Jahangir, Silver Rupee (Rupiya) of Jalnagar Mint

This coin is a decorative ‘kalima type’ seen during the reign of Jahangir. It was minted probably in the brief period that Bijapur was in the possession of the Mughals.

Both Akbar and Jahangir attempted yet failed to consolidate power in the state of Bijapur. The coin is silver and struck inside a circle. The coin flan is broad and the inscription on both obverse and reverse appears interspersed with a floral design motif.

It reads as follows; Kalima shahada, Jalnapur on the obverse and Jahangir Badshah Gazi on the reverse.

Nūr-ud-dīn Muhammad Salīm was more popularly known as Jahangir – a title which means ‘conqueror of the world.’ He broadened the Mughal polity from 1605 to 1627 by bringing in more Rajputs, ending the long drawn war with Mewar, inducting Afghans to high positions, and enrolling Maratha sardars for imperial services. He continued Akbar’s liberal policies, much to the disappointment of orthodox elements. Jahangir was also an aesthete who achieved the highest level of merit in architecture, painting, gardening, and coinage. His downfall was abetted by his growing sickness and poor health (which led to the handling of his administration by his Persian wife, Nur Jahan), and rebellion from his son, Shah Jahan.

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