Home > Indian History > History of India > Indo European Coins
Indo European Coins
Indo European coins reflected the amalgamation of cultures and were widely circulated while trading.

Share this Article:

Indo European Coinsthe `Larins` and the Mughal `Rupees` of he Surat mint. They converted these coins into their own for their use in trade. The Dutch issued coins named as `Pagodas` and `Fanams` from Pulicat. Some of the coins of the Dutch also bore a female figure and Persian inscriptions. Some Mughal types of coins were issued by the Dutch including some copper, lead and tin coins. In the later period, the coins were issued showing a female deity on one side and Tamil legend on the other side of the coin.

During the French dominion, three denominations of silver coins like `Fanon`, double `Fanon` and half `Fanon` with a `fleur-de-lys` and a superscription were issued. Even `Pagodas` were also issued with a figure of Lakshmi on the obverse side of the coin and granulated surface with a crescent on the reverse side of the coin. Due to some objection from the Church, the `Pagodas` with Lakshmi were never re struck but three Swami `Pagodas` on the pattern of the `Fanons` were struck were issued. Apart from these, silver `Rupees` were issued with Mughal inscriptions on the coins. Some of the coins bore the Hijri year and the corresponding regnal year of the Mughal emperor. The `Doudo`, half Doudo` and `Cash` were the copper coins issued by the French. The later copper coins include `Biche` and half `Biche` hat contained `fleur-de-lys` on one side and the date in a beaded border on the other side of the coin.

The coins of Bengal were developed along the Mughal pattern under the reign of the European rulers; those of Madras were struck along South Indian lines both in design and metrology (Pagoda) as well as along Mughal designs. The English coins of Western India developed along Mughal as well as English patterns. It was only in 1717 AD that the English obtained permission from the Emperor Farrukhsiyar to coin Mughal money at the Bombay mint. English pattern coins were struck at the Bombay Mint.

The coins issued during the British rule had a great impact on the currency of the then India. The British issued gold, silver, tin and copper coins for the local and commercial usage. The gold coins were termed Carolina, but were apparently never issued. Besides these there were the silver coins Anglina, the copper coins Cupperoon and tin coins Tinny. The rise of one dominant power after over a hundred years of turmoil enabled the enactment of the Coinage Act of 1835 and for uniform coinage to be issued. In the later period, in 1835, newly designed coins with the effigy of William IV on the obverse and the value on the reverse in English and Persian, were issued by the British Government. The coins issued after 1840 bore the portrait of Queen Victoria. The first coinage under the crown was issued in 1862 and in 1877 Queen Victoria assumed the title the Empress of India. Edward VII succeeded Queen Victoria and the coins issued bore his effigy. Acute shortage of silver on account of World War I, led the British Government to stop issuing silver coins. The usher of paper currency in India was the British. They issued paper currency of One Rupee and Two and a half Rupees during the ruling period. The silver coins of smaller denominations were issued in copra-nickel.

During the last quarter of the fifteenth century, the geographical discoveries gave way to a new turn to the European commercial relations with India. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the Danes, the English and the French settled trade relation with India and at the same time engaged themselves in the active local politics. New tradition, new culture and new patterns were introduced with different countries, and in varying degrees these countries issued coins for trading purpose. They sometimes included the Indian features on the coins that stand witness of Indo-European trading affair.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.