The Khalsa Panth (Sikh League) and its coinage

 

The Khalsa Panth (Sikh League) and its coinage

THE COINS OF THE SIKHS – PUNJAB

A brief Introduction of the Khalsa Panth and its coinage      
                    

The years 1716 – 1733 were a period of persecution of the Sikhs by the Mughal rulers. The Sikhs were captured and tortured and many fled into the jungles. Many battles were fought during this period by the Khalsa Panth under the leadership of Kapur Singh (1697 – 1753). Finally in 1733, Zakaria Khan the Governor of Punjab, decided to reconcile with the Sikhs. He offered them a jagir (fief) with an annual revenue of one lakh rupees and the title of Nawab. The Sikhs appointed Kapur Singh as Nawab, settled at Amritsar, their holy city, and began to consolidate their power in Punjab.

In 1734, Nawab Kapur Singh divided the Sikhs  into two sections – the Budda Dal (army of the elderly) and the Taruna Dal (army of the young). The Budda Dal was in charge of all holy places, preaching the Guru’s messages and spreading the Sikh religion. The Taruna Dal was tasked with the training of the Sikhs in martial arts and to fight the enemy when necessary.

 

      Nawab Kapur Singh

      (1697 – 1753)  

 

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

        (1718 – 1783)



(Photos:Central Sikh Museum, Golden Temple complex, Amritsar)

By 1747, the Sikhs had 65 jathas (bands) in the Punjab. On 29th March 1748 (Baisakhi day), the sarbat Khalsa (the General Assembly of the Sikhs) under Kapur Singh gathered in Amritsar, their holy city. The Sikh forces were united into a single fighting force under the control of the Dal Khalsa , the highest religious body of the Sikhs at the Akal Takht   (the throne of the Timeless  One God, Waheguru) at Amritsar. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (1718 – 1783) was given the supreme command of the Dal Khalsa. The Sikhs were now divided into eleven (11) misls or divisions under the control of a Sikh Chief with his own banner. The eleven sikh misls were :

1.      Ahluwalia Misl, under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

2.      Faizullapuria  or Singhpuria Misl, under Nawab Kapur Singh

3.      Nishanwalia Misl, under Desaunda Singh

4.      Dallewalia  Misl, under Gulab Singh

5.      Karora Singhia or Punjgarhia Misl, under Karora Singh

6.      Bhangi Misl, under Hari Singh

7.      Ramgarhia Misl, under Jassa Singh Ramgarhia

8.      Kanhayia Misl, under Jai Singh

9.      Nakkai Misl, under Hira Singh

10.  Sukarchakia Misl, under Charhat Singh

11.  Shahid Misl, under Deep Singh 

The Phulkian Misl, under Ala Singh, was not part of the Dal Khalsa. It was mainly active in the Sikh States Of Nabha, Patiala, Jind and Kaithal. It was however aligned to the Dal Khalsa, and used to provide assistance in times of need.

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia established the system of “Rakhi” (protection) in the Punjab around 1756. In return for one-fifth of one’s income to the Sikhs, protection was granted to the people against exploitation by Government officials and robbers. This system ultimately led to the establishment of a national monarchy.

In December 1763, the Dal Khalsa attacked and defeated Zain Khan, the Durrani Governor of Sirhind. Sirhind ( where Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s two youngest sons had been cruelly bricked up alive by the Subedar in  1705).

In April 1765, the leaders of the various misls led by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, passed a Gurmata (decree) to establish the Sikh State of Punjab by declaring their sovereignty and independence. In 1765, under the authority of the Sikh League “Khalsa”, the Bhangi Misl struck 1 Rupee silver coins at the Lahore Mint which came to be known as the “Nanak Shahi Rupiya” (coins of Guru Nanak). These coins were struck between the Vikrama Samvat Years 1822 – 1855 (1765 – 1798). These coins were about 21 mm in diameter and had a weight of approximately 11 gram’s.

Obverse : In Persian “Degh O tegh O fateh nusrat be-dirang, yaft az Nanak Guru

                 Gobind  Singh”

                 (The prosperity, strength by the sword and resultant victory are obtained from

                   Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh)

Reverse : In Persian “Zarb dar as – Sultanat Lahore, sanat ____ julus maimanat

                 manus”

                 (Struck in auspicious and prosperous capital of Lahore , samvat year ____)



1/2 Rupee VS 1847 (1790)
Lahore Mint
D: 19mm,W: 5.35g

\   

1 Rupee VS 1822 (1765)
Lahore Mint
D: 21mm,W: 11.25g
First Coin by the Khalsa



1 Rupee VS 1841 (1784)
Lahore Mint
D: 23mm, W: 11.20g

The “Khalsa” struck 1 rupee silver coins at the Amritsar mint between the Vikram Samvat Years 1832 – 1855 (1775 – 1798). The symbol of the leaf on Sikh coins was included for the first time in VS 1845 (1788).  Nanakshahi rupees were also struck at the Lahore Mint.

Obverse : Similar to the obverse of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Rupee Year 2 and 3

Reverse : “Zarb Sri Amritsar Jeo. Jalus Maimanat Takht Akal Bakht, Samvat ____”

                 (Struck at illustrious Amritsar in the reign of the auspicious and prosperous

                  Akal Takht (seat of the temporal authority of the Khalsa – Sikh Brotherhood),

                  Samvat Year ___)

1 Rupee VS 1833 (1766)
Amritsar Mint
D: 21mm, W: 11.15g

                                      

            

 1 Rupee VS 1845 (1788)

     Amritsar Mint, D: 22mm,W: 11.15g.

     Leaf symbol added for the first time

                           

 The Bhangi Misl, a component of the “Khalsa”, struck 1 rupee silver coins at the Multan Mint, which was under their jurisdiction, between VS1829 – VS 1836 (1772 – 1779).

 1 Rupee VS 1830 (1773)

   Multan Mint, D: 21mm, W: 11.30g.

The “Khalsa” also struck 1 rupee silver coins bearing the name Anandgarh between VS1840 – VS 1846 (1783 – 1789) and VS 1848 – VS 1849 (1791 – 1792). These coins were most probably struck at  Amritsar. 

 1 Rupee VS 1841 (1784) Anandgarh
D: 23mm, W: 11.10g.

  

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia acted as a permanent leader of the Sikhs and brought them out of political chaos into self Government. He died of old age in 1783.

  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* The coins of the Sikhs issued since VS 1822 (1765) all bear the Vikram Samvat year date.

   This is 57 years ahead of the English calendar (AD).

++ As the dies for striking the Sikh coins were larger then the planchets, only part of the Persian

     inscriptions appear on the coins.

 

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ( 1670 – 1716 ) and the first coins of the Sikhs

 

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ( 1670 – 1716 ) and the first coins of the Sikhs

THE COINS OF THE SIKHS – PUNJAB

A brief Introduction of the first coins of the Sikhs

                                                                                          

On 3^rd September  1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji administered the vows and Amrit (blessed necter) to Madho Das, a Hindu Sadhu or ascetic, and gave him a new name,  Banda Singh. At the same time,  he gave Banda Singh a Nagara (war drum), Nishan Sahib (banner) and five arrows from his own quiver as symbols of Authority. Banda Singh was also accompanied by five Sikhs to assist him to build up his forces so as to repel the tyranny of the Mughal Empire.

After the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji* (1666 – 1708), Baba Banda Singh Bahadur took over the leadership of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh League / brotherhood). To counteract against the Mughal rulers atrocities and religious persecution of the Sikhs, he decided to eliminate the rule of the Mughal power itself. Baba Banda Singh made a start towards the creation of an independent Sikh State (Punjab) and assumed political authority. His areas of control stretched from Lahore to Panipat in India. He appointed Sikh administrators to rule over the territories under his control.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s Sikh forces defeated the army of Nawab Wazir Khan, the Subedar of Sirhind on 14^th May 1710. Sirhind was the place where on the orders of the cruel Subedar, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s  two youngest sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, were bricked up alive in December 1705. To commemorate the conquest of Sirhind, a new era was declared by the Sikhs, starting with Samvat  Year 1  (14^th May 1710 – 13^th May 1711). **

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

(Photo:Central Sikh Museum, Golden Temple complex, Amritsar)

 

In 1711, the Khalsa Panth, under the leadership of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, issued the  

first known 1 rupee silver coins bearing the Year 2  at Mukhlispore (renamed Lohgarh) near Sadhaura. A second issue of 1 rupee silver coins bearing the Year 3 were issued in 1712. However , the couplet of these coins is different from the couplet used on the seal of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

 

The aforesaid letter bears the seal of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur , in Persian, Deg-o-tegh-o-fateh-o-nusrat-bedrang yaft az Nanak Guru Gobind Singh (Abundance, power, victory and assistance without delay are the gifts of Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh)

Below the seal is the Hukamnama (edict or order) to the Sikhs of Jaunpur by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur on 12^th December 1710.

Romanized English version of the Hukamnama

Ek Ongkar Fateh Darshan. Sri sache sahib ji ka hokum hai sarbat Khalsa Jaunpur ka Guru rekhega, guru japna janam savraega, tusi sri akal purakh ji ka khalsa ho, panj hathear banh ke hukam dekhdiya darshan awna. Khalsae di rahet rahena, bhang, tumakoo, hafeem, posthe, dharoo, amal koyee na hi khana, mas masheli paeaj na hi khana, chori jari nahi karni, asa satjug vertaeya hae aap vech pyar karna, mera hukam hae jo khalsae di rahet rahega tesdi Guru bahori kareaga. Methi Poh 12 samvat pahela satrathes.

Translation of the Hukamnama

Ek Ongkar Fateh Darshan. By the order of the true king, all the Khalsa of Jaunpur will be protected by Guru ji, Pray to the Guru for he will improve your life. You are God’s Khalsa, wear the five weapons and on being ordered, present yourself. You must obey the principals of the Khalsa. You are not to consume hemp, tobacco, opium, poppy seeds or alcoholic drinks. You are not to eat meat, fish and onions. You must not steal. We usher in a new era, Satjug – the Age of Truth. Love one another. This is my order, those who should live according to the principals of the Khalsa will be protected by God. Dated 12 Poh samvat pahela 1 (= 12 December 1710)

The significance of the Hukamnama

The interesting thing about this letter is that it has the date in Gurmukhi Poh 12 Samvat Pahela 1 (= 12 December Samvat Year 1, i.e. 1710) on the last line. The new Samvat era date on this letter further confirms that a new era (Samvat Year 1) was declared by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur after his capture of the city of Sirhind on 14^th May, 1710.

It is possible  that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur could have issued the 1 Rupee coin bearing the Year 1. Should such a coin be traced in time to come, the two listed coins below would become the 2^nd and 3^rd issues of his short lived coinage.

 

 1 Rupee silver, Year 2 (1711)

 Diameter: 28 mm, Weight: 11.96 grammes



1 Rupee silver,Year 3 (1712)

Diameter: 23 mm, Weight: 11.84 grammes   



Obverse: In Persian “Sikka zad bar Har do alam , fazl Saccha Sahib ast , fateh

               tegh-e Gur(u) Gobind (Singh) shah shahan,  Nanak waheb ast”  

               (Coin struck for the two worlds by the grace of the True Lord, Victory of the

               sword of the King of Kings , Guru Gobind (Singh) , Nanak submits (says) that

               Almighty is the provider)

Reverse: In Persian “Zarb Khalsa Mubarak bakht ba-aman ad-dhar zinat al takht

               mashwarat shahr, sanah 2”

               (struck by the Khalsa of auspicious fortune at the refuge of the fate, the

                ornament of the throne (of Akal) the city of the council, year 2).

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was captured near Gurdaspur and taken in chains to Delhi. He was horribly tortured before being executed on 9^th June 1716 on the orders of the Mughal ruler, Farrukhsiyar.

*    Guru Gobind Singh Ji left for his heavenly abode on 7^th October 1808

** Saran Singh – “The first coins of the Sikhs”, Oriental Numismatic Society Information Sheet Number 144 page 7- 8, Spring 1995. Baba Banda Singh’s edict dated 12^th December 1710 to the Sikhs at Jaunpur in Gurmukhi script with the  year 1, published in Desh Pardesh, London, 1991, page 49.

Key Sikh Generals during Maharaja Ranjit's Period

Key Sikh Generals during Maharaja Ranjit's Period

Listed below are some of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Sikh generals that contributed to the key success of his campaigns to unite the Sikhs under one leader ship. Note worthy places like Multan, Peshawar, Kashmir which were in constant turmoil because of the Afghans and Mughals were captured and ruled by the Sikhs. Many of the Sikh Mints were in these places, in addition to the Amritsar and Lahore mints. All known Sikh mints are listed in the map , which is part of this blog. 

General Phula Singh Akali (1761 - 1823)

Phula Singh Akali was the leader of the Shahid Misl , a great warrior and eminent religious figure. Around 1805, he was in charge of all religious shrines in Amritsar. As commander of the Akali troops, Akali Phula Singh took part in many of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s campaigns. This includes Kasur in 1807, Multan and Peshawar in 1818 and Kashmir in 1819. In March 1823, Akali Phula Singh was killed in battle by the Afghans at Naushera, which is between Attock and Peshawar. Burj Baba Phula Singh stands in Amritsar in his memory. 

     General Phula Singh Akali

                    (1761 – 1823)

General Sham Singh Attariwala (179x? - 1846)

Sham Singh  Attariwala entered  the service of  Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1817. He took part in the military campaigns against the enemy in Peshawar . Attock and Multan  in 1818.  In 1819,  he led a military force which took over control of Kashmir. In the 1830’s, he was made Chief of Protocol by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His daughter, Bibi Nanaki, married  Prince Nau Nihal Singh in March 1837. Sham Singh was made a member of the Regency Council by Maharani Jind Kaur in December 1844. During the battle of Sabraon, Sham Singh Attariwala lost his life on the 10^th February, 1846 against the superior British forces.

                              

General Sham Singh Attariwala

            (179x - 1846)

General Hari Singh Nalwa (1791 - 1837)

Hari Singh Nalwa entered the services of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a personal attendant in 1805. Very shortly, he rose to the rank of Commandant. He took part in the attack on Kasur in 1807, and then again in Sialkot, Sahival and Khushab between 1809 – 1810. In 1810, he took part in the conquest of Kashmir. Hari Singh Nalwa became Governor of Kashmir in 1820 – 1821. In 1822, he was transferred to Hazara where he remained for 12 years as an  administrator. In 1834, Hari Singh Nalwa with his army captured Peshawar and annexed it to the Sikh Empire. At this point, he was appointed Governor of Peshawar. On 30^th April 1837, at the battle of Attock, he died fighting against the Afgans under Akbar Khan. 

There is a Kashmir One Rupee, call the "Hari Singhee Rupee", date VS 1878 (1821). This rupee bears the words "Har" in Gurmukhi or Nagari script. Its more of a religious reference, instead of a reference to Hari Singh Nalwa. 

                     1 Rupee VS 1878 (1821)                    

Kashmir Mint

Hari Singh Rupee

 

                               

  General Hari Singh Nalwa

                                                     (1751 - 1837)

                                           Governor of Kashmir 1820 - 1821      

                                             Governor  of Peshawar and Hazara 1834 - 1837

                                                  (Photo – 1960’s calendar)

Prince Nau Nihal Singh (1821 - 1840)

Nau Nihal Singh, son of Maharaja Kharak Singh and Rani Chand Kaur, was born on 23^rd February 1821. In 1834, Prince Nau Nihal Singh together with General Hari Singh Nalwa, were in charge of the sikh forces during the conquest of Peshawar. The Peshawar Mint issued 1 Rupee silver coins which came to be known as the “Nau Nihal Singhee Rupees”. Prince Nau Nihal Singh was appointed administrator of the Attock region. In 1835, Nau Nihal Singh married the daughter of General Sham Singh Atariwala. In 1840, Nau Nihal Singh took charge of the Lahore administration when his father , Maharaja Kharak Singh fell ill, much to the displeasure of the Dogra Minister. Three days after his fathers death, Nau Nihal Singh was killed on 8^th November 1840 in a so called incident. His untimely death was a terrible blow to the Sikh nation as he was the last hope of keeping the Punjab Empire in tack.

 

Brief Sikh Coin History

Sikh Coins History began alot earlier than Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's 1st Sikh Coin issue in 1711. The journey started during the Guru period in the 17^th Century, at the peak of the Moghul rule. Constant conflict beween the Sikhs and Moghuls resulted in many battles fought. Eventually this resulted in sovereignty of the Sikhs in 1710 and minting of the First Sikh Coin in 1711, and labeled as Year 2. There could be a Year 1 minted in 1710, but non known to date. 

The battle for independance continued in the 18^th & 19^th century  during the Durrani & British periods. This resulted in the creation of the Dal Khalsa, Phulkian Misl and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire minting coins as part of being independent or sovereign.

No known Sikh coins were minted between 1713 to 1764. The Phulkian Misl started issuing Sikh coins in 1764, followed by the Dal Khalsa in 1765. 

There were multiple Sikh Mints between 1711 – 1941, but the largest were Lahore Mint, Amritsar Mint, Multan Mint (1764 - 1849) and the Phulkian Misls Mints (1764 -1941). Mints under the Dal Khalsa issued coins between 1765 – 1801. Mints under Maharaja Ranjit Singh issued coins between 1801 – 1849. Phulkian Misl issued coins between 1764 – 1941, Faridkot Mint being the last. Largest mint under the Phulkian Misl was the Patiala Mint.

Sikh and non-Sikh Coins were traded during the same period, within the same region, with a defined exchange rate. Many non-Sikh territories also accepted Sikh coins as part of trading, similar to modern currency practices today.

Evolution of the Sikh Coin Mints in the 18th and 19th Century

 Evolution of the Sikh Coin Mints in the 18th and 19th Century

 by Dalwinder Singh Sidhu

Sikh Coin Mints first started in the early 18th Century during the Baba Banda Singh Period around 1710 - 1712AD time frame. This was the first sign of Soverinity and independance. This was the start of the Khalsa Mint. 

Mid 18th Century, the Phulkian Misl under Ala Singh started issuing its own coins in 1764AD at the Patiala Mint. in 1766AD, The Kaithal and Nabha issued the next set of coins, followed by Jind. The Jind coins will need more research to identify the exact date the first mint started issueing coins. As the families were all somehow related, many shared coin die's with each other. Hence you will observe that some coins do look alike and may be confusing to a novice collector. Only Faridkot never issued its own coins for trade. Faridkot did however issue Nazarana and Commemorative Mohurs in 1941 mainly as gifts or special occasions. 

After the Patiala issues in 1764, the Dal Khalsa, comprising 11 Misls, started minting its own coins in 1765 at the Lahore Mint. This was the first sign of significant independance from the Moghul Empire. Then later at 1775AD, Amritsar Mint started issuing its own coins. Both coins were minted under the flagship of the Bhangi Misl, which was the strongest Misl at that time. In 1777AD, the Multan Mint started issuing coins. These were the 3 main mints under the Dal Khalsa which continued minting coins for trading purposes until 1801. 

Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated all the Misls and continued using the Lahore, Amritsar and Multan Mints to issue coins. During his reign, he expanded his empire North of the Cis Sutlej River towards the Kashmir Mountains and later the North West Frontier. Due to a treaty with the British, he did not expand south of the Cis Sutlej River. Only new known Mint south of Sutlej that potentially issued coins under the Sikh rule was Buria. More research needs to be done her. 

In 1819, Kashmir Mint was established in the Northern Region. In 1820, the Derajat Mint was established and then followed by the Mankera Mint in 1822. Maharaja Ranjit Singh then continued to expand his empire towards the Peshawar region and established the Peshawar Mint in 1834. In 1837, the Dera Mint was established. 5 Mints were added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh between 1801 to 1839. These areas were the toughest and most gruesome due to constant conflicts with local tribesman and the Afghani's. 

After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, only the Nimak Mint (Pind Dadan Khan) was established in 1847. This was during the period of Maharaja Duleep Singh and Regent Maharani Jind Kaur. Significant trading occured in this region requirring the mint to be established. 

All mints stopped Minting coins after 1849. The last Sikh Coins under Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire were issued in 1849. 

The Phulkian Misls however continued to mint coins as they were friendly with the British, especially after 1857, post Indian Mutiny period. 

A detail map showing the development of new Sikh Mints is shown below. 

Sikh Stories Origins and its Relationship to Coins. Part 4 : Diwan Today Mal and the last rites of Sahebzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, Sahebzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and their grand mother, Mata Gujri Ji.

Diwan Today Mal and the last rites of Sahebzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, Sahebzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and their grand mother, Mata Gujri Ji.

By : Saran Singh Sidhu and Dalwinder Singh Sidhu

 

After the evacuation of the Anadpur Fort in Punjab, Mata Gujri Ji (Gujar Kaur, mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) and her grand sons, Baba Fateh Singh Ji (aged 9 years) and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (aged 6 years), got separated from Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Sikhs while crossing the flooded Sirsa River on 6^th December 1705. Their former cook, Ganga, found them in the jungle and took them to his village Kheri (Saheri) near Morinda in present day District Ropar. However, the greedy Ganga, betrayed them to the Mughal authorities for monetary reward.

 

On 21^st December 1705, Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were taken to Sirhind under heavy escort, and imprisoned in the Thanda Burj (cold tower).

 

On 23^rd December 1705, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were brought to the darbar (audience hall) of the Faujdar (Governor) Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind. Wazir Khan gave them a choice, either convert to Islam and receive immense rewards or face death. When both of them refused to obey his orders, Wazir Khan decided to carry out his evil deed. Nawab Sher Mohd Khan of Maler Kotla, who was also present, intervened against such an unjust act on these young children who had committed no crime. However, Wazir Khan refused to change his decision. Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were again sent to the Thanda Burj (cold tower) with instructions that they were not to be given any food. Nawab Sher Khan left soon after in disgust for Maler Kotla.

 

During this imprisionment, Mata Gujri Ji spoke to her two grandsons of the great deeds of their father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Sikhs. She told them never to waiver and loose their faith. “Ser jaayae taa jaayae, mayrah Sikhi saydek Na jaayae” (Let my head be cut off but never shall I loose my faith). At this time, Moti Ram Mehra, a devotee of the Guru, came secretly at night to the cold tower and gave warm milk to Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji. Later, when Wazir Khan found out about this matter, he had Moti Ram Mehra and his entire family executed.

 

On 25^th December 1705, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were brough to Nawab Wazir Khan. They were again told to convert to Islam or face death. Both of them refused to do so and stood steadfast and loyal to their own faith. Finally, Wazir Khan gave the order to have both of them bricked up alive. When the wall around them was almost complete, a part of it crumbled. Both the brothers fell forward on the floor. They were then executed by having their throats cut. On hearing of their tragic deaths, Mata Gujri who was imprisoned in the cold tower alos left for her heavenly abode.

 

Diwan Todar Mal, a wealthy merchant and devotee of Guru Gobinds Singh Ji, wished to cremate the three bodies – Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji. He managed to pursuade Chaudari Atta to allow his land to be used for cremation. Diwan Todar Mal approached Nawab Wazir Khan for permission to cremate the bodies. The wily Wazir Khan agreed but on condition that he purchased the required site with a payment of gold mohurs, which were to be placed vertically on the required area, which is belived to have been approximately 42 sq.feet (about 6 feet X 7 feet). With great difficulty, Diwan Todar Mal managed to raise the required number of gold mohurs, which are believed to be around 88,680 pieces, and placed them vertically on the ground in front of the gloating Nawab Wazir Khan. The Mohurs used were of Shah Jahan and of Aurangzeb dated AH 1115 (1704) or earlier.

 

On 26^th December 1705, the bodies of Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were cremated with great respect by Diwan Todar Mal and his family in Fatehgarh, which is abut 2.5 Km aways from Sirhind. This is the site of Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup at Fatehgarh Saheb in Punjab, India.

 

Diwan Todar Mal and his family, who had by now lost practically all of their wealth, had to leave the town of Sirhind as life was made unbearable for them. Today, only the haveli (mansion) of Diwan Todar Mal remains, mostly in ruins, as a reminder of this faithful devotee.

This piece of 42 sq.feet of land is probably the most expensive piece of land ever purchased and probably nothing similar will ever be comparable. 

Sikh Stories Origins and its Relationship to Coins. Part 3 : Makhan Shah ‘Lubana’ and the 500 gold Mohurs

Makhan Shah ‘Lubana’ and the 500 gold Mohurs

By Saran Singh Sidhu and Dalwinder Singh Sidhu

 

Makhan Shah ‘Lubana’ (1619 – 1674) was a devout Sikh and wealthy merchant. One one occasion, he was travelling on a ship laden with his goods. When the ship reached the coastal area of Surat, there was a terrible storm and the ship was likely to capsize in the sea. Makhan Shah prayed to God and asked the Guru to help him. He made a wow to donate 500 pieces of Gold Mohurs to the Guru for the common good of the people. After some time, the strom subsided and the ship managed to reach the shore.

 

In mid 1664 (AH 1075), Makhan Shah arrived at Delhi. He was informed that the Eight Guru, Sri Guru Krishan Saheb Ji had passed away in March 1664 and had appointed his successor to the Gurgaddi as Baba Bekala. Makhan Shah decided to go to the town of Bekala to seek the Guru. On reaching Bekala, he found many false claimants to the Guruship. To test all these claimants, Makhan Shah decided to place one Gold Mohur in front of each of them, but without any success. Finally, Makhan Shah was informed there was one Guru left in a secluded area of Bekala.  With great respect, he placed one Gold Mohur in front of Baba Bekala, who was Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Saheb Ji, the true Guru. The Guru looked at Makhan Shah and said “you made a wow to donate 500 Gold Mohurs, where are the balance?”

 

Makhan Shah was filled with happiness that he had finally found the true Guru and fell at his feet in gratitude. He climbed up to a high spot and declared that the real Baba Bekala had been found. Except for all the false claimants, the hearts of all the people were filled with joy. 

 

As Makhan Shah travelled to Arabia, the major money changers were at the port of Surat, besides those at Delhi and Lahore. So the Gold Mohurs could be a mix of all Indian Mints, which matches with all the hoards observed to date. The 500 gold Mohurs which were offered by Makhan Shah ‘Lubana’ to the 9^th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Saheb Ji in August 1664 were likely from mohurs issued during that period from various Mints.