6 coins minted in Kashmir and what makes them valuable

Coins are more than just economic tools, they are relics that tell the story of civilizations. Among many civilizations, Kashmir has a rich and tumultuous history that defines its numismatic arena and reflects its political, cultural, and economic evolution. Over the centuries, the region has seen the rise and fall of empires, each leaving behind coins that serve as a tangible link to the past.

From the earliest Kushana period to the rule of the Mughals, the Sultans of Kashmir, the Afghan era, and the Sikh and Dogra dynasties, the minting of coins in Kashmir gives an interesting record of the valley's varied rulers and their influence. Some of these coins were lost to time, while others remained as historical artifacts, bringing light on Kashmir’s complex past.

The inscriptions on these coins and their designs, tell us about the power struggles, economic conditions, and artistic expressions of their time. Here are six types of coins that were minted in Kashmir through the ages.

The Kushana period from the 6th to the 4th century B.C. marks one of the earliest phases of Kashmir's monetary history. Coins from this time include punch-marked silver and copper pieces, referred to as "pana" in ancient Sanskrit and Pali literature. These coins, influenced by Greek and Scythian designs, bore inscriptions in languages like Sharda and Devanagari. The Kushanas, under the reign of rulers such as Kanishka, introduced a standardised coinage system, contributing significantly to the regional economy. These ancient coins were important for trade, both locally and with distant empires, and give some information into the early socio-political structure of Kashmir.

The Sultanate period brought significant changes to Kashmir's coinage system, with the introduction of silver and copper coins under the rule of Sultan Shah Mir and Sultan Sikander. These coins were inscribed with Persian and Arabic texts, such as “Zarb-i-Kashmir” (minted in Kashmir), and were used to exercise the power of the Muslim rulers. Sultan Sikander’s coins had inscriptions bearing his name and reign period. The coins from this era were square in shape (silver) and round (copper), with distinct designs. They symbolised the Sultanate’s legitimacy and control over Kashmir.

The Mughal Empire particularly during the reigns of Jahangir and Aurangzeb, introduced high-quality gold and silver coins in Kashmir. Jahangir's coins are known for their artistic detailing, often bearing the emperor’s name and Persian inscriptions. These coins were not just economic tools but also symbols of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. The usage of the ‘Zarb-i-Kashmir’ symbol continued, but the designs grew more sophisticated under Mughal influence. Mughals also introduced new coin types like the "Dinar" and “Rupiah,” and coins were minted in Kashmir to show the region’s involvement in the Mughal imperial system.

Under Afghan rule, coins continued to be minted, but with a sense of regional decline. The Afghan rulers, such as Ata Muhammad Khan Bamzai, issued coins in the name of popular Kashmiri mystic Sheikh Noor-ud-Din. These coins, which were mainly made of silver and copper, were inscribed with the ruler’s name and titles, showing the turbulent period of Afghan control. Coins from this time show a blend of Islamic inscriptions and local symbols, highlighting the complex relationship between the Afghan rulers and the Kashmiri people. These coins became a tool for the Afghan authorities to establish their rule in Kashmir.

During the Sikh rule from 1820 to 1846, coins continued to include Persian legends, but with a more localised touch. An example from 1819 shows an inscription referencing Guru Gobind Singh and his spiritual leadership. Sikh coins, made primarily of copper and silver, also contained symbols that showcased Sikh authority. The coins served not only as currency but as political statements, reinforcing the authority of the Sikh rulers. This period witnessed a shift in the minting practices as the region adapted to new rulers and growing trade in the subcontinent. The coins also became part of the local culture, with their inscriptions gaining symbolic meaning.

The Dogra dynasty marked the last phase of Kashmir's traditional coinage system. The Dogra rulers continued to mint coins, especially during the early years of their reign, with Persian inscriptions still in use. Dogra coins were made from silver and copper, and many were minted in Srinagar, continuing the legacy of coinage production in the city. These coins often bore the Dogra dynasty's symbol, reflecting the new power structure in Kashmir after the region’s annexation by the Dogras. The Dogra coins served as a symbol of authority, marking the final stage of Kashmir’s rich numismatic history before the region transitioned into the modern era.