The introduction of currency was a key step in the evolution of civilization. As the kingdoms and dynasties across the country rose and fell, they left their mark on the currency they produced. This series explores the coins minted by each kingdom in Indian history and uses stories about the coins to tell the history of the kingdom itself.
E1 Awadh, Vijayanagara, Mysore
31 July 2020
|
20 min
From gold Mohurs and copper Rupaiyas in Awadh during the Mughal Empire to the gold Kantirava Fanam, the first coin of Mysore, during the Wodeyar Dynasty, currency and its legacy varied widely across the country. The Vijayanagara Empire around the same time also had its own unique currency. Watch the episode to find out the legacy of the various coins that existed at the time of these dynasties.
E2 Mewar, Gwalior, Baroda
31 July 2020
|
19 min
Mewar coins during the time of Maharana Kumbha used to be square and inscribed with Devnagri script. When power changed hands from the Mughals to the Marathas, the coins in the empire changed as well. Coins from Gwalior were used far and wide and went through a number of changes over the years. How did the currency from these empires influence the current Indian currency system Watch the episode to find out
E3 Mughal, Tughlaq, Delhi Sultanate
02 August 2020
|
19 min
Mughal Emperor Akbar popularized the use of the Rupaiya across his empire. Tughlaq had a tendency to frequently change the currency used in his empire as he wanted himself as the centre of everything related to his dynasty. The Delhi Sultanate was known for its gold, silver, and copper coins. Watch this episode for the histories of the various currencies and the influence rulers had on the coins in their empire.
E4 Kashmir, Malwa, Gujarat
03 August 2020
|
20 min
The journey of Kashmir can be traced beautifully by looking at the currency in use in the region over time. Malwa coins were first made of copper and were called Falus. They were unique in that they had a cross on them. The currency changed to gold Tankas under the Khiljis. Gujarat saw a currency change under Muzaffar Shah’s rule. Watch this episode to know more about these currencies
E5 Bengal, Sikh, French Indian
07 August 2020
|
19 min
Bengal always used the Delhi Sultanate gold currency from the 12 th Century, but invaders wanted to force their own currencies in the markets. Maharaja Ranjit Singh minted coins with religious messages and stories of victory in his Sikh Empire. The French colonists also minted their own coins in silver and copper, bringing about a number of economic changes in their colony. Watch the episode on Kissa Currency Ka to discover intriguing tales behind these coins.
E6 Assam, Tripura, Pandya
08 August 2020
|
18 min
Assamese coins during the Ahom Empire used various languages and had names of rulers, Gods, and Goddesses on their coins. Tripura had coins that resembled the currency of the Bengal Sultanate, were made of silver, and had inscriptions of their queens. Pandyan coins made of copper were influenced by Maunyan currency, were square in shape, and were called Kasu. Have a look at this episode to know more
E7 Danish, Dutch, Indo-Greek
15 August 2020
|
19 min
The Dutch East India Company, which was started after trade expanded in India, started minting coins. Fanam coins were minted using lead, along with gold coins. Danish ruling history led to changes in the history of currency. The Indo Greeks in India brought with them the norm of minting the rulers face on the coins, starting with Alexander. Watch this episode to know more about these unique coins of India.
E8 Portuguese, East India, British Raj
01 August 2020
|
21 min
Portuguese were among the first ones to maintain trading relations with India, which led to the use of their currency in India. British India reign was divided in two parts, British East India Company and British Sarkar Raj. Currency changed with every ruler of England and its effects can be seen on Indian currency. After the formation of the three
E9 French Indian, Modern I, Modern II
11 August 2020
|
18 min
After the formation of French East India company, French had to struggle with the Dutch to attain their positions and mint their own coins that lead to many economical changes. They minted copper and silver coins. From 194750 India used the currency of British India. After Independence, symbols of corn and lion that indicated prosperity and progress were included. Various metals like nickle and copper were used in these coins. Watch this episode to understand the evolution of modern currency of India.
Subscribe
Have a request or feedback? Click here
