Sikh Coinage : Symbol of Sikh Sovereignty/Surinder Singh. New Delhi, Manohar Pub., 2004, 283 p., ills., $55. ISBN 81-7304-533-X.

    Contents: Preface. 1. The initial Sikh coinage AD 1710-1712. 2. The coinage of the Misl period AD 1765-1799. 3. Sikh coinage during the Lahore Darbar: the period of Ranjit Singh AD 1800-1839. 4. Sikh coinage of the Lahore Darbar: the post Ranjit Singh period AD 1839-1849. 5. Sikh coins as a symbol of Sikh sovereignty: am assessment. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.

    "The Sikh coinage has a number of distinct and unique features vis-a-vis prevailing currencies in India. Almost every Sikh historian, European or Indian who wrote about Sikhs, has commented on Sikh coins, based on earlier accounts with some modification but without any examination of the coins which were readily available. These accounts have spread disinformation and distortions to such an extent that the few numismatists who examined the Sikh coins also succumbed to the historical fiction based on hearsay.

    An attempt has been made in this study to correct various disinformations and distortions, e.g. the incorrect translation of the legends, incorrect nomenclature of Sikh currency, coins alleged to having been struck by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the name of a courtesan, coins struck by Hari Singh Nalwa in his own name, etc. From the evidence collected from detailed examination of historical accounts and meticulous numismatic investigation, the true perspective has been arrived at about Sikh coinage, in its pristine beauty and as a symbol of Sikh sovereignty.

    Sikh coins were first issued by Banda Bahadur between 1710 and 1713 and after a gap of almost half a century they were again issued from 1765 till 1845. In the field of Indian numismatics, Sikh coins in particular have received scant attention. Scholars and academics have been guilty of neglecting the subject. The present work attempts to fill this gap." (jacket)

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