Speaker
Description
Bengal, a provincial kingdom of medieval India flourishing since early 13th century had a significant and consistent coinage of its governors and sultans from the very beginning of the Sultanate. A comparative study of this coinage reveals marked influence from the coinage of Seljuq Sultans of Rum (Anatolia) confirmed by the use from the beginning of the horse rider motif, the legend pattern in Arabic and typical calligraphy, enclosure variety and other features. The Governors of Bengal appointed since the 2nd decade of 13th century AD by Sultans of Delhi followed coin types of Seljuq Sultans rather than the coin type issued by their overlord ruling over northern and north-western India. In the present paper an attempt will be made to delve into the reasons behind the decision to imitate Seljuq Sultan’s coinage made by Sultans of Bengal for three centuries of their rule.
