshahi
of Ahmadnagar came into prominence.

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These independent sultanates also issued their coinage on Islamic tradition but typologically
they are distinct to each other. Gradually these coins became part of coinage tradition of
Deccan.

4. The Coins of Adil Shahi of Bijapur

4.1 Typology of the Coins:

Yusuf Adil Shah founded Adil shahi dynasty in 1490 CE with its capital at Bijapur. Issued
coins in gold, silver and copper and are distinct in many ways. The gold coins bear the
legend on Islamic tradition but followed the weight standard of pagoda and fanam of
Vijaynagar. Muhammad Adil Shah (1627-56CE) is only ruler reported in gold coins bearing
inscription in form a couplet inscribed as Jahan zin do Muhammad giraft zeenat wa jah yake
Muhammad mursil duam Muhammad shah. Ali Adil II (1656-72 CE) was the only ruler of Adil
Shahi, who is represented in silver coins, which are called larin, a type of coin that
resembles hairpin. These were issued on the pattern of Persian Larin, which were regularly
coming to coastal region of Deccan and accepted among the traders. Both Persian and Adil
shahi larins are well reported from Deccan and Gujarat regions. Adil shahi larins were issued
from Dhabol mint, bearing Ali Adil shah on the one side and zarb Dhabol on the other. The
gold and silver coins of Adil shahi followed the system of continuity of coin types in a
particular region.

Ali Adil II: larin (silver) Ibrahim Adil II: ghulam Ali murtaza type
(copper)

4.2 Coin Inscriptions:

The inscriptions on medieval Indian coins issued on Islamic pattern primarily reflect the sunni
faith of Islam while inscription of Adil Shahi copper coins reflects shia faith of Islam. This
important change is noticed for the first time in India and this happened because Adil Shahi
sultans believe in Shiaism. Ali Adil shah I (1558-80 CE) issued coins in the name of hazrat
Ali (the first Imam of shia and fourth pious caliph of sunni), bearing asadullah ghalib on the
one side and Ali ibn Talib on the other. Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580-1627 CE) also issued
coins in the name of hazrat Ali, he calls himself ghulam Murtaza Ali (servant of Ali) on his
coins.

5. The Coins of Nizam Shahi of Ahmadnagar

5.1 . Typology of the Coins:

Nizam Shahi dynasty was founded by Malik Ahmad in 1490 CE and made Ahmadnagar
(Maharashtra) its capital. The dynasty ruled for about 125 years by 14 rulers. But only four
sultans (Murtaza Nizam I, Burhan Nizam II, Murtaza Nizam II, Burhan Nizam III) are
represented in their coins. Their coins are mainly issued in copper and mostly anonymous,
bearing inscription fi shahur sanah (hijri date) on the one side and Murtaza zarb
Ahmadnagar or nagar on the other. Therefore, the exact attribution of the ruler is possible

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only when we read the date. Some of the coins of Burhan Nizam II are reported with date in
Arabic word inscribed as ahdi wa alf (1001). Some of the coins of Murtaza Nizam II are
reported with his name bearing Murtaza nizam shah bin Shah Ali on the one side and zarb
Parenda fi shahur sanah on the other. The copper coins are known in different weight
standard varies from 14-15 gms. to 2.7 gms.

Burhan Nizam II: ahdi alf type (copper) Murtaza Nizam II: fi shahur type with date
(copper)

A few gold coins of Murtaza Nizam I and Burhan Nizam II have also came into light that
followed the weight standard of the gold pagoda (3.5 gms). These coins bear Shiaite Kalima
and date and mint. Ahmadnagar was the prime mint. Besides, Burhanabad, Daulatabad
Murtazabad and Parenda were other mints of Nizam shahi.

Murtaza Nizam II: Shiate Kalima type (Gold)

6. The Coins of Qutub Shahi of Golconda:

6.1 Typology of the Coins:

Sultan Quli founded the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golconda in 1489 CE. It ruled about 200
years by as many as eight sultans. The coins of Qutub Shahi are mainly known in copper
with exception of a few gold coins which were recently noticed. No coin of Quli Qutub shah is
listed so far. His son and successor Jamshed Qutub shah is represented with a few copper
coins while only one copper coin is published of Subhan Quli. Similarly, Ibrahim Quli is
represented with a few rare coins.

The Qutub Shahi coinage took its final shape during the reign of fifth sultan, Muhammad Quli
Qutub Shah (1580-1611CE) who issued his coinage in good number and made the Qutub
Shahi currency popular. Apart from copper coins, his coins are also known in gold. The
copper coins are issued in two weight standards----about 17-18 gms. and 13.5- 15 gms, with
their fractions. Gold coins are issued in weight standard of fanam with the legend
Muhammad quli on the one side and qutub shahi on the other. The early sultans issued their
coins with their name on the one side and mint name on the other, The coins of Muhammad
Quli witnessed various inscriptions including Persian couplet paivast balghat ilahi taghair dah
falus shahi. The last two sultans (Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hasan) issued their coins
with a fixed legend inscribed as khatma bilkhair waasadat on the one side and dar al-

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sultanate Hyderabad on the other. These coins are attributed to particular ruler on the basis
of date. Qutub Shahi coins are primarily known from Golconda and Hyderabad with different
epithets such as dar al-sultanate Golconda Muhammad nagar Golconda and dar-al-
sultanate Hyderabad etc. . A few coins are also reported from Ibrahim Pattan and
Mukundnagar.

Abdullah Qutub: khatma bilkhair type(copper)

7. The Coins of Imad Shahi of Berar

7.1 Typology of the Coins:

The governor of Berar, Fatahullah Imad Shah founded Imadshahi dynasty in 1484 CE, which
continued to rule till 1572 CE by his successors with its capital at Gawil. But their coins are
very rare, except line drawing of a few copper coins bearing mint name Gawil nothing is
known to us about their coins.

8. The Coins of Barid Shahi of Bidar:

Typology of the Coins:

The Qasim Amir Barid was appointed as Amir Jumla (Prime Minister) of Mahmud shah of
Bahamani sultanate in 1492 CE. He virtually ruled Bahamani and sultan Mahmud was a
puppet in his hand. Qasim Barid died in 1504 CE and was succeeded by Amir Barid who
continued his control over the kingdom of Bahamani. The Barid Shahi dynasty ruled till 1618
CE by as many as nine sultans. Out of nine only three (Ibrahim Barid, Qasim Barid IIand
Amir Barid II) are represented in their coins.

The coins of Barid Shahi are known in copper only on the pattern of the coins of Waliullah
and Kalimullah of Bahamani. The obverse of these coins are inscribed as al-muwayyid be
nasr allah al-ghani while reverse beara bi amr as-sultan Barid shah or ba amr as-sultan al-
adil Barid Shah. It is generally accepted that the coins of Kalimullah were probably minted at
Bidar during the rule of Amir Barid I. The weight standard of the coins of Barid Shahi is
similar to Bahamani coinage which varies from 17 gm to 4.3 gms.

Ibrahim Barid: al-muwayyid be nasr allah type (copper)

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Summary :

Deccan from 14th to 17th century witnessed the coins of different sultanates, issued on
Islamic tradition wherein inscription became the prime feature. The inscription on these coins
is noticed in the form of ruler’s name, date and mint, besides, the religious affiliation of a
ruler. The coins of Deccan sultanates are known in gold, silver and copper in various types
and each sultanate adopted its own typology. The early sultan of Madurai and Bahamani
issued coins on the pattern of Khaljis and Tughluq of Delhi sultanates, later they adopted
their own typology and weight standard. The successors of Bahamani also adopted their
own typology. The coins of Deccani sultanates are issued in different weight standard with
their fraction.

Although the coins of Deccan sultanates are known in gold, silver and copper but most of
their coins of are issued in copper. Thus, availability of more number of copper coins
confirms that copper coins were the major currency of the period.