Marudhar Arts
Auction 36 9 Jul 2022
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Bengal Sultanate, Jalal ud-din Muhammad (Second Reign: AH 821-836/7/AD1418-1432/3), No mint, Silver Tanka, 'Lion' Type, Struck in the name of his father Ganesha, Obv: a lion to right with his paw raised, short Arabic legend above "bin Ganesha ibtad" (son of the founder, Ganesha), Rev: Arabic legend "Jalal ud dunya wa'l din Abu'l Muzaffar Muhammad Shah al-sultan" within an ornated border, 10.72g, 29.75mm (G&G # B342), choice very fine, Extremely Rare in this grade.
Note: The reasons for Jalal ud din's adoption of the symbolic figure of the lion were probably political, the lion symbolizing his might and superiority over the rivals-an emblem of sovereignty. The initial coinage of his second reign continues the sort of issues struck in his first reign. Then in AH 824, we get what is perhaps the most remarkable coinage in the Bengal series, the first issue of lion tankas. Various ideas have also been put forward to explain the use of the lion motif on these coins, including the concept of the lion as a symbol of kingship and power; whatever the reason, this motif was not only used by two other Bengal Sultans but also by the rulers of Tripura in the east.
Note: The reasons for Jalal ud din's adoption of the symbolic figure of the lion were probably political, the lion symbolizing his might and superiority over the rivals-an emblem of sovereignty. The initial coinage of his second reign continues the sort of issues struck in his first reign. Then in AH 824, we get what is perhaps the most remarkable coinage in the Bengal series, the first issue of lion tankas. Various ideas have also been put forward to explain the use of the lion motif on these coins, including the concept of the lion as a symbol of kingship and power; whatever the reason, this motif was not only used by two other Bengal Sultans but also by the rulers of Tripura in the east.