10 Facts of Medieval (Coins) Monetary System in North East India – Assam

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 Editor

Somewhere in the extreme north east of India something beautiful was being made. The Ahom kingdom unknown and isolated from the rest of Indian subcontinent minted some of the best-known specimens of coins which are now highly appreciated as collectables and research items.

Sarvvananda Simha (Moamaria Rebels) (1793-1795), Sk. 1716, Assamese legends in four lines, with invocation to Krishna, Obv: Sri Sri Krishna / Charana Kamala/ Makaranda Ma/dhukarasya, Rev: Sri Sri Svarga/ Deva Sri Sarvvana/nda Simha Nrpasya / Sake 1716, lion running right

A small kingdom which was successful in defending themselves against the Mughal empire was growing in power. It had to trade and establish itself in the region. Thus, sometime in the middle of 17^th century the Ahom Kingdom stuck their own coins.

Chakradhvaja Simha (Siu-pung-mung) (1663-70 AD), Ahom legends on both sides within a double linear border with beads, dated the 15th year (of the 60 year cycle), Obv: in four lines: Kao/ boi pha/ Ta-ra/ heu chiu, Rev: in five lines: Chao pha/ Siu-pung-mu/ng pin chan/ Lak-ni/ plek-ngi, lion facing left at bottom.

Ten facts are furnished below which will help us to understand and appreciate the coinage, legacy & history of Ahom empire. I have not gone into too much details but have shared the points which a beginner will cherish and will be inspired to collect and learn.

The shape of the coins was usually octagonal which were strikingly different from the Mughal and sultanate coins which existed during that period. Square & round coins of Ahom kingdom existed but were minted in less quantity probably during trade or special occasion.
The earliest coin was minted during the reign of Jayadhvaja Simha(1648-1663).The last ruler to mint coins in his name was Jogeshwar Simha (1821-1824).
The Script used in the coins were mostly Assamese. Few types were minted in Devanagari script, Persian script. Ahom script was also used extensively in coins during the turbulent period when war with Mughals were at its peak. The Chinese Script was used to mint a trade coin which is exceedingly rare.
The metal used to mint coins were gold and silver. The standard of purity was between 94% to 98%. The weight was standardized to 11.3g with minor variations.
The symbol of a ‘Winged dragon’ was mostly used in the coins which symbolizes the Ahom kingdom .Also various figures of animals and birds were found in the coins. One such specimen famously known as the lion chasing the deer and another one known as bird with wings stretched are highly appreciated due to its elegance and beauty.
The denominations stuck were mostly Rupee, ½ rupee, ¼ rupee, ^1/8 rupee, ^1/16 rupee and ^1/32 rupee. The dates mentioned were in Saka Era. By adding 78 to Saka year, we get Gregorian Era, e.g. Saka 1752 + 78 = A.D. 1830
During 1769 to 1805 the kingdom witnessed an uprising known as the Moamoria Rebellion. The Rebel leaders also stuck coins in their name which were identical to the Ahom coins.
The name of the Ruler was imbibed in the coins. It is interesting to note that King Shiva Simha (1714-1744) stuck coins along with the names of his queens. Rest all the Rulers stuck coins in their names only.
The official mint was called Rajshal. The mint was located in the Capital Town and exception was during expedition coins were also stuck in makeshift mints outside the capital town. The officer who supervised the Rajshal was referred to as Sonari Bordoloi or Sonadar Barua. The mint towns were located at Rangpur, Ghargaon and Jorhat.
The Following Rulers Issued coins in their names.