chapter-iii copper coinage of the qutub...
TRANSCRIPT
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CHAPTER-III
COPPER COINAGE
OF THE QUTUB SHAHI DYNASTY
• Brief History
• Qutub Shahi Military Excursions in the Marathawada Region
• Qutub Shahi Economic Activities in the Marathawada Region
• Copper Coinage
Brief History:
The Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golconda and Hyderabad was
founded by Sultan Quli Qutub Al-Mulk in the year 1518. His dynasty
was the first one that ruled the Telangana region of present Andhra
Pradesh for about 170 years, until Emperor Aurangzeb conquered the
state in 1687. In all 8 kings ascended on the throne of the Qutub Shahi
dynasty. The rulers were great builders and patron of learning. Here is
the brief history of the work and achievements of them.
Sultan Quli Qutub Al-Mulk (1518-43)
Sultan Quli Qutubul Mulk was sincere and able noble of the
Bahmani ruler Mahmud Shah. He served him loyally and put down the
rebellions occurred in the Bahmani kingdom. As a result, he was granted
the titles of Quli and Amirul Umra. He got appointed as Tarafdar or
governor of Telangana along with the fort of Golconda.1
After the death
of Sultan Mahmud in 1518, he declared his independence.
Sultan Quli Qutub Al-Mulk soon began to consolidate his newly
carved kingdom. So long as Krishnadevaraya, the king of Vijayanagar
lived, he did not take any step. He made campaigns in the Telangana
region. In the final phase he defeated the Vijayanagar army at the battle
of Godavari, in which Achyuta, the Vijayanagar ruler, sued for peace.2
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Next, the king paid his attention against rulers of Bijapur and
Bidar (Barid Shahi). His army strongly defended the fort of Kovilkonda
and on later occasion, the king defeated the coalition. Then he defeated
his own vassal Raja Harichand of Nalgonda, when he rebelled. He also
secured Medak.
There are different versions of the Sultan Quli’s death. However,
it is suffice here to say that his end had come in 1543. He was the first
and foremost military leader and strategist. On account of his abilities
and caliber, he was able to carve out a principality of his own.
Jamshid Qutub Shah (1543-50)
The next ruler Jamshid Qutub Shah had to carry on inherited
continuous struggle with the neighbouring potentates in order to
maintain his position and authority. In his reign he faced trouble from
his brother Ibrahim. Further, the king responded to the appeal of Burhan
Nizam Shah of Ahmadnagar, who already sought cooperation of Darya
Imad Shah of Berar, for securing Sholapur from Ibrahim Adil Shah-I of
Bijapur. At Khaspuri, near Parenda, in the encounter Jamshid had driven
the opponents. The indecisive struggle continued for some time. The
king after improvement in his military power fought against Ali Barid.
At Narayanakhera, he was successful and he was able to occupy the
country around about Kaulas. Then in league with Burhan Nizam Shah,
he fought against Ali Barid, in turn he was forced to retreat his actions.
In the next move against Jamshid, Ibrahim-I of Bijapur sent his
commander Asad Khan Lari. The commander marched into the Qutub
Shahi territories and was successful against Jamshid. After some time
Jamshid played a vital role in release of Ali Barid, who had been
imprisoned by Ibrahim-I. The king died on 22 January 1550.3
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Subhan Quli (1550)
Jamshid was succeeded by his son Subhan Quli. But very soon
discontentment grew among the nobles of the court. In consequence,
Ibrahim, who had virtually made the Vijayanagar his home, returned
back and occupied the throne by the help of Mustafa Khan Ardastani
and others. Subhan Quli’s rule of few months was devoid of any notable
activities.
Ibrahim Qutub Shah (1550-80)
Ibrahim very soon restored normalcy in the administration and in
law and order. In 1557 he concluded alliance with Ahmadnagar against
Bijapur and laid siege of Gulbarga, but withdrew on the counsel of the
advisors. He also helped Ramraja, the king of Vijayanagar, when his
brothers rebelled. He put down uprising of his own ministers Jagdeva at
Elgandal. From 1559 to 1564 Ibrahim was occupied in tackling the
internal and external affairs of his kingdom. In regard to his foreign
policy, sometimes he favoured Vijayanagar and Bijapur, and then left
them and aligned with Ahmadnagar.
By the year 1564-1565 the successive states of Bahmani grew
some definite and serious charges against Ramraja. Personally, Ibrahim
was not happy with Ramraja, who gave asylum to traitor Jagdeva Rao.
His forced coercion of the forts of Kovilkonda, Pangal, Kondapalli to
Vijayanagar was also not of his liking. The four states viz.
Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda and Bidar joined and defeated and
killed Ramraja in the decisive battle of Talikota in January 1565.
After 1565, Ibrahim paid attention for extension of boundaries of
his kingdom. His forces occupied Rajhmundri and Qasimkota, and some
places like Potnur, etc. in Orissa region. Further, he thwarted the
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Bijapur-Ahmadnagar’s attempts to occupy the Qutub Shahi territories.
In 1579, he made some progress in the southern provinces by occupying
few forts. In his last year he allied with Ahmadnagar against Bijapur, but
failed to achieve any concrete success. He died on May 1580.4
Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah (1580-1612)
Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah succeeded to his father Ibrahim. He
continued inherited feuds with Bijapur, but very soon withdrew his
forces. During his reign, it was due to the Mughal avalanche on the
south the whole atmosphere was changed. Now Muhammad Quli
aligned with Bijapur against the Mughals, in the efforts of saving
Ahmadnagar kingdom. But all efforts failed. Chand Sultana, the
dowager queen of Ahmadnagar was murdered and the Mughal
advanced. Later Malik Ambar rose and took arms against the common
enemy. As a result the former captured Ahmadnagar from the Mughals.
The closing years of his reign Muhammad Quli developed discomforts
due to internal troubles and he died in 1612.
Muhammad Qutub Shah (1612-26)
Muhammad Quli’s nephew Muhammad Qutub Shah ascended on
the throne, when the kingdom was passing through crisis. He was able to
set things right. He struggled against the Mughals; he followed the
policy of Bijapur that was helping Malik Ambar. Then he made twist in
his foreign policy and sided the Mughals. In 1626 he passed away.
Abdullah Qutub Shah (1626-72)
Abdullah Qutub Shah, being one of the three sons of Muhammad
Quli, succeeded to the Qutub Shahi throne. On the accession of the
Mughal throne, Shah Jahan began to attack on the southern states.
Seeing the impending rise of the Mughal power in the Deccan, Abdullah
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Signed ‘Deed of Submission’ in May 1636. In addition to acceptance of
other conditions, he agreed to have gold and silver coins to be stuck in
the Golconda mint with emperor’s name.5 The Deed brought the Qutub
Shahi state under the direct surveillance of the Mughals. The accession
of Aurangzeb and rise of Shivaji brought Golconda and Bijapur nearer
to each other. However in his reign Abdullah captured some of the
territories of the local chieftains of the south. He died in 1672.
Abul Hasan Qutub Shah (1672-87)
Abul Hasan, who had the pretension of being connected with the
royal family, and being the third son-in-law of Abdullah Qutub Shah
ascended on the Golconda throne. 6
The new king was very soon
encircled by the problems. He developed a rift with his minister Sayyed
Mir Jumla; as a result the king replaced him by Madanna to the position
of prime-minister. The new Mir Jumla paid his full attention to
strengthen the fortification especially on the eastern sea-coast. He
appointed his own near and dear ones to man the governmental affairs.
After sometime the new minister was murdered. Due to court intrigues.
By the year 1672, Shivaji became one of the most prominent
figures of the south India. He had appeared at the gates of the Qutub
Shahi capital with a large Maratha force and was able to get 20 lakh
Pagoda (gold coin) from the Qutub Shahi treasury. But he began his
southern campaigns in 1677, which resulted in the complete control of
the lands south of the Tungabhadra as far as Bangalore and Tanjore. As
per agreement with Abul Hasan, after the campaigns Shivaji had to
handover the parts of the Carnatic, which did not belong to his father’s
Jagirs. But after conclusion of the campaigns he did not cede an inch of
the territory acquired to Abul Hasan.7
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After the death of Shivaji (1680), Emperor Aurangzeb ascended
in the Deccan. Seeing the Mughal pressure, Golconda and Bijapur allied
together, however they were succumbed to the Mughal might one after
other in 1686 and 1687 respectively. Abul Hasan was made the Mughal
prisoner till his death.
Qutub Shahi Military Excursions in the Marathawada Region:
The source materials concerned to the Qutub Shahi dynasty and
the Nizam Shahi dynasty do not concretely suggest that there was ever
any Qutub Shahi rule in the Marathawada region. After the
disintegration of the Bahmani kingdom, the major portion of the
Marathawada had come in the share of the Nizam Shahis of
Ahmadnagar. However, the border areas or the forts on sides of
Golconda and Ahmadnagar were caught under see-saw situation, either
of them had their sway, when both the states were not in good terms
with each other.
Though there was no permanent or partial rule of the Qutub
Shahi dynasty in Marathawada region, but it is evident that oftentimes
the Golconda forces entered the region either for offensive purposes or
for defensive, when the Qutub Shahis had understanding with
Ahmadnagar against the common enemy. As such there were many
occasions occurred that the Qutub Shahi army had military excursions in
the region. Among them few may be sought.
During the reign of Jamshid Quli, Burhan Nizam Shah of
Ahmadnagar appealed to help him in getting Sholapur from the Adil
Shahis of Bijapur. He already made friends with Darya Imad Shah of
Berar. Thus while the confederate forces were encircling Sholapur,
Ibrahim Adil Shah-I and his ally Ali Barid were marching towards
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Parenda. The two armies faced each other at Khaspuri, a village three
miles in the east of Parenda. In the battle, it was through the sheer
hardihand of Jamshid that the Bijapur forces were driven away.
After sometime in 1562, the same coalition worked and marched
into the Barid Shahi territories. In the ensued battle Ausa and Udgir
were occupied by Burhan Nizam Shah and Alauddin Imad Shah, 8
while
Medak was occupied by Jamshid Quli. Further, he made Ali Barid to
retrace his steps at Narayanakhera.9
In the last decade of 16th
century, the Qutub Shahi forces worked
in the Marathawada region in league with the Ahmadnagar and Bijapur,
when there was avalanche of the Mughals was felt from the north. The
united Golconda-Bijapur contingent was stationed at Naldurg fort for
the help of Chand Bibi, a regent mother of Ahmadnagar against the
Mughals. The resultant battle was fought at Sonpat, on the Godavari in
1597. It was a long drawn and fought-to-finish struggle resulting in the
rout of the allies on the second day of the battle and the flight of the
allied armies to their respective capitals.10
Further when Malik Ambar rose to save sinking kingdom of
Ahmadnagar, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah assisted him by men and
money. The Qutub Shahi forces worked against the Mughals in the
Marathawada, and adjacent areas. During this struggle Marathawada
region became theatre of battles and other political activities of the
combatant forces. The death of Malik Ambar caused great damage to
Ahmadnagar. By 1635 the Nizam Shahi dynasty ceased to exist.
Thus due to the movement of the Qutub Shahi forces, their stay at
various forts, military camps in the Marathawada region, the Qutub
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Shahi currency was flowed and transacted. Therefore in the survey
many copper coins of the dynasty are found.
Qutub Shahi Economic Activities in the Marathawada Region:
Due to the advent of the Dutch, the English and the French on the
east-coast, the trade and commerce in the Qutub Shahi kingdom filliped
up. The Dutch and the English established their factories at
Masulipatam, Pulicat, and Nagpatam. Their factories handled the main
articles of trade like good cotton, yarn, indigo, silk, porcelain, lead,
quicksilver, alum, broadcloth, etc. The diamond mines in the kingdom
were dealt by the state. The largest diamond mine was at Kalur on the
Krishna. Besides diamond, in the kingdom were produced other
precious and semi-precious stones like garnet, topaz, agate, etc. The
whole of the east-coast was busy with trade allied to textile manufacture
such as the cultivation of the cotton plants, spinning, weaving and
packing. In addition, other articles of daily use were manufactured at
various places in the kingdom.
Thus the establishment of European factories on the Golconda
coast, better transport and communication, trade with neighbouring
states and the expansion of the Mughal power that acted as an economic
liaison between different parts of India, Golconda’s diamond trade, etc.
caused flourishment of trade and commerce in the Deccan.
There was full-fledged trade and commerce current in the
kingdom. The Marathawada region too was famous for production of
cotton and related products, etc. contributed to the medieval economy of
the Deccan. The region was well-connected with the Qutub Shahi
capitals of Golconda and Hyderabad. The road from Surat led first to
Daulatabad and Aurangabad, and passing Parbhani and Nanded right
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up to Indur (modern Nizamabad), Indalwai was the last principal stage
in Telangana. From there it made a detour to Medchal and then passing
the eminence called Maula-ka-Pahar or Maula Ali, and entered the
capital via Husain Sagar and Purana Pul. Another trunk road led from
Surat to Burhanpur and reached the capital via Pathri and Bidar.11
Thus during the medieval days in the Deccan there were no
water-tight compartments existed so far as the trade and commerce was
concerned. The traders used to have free movements from place to place
and transacted business, causing free cross-flow of various types of
currency within and without states. Because of these reasons in the
survey different types of copper coins of the Qutub Shahi dynasty are
found.
Copper Coinage:
By the study of chronicles it is taken that Sultan Quli Qutub
Shah, the founder of the dynasty neither mentioned his name in khutama
nor struck any coin in his name, even after the death of former master
Sultan Mahmud Shah Bahmani in 1518. Historians believe that he had
unswerving loyalty to his patron.
However, the coins of his successors are known and they are all
in copper. The coins appear to be of various denominations and of many
weights, differing from king to king. Therefore, no definite metrology
can be suggested for them.12
On the copper coins of the Qutub Shahi rulers the following
names of the mint towns are mentioned;
1. Dar Al Saltanat Golconda (capital of kingdom Golconda)
2. Muhammadnagar Golconda (Golconda was named as
Muhammadnagar by Sultan Quli Qutub Shah. The early coins of
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the dynasty or before Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah bear this
name.
3. Dar Al-Sultanate �Hyderabad (capital of kingdom Hyderabad)
4. Dar Al-Sultanate shahr Hyderabad (capital of kingdom, city of
Hyderabad). The names Nos. 3 and 4 are found on the coins from
the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah.
5. Ibrahimpatan (town of Ibrahim). A town mostly founded by
Ibrahim Qutub Shah. It is situated some 20 miles to the south-east
of Hyderabad.
6. Mukundnagar. The scholars are of the opinion that Mukundnagar
might be a corrupt form of Muhammadnagar, but the latter is by
no means clear on the coins in question. No place called
Mukundnagar is now known in the ex-kingdom’s territories.
The Qutub Shahi rulers were least fastidious about the legends on
their coins. It is only Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah and Muhammad
Qutub Shah, who adopted the title of Abu Al-Muzaffar (father of
victory); others remained content with the simple title of Sultan. Further,
they preferred Persian language for the legends, comparable to their
Bahmani masters’ style of Arabic language. The legend system of the
Qutub Shahi copper coins can be divided into three types;
1. Ruler’s name on obverse and mint name on the reverse.
2. Ruler’s name and mint name on obverse and warning or cursing
couplet on reverse.
3. Valedictory or satisfactory statement on obverse and mint name
on reverse.
Coins of the first type were struck by all the rulers who issued
coins, except Abu Al-Hasan. Coins of second type were issued by
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Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah from both Golconda and Hyderabad. And
coins of the third type were issued by Abdullah and Abu Al-Hasan.13
It should be noted here that the authority of Padshah Namah of
Abdul Hamid Lahori states that under ‘Instrument of Submission’
signed by Abdullah Qutub Shah in 1635-36, he was forced to coin gold
and silver money in the name of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and
then of Aurangzeb. The coins had to bear the Mughal type legends.
Moreover, the dies of the first issues were engraved at the imperial court
and sent to Golconda by the order of Shah Jahan. Specimen Muhars
(coins) minted from the dies were sent by Abdullah Qutub Shah to the
Mughal emperor for his confirmation.14
The above information clearly shows that the Qutub Shahi rulers
minted forced gold and silver coins in their capital that bore the names
of the Mughal emperors. However, some gold Fanams have recently
come to light, which may bear name of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. 15
Other than these, there is no reference of issuance of the gold and silver
money by the Qutub Shahi kings in capacity of independent authority, as
in the case of copper currency.
Among the Qutub Shahi kings, the first and foremost coins have
been found of Jamshid Qutub Shah from the mint of Muhammadnagar
Golconda. They are of few weights 2/3rd
Flus (10.79 g) and 1/2 Flus (of
around 7 g). They bear the following legends;
Obverse Sultan Jamshid Qutub Shah
Reverse zarb Muhammdnagar Golconda Sanah (Mint
muhammadnagar Golconda, date)
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Only one copper coin of the ephemeral ruler Subhan Quli Qutub
Shah has so far been traced, it was rather worn Flus. Its details are as
under;
Flus 10.8 g
Obverse Subhan Quli Qutub Shah
Reverse Same as coins of Jamshid Qutub Shah
The scholars believed that certainly Ibrahim Quli Qutub shah
issued copper coins, but their whereabouts are not properly known. The
only other published coin of the above ruler is a smallish Flus of
unstated weight. It legends read thus;
Flus-e-Jayez-e-Ibrahim Quli Saadatmand-e-Ali, Golconda (legitimate
Flus of Ibrahim Quli, obedient or dutiful towards Ali, Golconda) 16
From the above legend it is evident that the king wanted to show
the authenticity of the coin, hence called it Jayez. It seemed that there
would have been spurious currency in circulation in the kingdom, hence
addressed to the state currency as authentic. Further, it is obvious that
the king followed the Shia persuasion, hence addressed himself
Saadatmand (who professes obedience towards Hazrat Ali, the son-in-
law of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).17
In the same style on the Fanam of
Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah the words like Fakhr-e-Ali (proud of Ali)
are found, which also denote Shia belief of the ruler.
The main coinage of the Qutub Shahi dynasty begins with
Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. In the beginning of his reign he coined
small copper coins. His copper coins come in two categories, they are;
1. Those with the warning or curse couplet and with ruler’s name on
the obverse and mint town on the reverse. These coins are found
in square and round format and with many different arrangements
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of legends. They were minted at Golconda and then at Hyderabad.
The dates are 1583, 1584 and 1586.
2. The second category copper coins bear name of ruler on obverse
and mint on the reverse. They were all struck at Hyderabad with
much better graving comparable to first category. They were
minted in 1603 and 1608.18
In the early copper coins the following type of legend arrangement are
made;
Obverse
1. Quli Muhammad Sultan
2. Sultan Quli Muhammad
3. Shah Muhammad Quli
Reverse
1. Shah, date
2. Qutub Shah, date
3. Feather on either side, said to represent the Alam or standard of
Ali (once again Shia persuasion)
In the Marathawada region, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah’s two
copper coins in square format have been found (Plate No. 17, Table No.
17, Fig.Nos 237,238). One is having the warning or curse couplet and
other has a simple legend. Thus the details;
1. Flus Fig.No. 337
Mint Golconda
Shape (Square)
Obverse Paivasta Ba-Laanat-e-Ilahi Tayardah Flus -e-Shahi (God’s
curse be on him who finds fault (or doubts) with the royal
Flus).
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Reverse Adl Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah Zarb Dar Al-Saltanat
Golconda (Justice or equitable Muhammad Quli Qutub
Shah, capital of kingdom Golconda).
The above coin has interesting legends. On the obverse it is
cursed that a person, who finds faults or doubts the royal Flus would
face curse of God. It seemed the people doubted the authority or validity
of the coins of the state, due to the ditto type spurious currency in
circulation. Hence to create confidence among the people to accept the
real value of coin the king got engraved the legend of curse. It means he
took support of religion, and created a fear of curse of God that in case
of objection to the state money. That touched the religious feelings of
the subjects.
As such, the curse epigraphs were found with the Adil Shahis of
Bijapur state. When the royal orders of general natures were passed, at
that time it was warned to the people (the Hindus and Muslims) that
whoever finds fault, or disobeys the royal order, if he was Hindu, it
means that he killed cow in Kashi (Banaras), if he was Muslim, it was
taken that he would not get intercession of Prophet on the Day of
Judgment. Such warnings were also found on the Farmans (rhetoric
government orders).
The warning or alarming legends on the coins that we found in
the Quutb Shahi state were uncommon with other sultanates of the
Deccan. The reverse legend of the same coin states the character or
nature of the king that he was equitable, justice and loved equity and fair
play.
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The other coin has the details;
2. Flus
Mint Hyderabad
Obverse Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah
Reverse Zarb Dar Al-Saltanate Hyderabad (mint, capital of the
kingdom, Hyderabad)
Fig.No. 338.
This coin has no special feature. The legends are simple as
of the early coins of the dynasty. Of the same ruler I find copper coin
having ruler’s name, title and mint town. Thus are the details; 19
Obverse Muhammad Quli Quutb Shah; Abu al-Muzaffar (father of
victory)
Reverse Zarb Darul Saltanat Hyderabad (mint, capital of the
kingdom, Hyderabad).
The obverse legend states that the king enjoyed the title of Abu
Al-Muzaffar, as of his Bahmani predecessors.
The copper coins of Muhammad Qutub Shah are rare. Only one
type of coin in the name of this ruler is known. It comes in two
denominations; a Flus (17-17.5 g) and 1/3rd
Flus (of around 6 g). The
coins date 1616.20
the legends show that he too enjoyed the title of Abu
Al-Muzaffar as of preceding ruler. In the reverse he added a word Shahr
(city) that precedes Hyderabad.
The succeeding potentate Abdullah Qutub Shah had also issued
copper coins. They are classified with two types;
1. The first type, which have the title of the king on the obverse i. e.
Abdullah Sultan Badshah Ghazi and on reverse the mint
Dar Al-Saltanate Hyderabad.
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2. The Second type coins exclude the king’s name and are having
the valedictory and life-time achievement statement i. e. Khutama
Bilkhair Wa-Saadat (it has come to an end well and auspiciously)
Some other miscellaneous coins of the king have his title Qutub,
the only example of this in his coinage.21
In my survey in earmarked region, the first type coins were not
found. However, it is felt that their obverse legend requires to be
discussed in length. Here the king called himself Padshah or Badshah
Ghazi, instead of merely styling ‘Shah’ or ‘Sultan’. It should be noted
here that after the unilateral Treaty of 1636 of the Mughals, the Qutub
Shahi state had been reduced to the vassalage of the Mughals.
Notwithstanding it vassal state’s position, Shah Jahan had given
Abdullah Qutub Shah free-hands to reduce the southern chieftains of the
Carnatic region. Simultaneously, though not the vassal, by the same
treaty Muhammad Adil Shah of Bijapur was empowered to have free-
access in the far southern territory. His able generals took the campaigns
and brought the southern chiefs under the Adil Shahi suzerainty. It
resulted in the extension of Bijapur’s boundaries from the Arabian Sea
in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east. After achieving success the
king styled himself as Ghazi (the victor). In the same way, Abdullah
Qutub Shah also under took the campaigns in the south and got benefits.
His area of political influence was also spread a lot. Consequently, in
imitation with his counterpart of Bijapur, he also assumed the title of
Padshah Ghazi. These campaigns had been carried out by the generals
of the respective states from 1636 more or less to 1655.
In my survey I found 47 (Plate No.16, Table No.16 Fig.Nos. 291-
336) copper coins of second type from Marathawada region, which are
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subjected to metrological details. The coins are placed in the end of the
chapter. All the coins exclude the king’s name and either undated or
bear the date AH. 1068 (AD. 1657-58). In Marathwada region all the 47
coins found bear the one legened that is;
Obverse Khutama Belkhair Wa-Al Saadah
Reverse Dar Al-Sultanate Zarb Hyderabad
Having different weight and size amd little difference in shape. The
scholars believed that Emperor Aurangzeb in the capacity of overlord
might have ordered Abdullah Qutub Shah not to include his name in the
coinage. Here the coins did not bear the name of Abdullah Qutub Shah.
Further, the scholars took the different meaning of the obverse
legend Khutama Bilkhair Wa-Saadat that it marked and ending of some
calamities that over-shadowed the kingdom, hence the king issued a
coin having this legend, as a mark of sigh of relief. 22
In my opinion, the
scholars look presumably the Mughal onslaught on the Qutub Shahi
kingdom as a calamity. In my opinion, since the accession of Shah
Jahan, the Mughal pressure and influence continued, and that led to
reduction of the state to submission, and the same situation continued
when Aurangzeb too reigns. It means the Mughal danger was perpetual
and it ended with the extinction of the dynasty in 1687.
Just differing myself from the opinions of the scholars, I feel that
the valedictory legend denotes the successful reign of Abdullah Qutub
Shah than the passing-off any calamity. He ruled from 1626 to 1672 for
47 years, the longest period of authority enjoyed by any king in the
medieval Deccan history. Not withstanding his submission to the
Mughal authority, Abdullah Qutub Shah achieved enormous success in
military campaigns and in the cultural field. He was satisfied with the
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duties ought to be performed by a responsible king. Hence to mark out
his successful reign he ordered to write the valedictory statement that his
reign ended well and that too auspiciously. Further, the coins bear the
date 1657-58, even after this date his rule continued for 12 years. As he
did not have sons, and had only three daughters, probably, he took that
his direct lineal succession leading towards end, hence in 1657-58 it self
he wrote the valedictory statement.
Abul Hasan, son-in-law and successor of Abdullah Qutub Shah
also struck copper coins. (Plate No; 18, Table No; 18 Fig. Nos 339 -
341) His coins are the same as of his father-in-law. In Marathawada
region only two rare coins of him was sought. Its details are as follows;
Flus
Weight 9.8 g and size 1.8 cm
Obverse Khutama Belkhair wa Al-Saadah
Reverse Zarb Dar Al-Saltanat Hyderabad
Date AH. 1095. (A.D.1683). Fig.Nos.339, 340.341
In these coins the legend system of Abdullah Qutub Shah had
been followed. The coins dates to 1683, hence we cannot take the year
as the end of the king’s or dynastical rule, as it had come in 1687. Thus
the valedictory statement denotes the successful rule of the kings not the
end of their reigns.
Further, it is taken that from the beginning of the 17th
century
itself the Mughal pressure began to mount on the Deccani Sultanates.
With a view to save buffer state of Ahmadnagar, the Golconda and
Bijapur unitedly withstood with Malik Ambar, when he championed the
Deccan cause against the Mughals. Although, the state of Ahmadnagar
disappeared, the Mughal empowered both states to undertake campaigns
� ����
in the south. Thereby, both the states extended the boundaries of their
respective kingdoms and blessed with enormous booty and wealth.
Though for all the times the Mughal sword was lingering on their heads,
they never lost hopes of survival. They took best use of the prevailing
situation and never minded to take support of the Marathas, against their
common enemy the Mughals. They stiffly resisted the Mughals at least
for two quarters, which coerced even Aurangzeb to ascend in the
Deccan personally. Hence the Deccani Sultanates of Ahmadnagar,
Bijapur and Golconda never accepted the defeat and even when they
lost, they even struggled in trying situations. Hence, the valedictory
statement denotes not the end of their reigns but the success of the
reigns.
The study of copper coins of the Qutub Shahi dynasty leads to
arrive to the under-mentioned conclusions;
1. That the dynasty differs with the royal Bahmani masters in the
framing of legends. The kings preferred the simple legend devoid
of any high-sounding titles, except Shah, Qutub, Sultan, Badshah,
Ghazi and Abu Al-Muzaffar. Further, they liked to have legends in
Persian than Arabic. It means the kings were least fastidious about
the titles.
2. The coins of the Qutub Shahis help to understand the on-going
situation, events, and achievements of the kings. The warning or
curse legends, the valedictory statements, etc. are few examples in
this regard.
3. In almost cases the Qutub Shahi coins are clear about the mint
towns and dates, etc. the coins indicate the shifting of Qutub
Shahi capital from Golconda to Hyderabad.
� ����
4. It is learnt from the subject matters of the legends about the faith
of the kings. The legends like Saadatmand-e-Ali, depiction of
standard or Alam of Ali, etc. show the observance of Shia faith by
the kings.
� ����
Notes and References
1. Tarikh-e-Farishtah; Briggs’ Translation, Part-II, p: 176
2. Sherwani, H. K.,(1987) ‘The Qutub Shahis of Golconda
Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; ed; p: 420
3. Sherwani, H. K.,(1987) ‘The Qutub Shahis of Golconda
Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; ed; pp: 426-27
4. Sherwani, H. K.,(1987) ‘The Qutub Shahis of Golconda
Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; ed; pp: 441-42
5. Lahori, Abdul Hamid (1967): Badshah Namah-II; pp: 177-81
6. Abdullah Qutub Shah left no male heirs. His elder daughter was
married to Prince Muhammad Sultan of the Mughals,
the second daughter to Mirza Nizamuddin Ahmad of
Makkah and third daughter was engaged with Abul
Hasan.
7. Sherwani, H. K.,(1987) ‘The Qutub Shahis of Golconda
Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; pp: 486-87
8. Alauddin Imad Shah succeeded Darya Imad Shah as king of Berar
state in 1562.
9. Sherwani, H. K.,(1987) ‘The Qutub Shahis of Golconda
Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; pp: 424-26
10. Farishtah-II; pp: 163-64
11. Sherwani, H. K.,(1987): ‘The Qutub Shahis of Golconda
Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; pp: 463, 473-74, 477
12. Gupta, P. L., ‘Coins(2006): Published by National Book Trust,
India New Delhi, pp: 140-41
13. Goron and Goenka; p: 334
� ����
14. Joshi, P. M., ‘Coins Current in the Kingdom of Golconda’,
Journal of Numismatic Society of India, Vol-V, Part-I,
1943, p: 35
15. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’, p:
335
16. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’ pp:
334-35
17. The Shias are the followers of Hazrat Ali. They held and claim
that Hazrat Ali was the lawful successor in the Khilafat
(Islamic ascendancy). The other early Khalifas Hazrat
Abu Bakr, Hazrat Omar, Hazrat Osman, in their
estimation was considered to be the usurpers.
18. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’, p:
335
19. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’ p:
339
20. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’, p:
340
21. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’
22. Gupta Pareshwari Lal, ‘Coins(2006): Published by National
Book Trust, New Delhi, India, Fourth edition., p: 141
QUTUB SHAHI COINAGE
• Photos
• Tables
• Chronology
• Map
All the figures Numbers mentioned in the tables and plates are same
The measurement has been taken from the far point.
The size unit is (cm) and the weight unit is (g).
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Plate No; ���������� Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah
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Fig. ��� Obv. Rev. Fig. ��� Obv. Rev.
Fig. ��� Obv. Rev. Fig. 294 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 295 Obv. Rev. Fig. 296 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 297 Obv. Rev. Fig. 298 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 299 Obv. Rev. Fig. 300 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 301 Obv. Rev. Fig. 302 Obv. Rev.
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Fig. 303 Obv. Rev. Fig. 304 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 305 Obv. Rev. Fig. 306 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 307 Obv. Rev. Fig. 308 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 309 Obv. Rev. Fig. 310 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 311 Obv. Rev. Fig. 312 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 313 Obv. Rev. Fig. 314 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 3015 Obv. Rev. Fig. 316 Obv. Rev.
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Fig. 317 Obv. Rev. Fig. 3018 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 319 Obv. Rev. Fig. 320 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 32� Obv. Rev. Fig. 32� Obv. Rev.
Fig. 32� Obv. Rev. Fig. 324 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 325 Obv. Rev. Fig. 326 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 327 Obv. Rev. Fig. 328 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 329 Obv. Rev. Fig. 330 Obv. Rev.
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Fig. 331 Obv. Rev. Fig. 332 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 333 Obv. Rev. Fig. 334 Obv. Rev.
Fig. 3�5 Obv. Rev. Fig. 336 Obv. Rev.
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Plate No; 17 Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah
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Plate No; 18��������Abu Al-Hasan Qutub Shah
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Fig. �41 Obv. Rev. .
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