Mughal Numismatics: Revisiting Rarities New Perspectives and Fresh Approach

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Mitresh Singh is an experienced GARC (Governance, Audit, Risk, Compliance) professional with 32+ years' experience in MNC banks, Financial Institutions, Investment Organizations, Ministries and Diversified Business Conglomerates. He is a professional CA, merit- listed CPA (USA) and is the founder member of Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) UAE and Qatar. He is passionate about Indian coins, culture and heritage, and his articles on Indian numismatics have been published locally and abroad.

The Editors are indeed pleased to present this series of thirteen essays on Mughal numismatics by Mitresh Singh. Indian Coin Society is thankful to Mitresh Singh for putting forth such a lucid write-up on all aspects of Mughal coms. The Indian Com Society is also thankful to Rajender Maru of Marudhar Arts who has kindly awarded PREM RATAN MARUFELLOWSHIP for this book. The work of Mitresh Singh encompasses all aspects of the Mughal Numismatics, such as, coms of Akbar the Great showing victory over Asirgadh and an image of a falcon. that of Rama Sita revered by the emperor, and his Mehrabi coins. He also talks of the coinage of Jahangir where important issues such as Portrait mohurs and Zodiacal mohurs have been addressed very well The Editors are pleased to acknowledge the tremendous efforts undertaken by Mitresh Singh in writing this book. The readers would find all Mughal rarities listed with coin images in one place hence the Editors believe this book would become a go-to ready reckoner of sorts for a collector, researcher, dealer, cataloguer, auctioneer, curator or anyone interested in Mughal numismatics The book provides a general introduction to establish background context. It thereafter touches upon specific topics viz nisars, gigantic coins, mehrabi, Ram-Siya coins, zodiac and portrait coins, etc. The research and citation of minute references from authentic Mughal sources viz Akbarnama, Ain-1-Akbari. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri etc is so meticulous that it reminds us of the earlier researches done by Prof S. H Hodivala and Dr. R. B Whitebead. We are happy to find most of the references cited in the original in this book in one place that would help the reader immensely Mitresh has done commendable research work on the Portrait coins. The fact that the book on which King places his hand is indeed a balustrade covered with carpet has been brought to light by him in print for the first time, but thanks also need to be given to Shailendra Bhandare who has been saying this many times in private discussions. Enormous material has been brought to light by Mitresh as regards the Jizia taxes. He has also found that there was a Nur Afshan garden which the royal family would use. This name is previously associated only with scattering coins. We expect that the readers would find the book interesting, lucid, and mind-boggling considering the wealth of the empire, varieties of coins, and its history side by side.

The mere mention of the name 'Mughal conjures visions of opulence and grandeur, lavish lifestyle and magnificent monuments, exquisite gardens and elegant pictra-dura, glittering jewels and luxurious carpets, innovative cuisine and fragrant perfumes. Equally, Mughal numismatics is a fascinating field of study of contemporary art, die design, calligraphy excellence and ornamental arabesque. These miniature relics of history provide us a time-capsule, a window to take a sneak peek into the past, of the glory of an Empire that rivalled, and even excelled, those of its contemporaries in the West or East. This work is an attempt by the author to compile, at one place, the most excellent, the most wonderful; and the most magnificent Mughal rarities The featured series of articles are a blend of both the known as well as now insights for consideration by the reader This naturally preludes the inclusion of all coin types. varieties, dates, mints or even all Mughal rulers! The intent is to showcase the beauty of Mughal comage, one of the most remarkable, popular and in high demand globally, by collectors and connoisseurs of art, and those that are truly masterpieces considered as great rarities. The author is greatly inspired by the epic research done by SH Hodivala titled 'Historical Studies in Mughal Numismatics' (First Ed. 1923, Reprint 1976) on which this present work is modeled. The author has also extensively referred to the research of R B. Whitehead, especially on zodiac and portrait Coins. The author, for the purpose of this work, has researched both primary sources and secondary, auction archives (India and Global), information available in public domain (web, social media) and consultations with select collectors, curators, researchers, dealers, auctioneers and other scholars, known personally to the author The author expresses his deep gratitude to all for the same. There are certain people without whose inspiration and constant encouragement this work would have never seen the light of the day First and foremost, I thank Prashant Kulkarni who, years ago, encouraged me to write and pick up new areas for research. He has been my 'stambh-e-samarthan (Pillar of Support) guiding and mentoring me, providing tips and suggestions pointing me in the right direction, selflessly sharing articles and publications (his own and others), as well as editing the considerable essays and articles comprising this work One cannot wish for a more knowledgeable and patient senior as a guide. Further, Ashok Singh Thakur is another kind and helpful soul who wears multiple hats as collector, historian, researcher and author, and who shares his considerable treasure trove of excellent grade Mughal coins in the public domain, for the benefit of all that has been very helpful for this research. Numerous scholars, namely Shailen Bhandare and Jan Lingen, and individuals have contributed their experience and expertise on social media that has proved to be a great source of inspiration and input to several articles herein, for which I'm extremely grateful. The idea, shape and form of this book was crystallized during the extensive lock down that India witnessed during 2020 on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. During work from home and extended duration of indoor stay for health and safety reasons, the author participated in numerous online live sessions to discuss numismatics. The seeds for publishing this book germinated as a result of such interactions with, and feedback and encouragement from, the members of the public, notably Sarmaya Trust of Paul Abraham, Avinash Ramteke and others.