Coins of the Bikaner State

Product Description

Coins of the Bikaner State during the reigns of Rattan Singh, Saroar Singh, Ganga Singh, Surat Singh, and Dungar Singh offer a fascinating glimpse into the numismatic history of the region. These rulers played a significant role in shaping the cultural, political, and economic landscape of Bikaner, a princely state located in present-day Rajasthan, India.

Rattan Singh, who reigned from 1787 to 1788, issued coins that reflect the artistic and cultural influences of the era. His coins typically featured a central motif of the ruler’s portrait, surrounded by intricate floral patterns and legends inscribed in the Nagari script. The coins of Rattan Singh are known for their simplicity and elegance, capturing the essence of the period.

Saroar Singh, the ruler of Bikaner from 1788 to 1828, introduced his unique coinage during his reign. His coins showcased a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal artistic styles. The central motifs often depicted a horse or a hunting scene, representing the warrior spirit of the region. These coins also bore inscriptions in Nagari script, along with Persian legends, demonstrating the cultural amalgamation prevalent in the state during that time.

Ganga Singh, one of the most renowned rulers of Bikaner, ruled from 1887 to 1943. His coins reflect the transition from traditional to modern coinage. Ganga Singh’s coins featured his portrait or the coat of arms of Bikaner on the obverse. The reverse typically displayed symbolic motifs like a sunburst, a trident, or a peacock. These coins were struck in various denominations, ranging from copper to silver, and sometimes even gold.

Surat Singh, who ascended the throne in 1943, introduced coins that witnessed the influences of the British Raj. His coins displayed the portrait of King George VI, the reigning British monarch at the time, on the obverse. The reverse of the coins featured the coat of arms of Bikaner along with inscriptions in both Nagari and English scripts. These coins highlighted the political and administrative ties between Bikaner and the British Empire.

Dungar Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Bikaner, held the throne from 1943 to 1949. During his reign, Bikaner’s coinage continued to bear the portrait of King George VI on the obverse, emphasizing the continued association with the British Empire. The reverse depicted the coat of arms of Bikaner, along with inscriptions in Nagari and English scripts. Dungar Singh’s coins served as a testament to the historical significance of Bikaner and its ruler’s alignment with the British administration.