Surinder Singh

Hardcover: 283 pages
Publisher: Manohar (January 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 817304533X ISBN-13: 978-8173045332
Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches

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 modifications 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. This volume, makes a worthy effort to correct various disinformation and distortions e.g. the correct translation of the legends, incorrect nomenclature of Sikh currency, coins alleged to have been struck by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the name of a courtesan, coins struck by Hari Singh Nalwa in his own name etc. etc.. From the evidence collected from detailed examination of the 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 numistimatics, Sikh coins in particular have received scant attention. Scholars and academics have been guilty of neglecting the subject. This volume attempts to fill this gap. 

About the author:Dr. Surinder Singh served in the Indian Defence Accounts service, and after retirement took up the study of Sikh coinage, of which he has collected over a thousand pieces. He has published over thirty research papers in reputed national and international journals and books. Currently he is working on the ‘Concept of Sikh Sovereignty’ as a senior fellow of the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi.