Coins and Chronology of Early Independent Sultans of the Bengal

The chronology and coins of the Bengal Sultans provide valuable insight into the political, cultural, and economic history of medieval eastern India. The independent Sultanate of Bengal emerged after 1338 CE when regional governors declared autonomy from the Delhi Sultanate. Among the earliest rulers were Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah, who unified Bengal, and his successors of the Ilyas Shahi dynasty (1352–1414 CE), known for consolidating the region’s prosperity. They were followed by the House of Raja Ganesha and later the Hussain Shahi dynasty (1493–1538 CE), under whom Bengal reached its cultural zenith. 

The coinage of the Bengal Sultans is remarkable for its distinctive calligraphy and regional adaptation. Gold, silver, and copper coins bore inscriptions in Arabic and Persian, often with the ruler’s name, titles, and pious legends. Uniquely, the coins retained the Bengali tola weight standard and frequently included the name of the mint city, such as Pandua, Gaur, or Satgaon. The Hussain Shahi coins stand out for their artistic finesse and epigraphic precision. These coins not only served economic functions but also projected royal legitimacy and Islamic authority in a culturally plural region. Collectively, they remain vital primary sources for reconstructing the chronology and sovereignty of Bengal’s medieval rulers.