CHAPTER-III COPPER COINAGE OF THE QUTUB …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/76653/13/13_chapter 3.pdfBy the year 1564-1565 the successive states of Bahmani grew ... the Golconda

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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


Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; ed; pp: 426-27


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.


Hyderabad’, Medieval Deccan; pp: 486-87

8. Alauddin Imad Shah succeeded Darya Imad Shah as king of Berar

state in 1562.


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.


335

19. Stan Goron and Goenka; ‘The Coins of the Indian Sultanates’ p:

339


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).

��

�

Plate No; �� Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah

��

� � � �

Fig. �� Obv. Rev. Fig. �� Obv. Rev.

Fig. �� Obv. Rev. Fig. 294 Obv. Rev.

Fig. 295 Obv. Rev. Fig. 296 Obv. Rev.




��

�








��

�



Fig. 32� Obv. Rev. Fig. 32� Obv. Rev.

Fig. 32� Obv. Rev. Fig. 324 Obv. Rev.




��

�



Fig. 3�5 Obv. Rev. Fig. 336 Obv. Rev.

��

�

Plate No; 17 Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah

��

� �

�

�

Fig. �37 Obv. Rev Fig. 338 Obv. Rev.

��

�

Plate No; 18��Abu Al-Hasan Qutub Shah

��

� �

Fig. �39 Obv.� Rev. Fig. �40 Obv. Rev.�

Fig. �41 Obv. Rev. .

�

�

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�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

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��

�

Table 16. Abdul Allah Qutub Shahs (1035-1088 A.H 1626-1672 A.D.)

��

Co. Fig M D W S Obverse Reverse Sh

Dr.S

.B.D 291

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.7 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Dr.S

.B.D 292

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.4 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Ti

Dr.S

.B.D

293

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 11.3 2.1

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 294

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

106 10.9 2/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf 295

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 9.9 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf 296

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 10.8 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

��

Dar Al Sultanate

S.R

��

�

Sf. 297

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

��5 10.7 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 298

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.8 2.1

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

TI

Dr.S

.B.D 299

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

68 14.0 1.8/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Sq

Dr.S

.B.D 300

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 10.3 1.7

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Sq

Dr.S

.B.D

301

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.3 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 302

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 6.4 1.8

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

��

�

Sf. 303

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 11.0 1.8/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Sq

Sf. 304

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 10.8 2.1

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.R

Sf. 305

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

�� 10.8 1.8

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 306

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

�� 10.4 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.q

Dr.S

.B.D

307

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1098 10.8 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Sq

Dr.S

.B.D

308

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.9 1.9/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.q

Dr.S

.B.D

309

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.0 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

��

�

Sf. 310

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

10.9 1.7

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.q

Sf. 311

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.2 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 312

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 9.5 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.q

Dr.S

.B.D 313

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1095 10.3 1.9/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 314

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 9.8 1.9/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Dr.S

.B.D

315

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.9 1.9/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Dr.S

.B.D

316

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.5 2.3

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

Dar Al Sultanate

Ahmadnagar

S.R

��

�

Sf. 317

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 9.4 1.9/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 318

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 6.7 1.7

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

� Al-Sultanate

Sq

Sf. 319

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068

10.1

1.8

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 320

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.7 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Dr.S

.B.D

321

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068

10.2

2.0

��

Khutama

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Dr.S

.B.D

322

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.3 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 323

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.0 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.R

��

�

Sf. 324

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 10.4 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 325

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.0 1.8/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 326

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 10.0 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.

R

Sf. 327

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

No 9.2 2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Sq

Dr.S

.B.D

328

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.2 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.R

Dr.S

.B.D 329

Dar

Al-

su

ltan

ate

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.4 2.1

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.R

��

�

U.M.

3245

330

Dar

Al

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068

�.5

1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S.R

U.M.

3247

331

Dar

Al-

su

ltan

ate

Hy

der

abad

1068

10.2

1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

U.M.

3302

332

Dar

Al

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068

10.5

2.0

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

U.M.

3372

333

Dar

Al-

su

ltan

ate

Hy

der

abad

1068

10.0

1.8

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S-R

U.M.

3402

334

Dar

Al-

su

ltan

ate

Hy

der

abad

1068

10.8

1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

S-

Sq

Sf. 335

Dar

Al

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.4 1.8/2

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

Sq

��

�

Sf. 336

Dar

Al

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

1068 10.8 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

��

�

Table 17. Muhammad�Quli Qutub�Shah (988-1020 A.H 1580-1612 A.D)

��


��shi

��

337

Go

lco

nd

a

No

Paivasta Ba-La nat-

i-Ilahi Ta yir dah

Falus-i-Shahi

� �!�"�#�$�#��%&'�(�)��

�*+, �

Adl Muhammad

Quli Qutub Shah

Zarb Darul Saltanat

Golconda

sq

�� 338

Hy

der

abad

No 9.2

1.7

"�#�-�#��%&'��!

Muhammad Quli

Qutub Shah

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb ��Hyderabad

R

��

�

Table 18.�Abul Hasan Qutub Shahs (1083-1098�A.H ��-87 A.D)

��


U.M.

339

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

��95

9.8

1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 340

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

��95 9.8 1.8

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

Sf. 3341

Dar

ul

sult

anat

e

Hy

der

abad

��95 9.8 1.9

��

khutama Belkhair

Wa Al-Saadah

��

��

Dar Al-Sultanate

Zarb �Hyderabad

R

185

186

Documents

CHAPTER-III COPPER COINAGE OF THE QUTUB …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/76653/13/13_chapter 3.pdfBy the year 1564-1565 the successive states of Bahmani grew ... the Golconda