Bhopal state was founded in 1723 by Dost Mohammed Khan, an Afghan in Aurangzeb's army who took advantage of the period of confusion after Aurangzeb's
death to carve out a kingdom for himself. The state became the second largest Muslim-controlled state in central India. In the early 19th century, faced with pressure from the
Marathas, Bhopal allied itself closely with the British.
Bhopal's coinage was begun around 1759 and initial coins were in the name of the Mughal emperor. After 1857, since there was no Mughal emperor any more, the coins
simply stated the name of the state, continuing to use Persian letters. After 1897, the coinage was discontinued and the British currency became the only legal tender in the state.
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Anonymous coins in the name of Shah Alam II |
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In the name of SHah Alam II, Silver rupee, year 43
Weight: 11.02 gm. Diameter: 18 mm Die axis: 3 o'clock
Legend
Legend, including regnal year 43 (= AH 1215-16 = 1801-02 CE)
and "trident" mintmark of Bhopal
Reference: KM C12
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In the name of SHah Alam II, Silver rupee, year 45
Weight: 11.09 gm. Diameter: 17 mm Die axis: 10 o'clock
Legend
Legend, including regnal year 45 (= AH 1217-18 = 1803-05 CE)
and "trident" mintmark of Bhopal
Reference: KM C12
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