Shah Alam II. Rupee Mint: Shahjahanabad AH 1176/RY 3 issued by Najib Khan Ruhela

[asm]

1170's was a period of great turmoil in the Imperial capital of Shahjahanabad. It was the time that the Afghans had invaded India, the Maratha's were trying to take over and the Great Mughal Rulers were reduced to being just puppets in the hands of their more enterprising ministers.

Alamgir II was done to death and Shah Jahan III was installed to the throne. A little while later he was deposed and the Marathas (through the Ruhela's / Rohillas) had Prince Ali Guhar (in the name of Shah Alam II) installed on the throne in far away Bihar. However, fearing for his life, he was not permitted to reach Shahjahanabad and the Ruhela leader Najib Khan ruled from Shahjahanabad in his name.

Here is an interesting coin, issued during the early period of Shah Alam II's reign. Oesho tells me that the coins of RY 3 are more scarce as compared to the coins of RY 2 & RY 4.

Amit

[Figleaf]

Congratulations, Amit. A prize piece with great detail, witness of "interesting times".

Peter

[asm]

Thanks Peter. Yes, those were indeed very "interesting times". The Emperor (Shah Alam II) was a puppet (of the Ruhella ruler) who owed his survival to another power (the Marathas) ..........who were on the one hand fighting the Mughals......

Amit