Historian Traces Evolution of Deccan Coinage at Salar Jung Museum

Hyderabad became a central hub for coin production during the later Asaf Jahi period, with coins minted locally and sent across the region.

Coin Traditions

Professor Danish Moin spoke at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad on Saturday, November 14, 2026, covering coinage trends from the 14th to the 19th century. He explained how rulers used coins to show political power, religious beliefs and economic details, looking at dynasties like the Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani dynasty, Deccan Sultanates, Mughals and Asaf Jahi rulers. Early coin production was spread across many cities, with Golconda and Hyderabad issuing Qutb Shahi coins, while Mughal mints operated in Ahmadnagar, Aurangabad, Berar, Daulatabad, Deogiri, Golconda, Gulbarga and Hyderabad.

Asaf Jahi Period

Asaf Jahi rulers first kept using Mughal emperor names on coins before switching to the title 'Asaf Jah Nizam-ul-Mulk Bahadur'. Aurangabad and Daulatabad served as key centres early on, but coin making later shifted mostly to Hyderabad for centralized production and distribution. The sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, brought in machine-struck coinage to replace manual production. This new method led to standardized currency with clear denominations, including coins featuring the Charminar motif, mirroring changes seen in British Indian currency.

Medieval Styles

Medieval Indian currency followed two main traditions. The Vijayanagara Empire used ancient Indian designs with gods, goddesses, animals, trees and symbols, while the Bahmani dynasty and Deccan Sultanates, such as the Adil Shahi, Barid Shahi, Imad Shahi and Nizam Shahi, followed the Islamic tradition focused on inscriptions. These inscriptions included religious elements like the Kalima, caliph names, Quranic verses and ruler titles, alongside secular details like ruler names, mint locations and dates.

Context

Studying old coins helps historians understand the political reach and economic systems of past kingdoms. Changes in minting technology and design show how different rulers wanted to present their authority to the public.