Coins of Sikhs: Symbols of Sovereignty

Abstract

Sikhs established their own Sikh Rule twice – from 1710-1715 and then again from 1799-1849. Sikhs minted their own coins throughout this period and in-between years. The period in-between the two Sikh Rule was the rule of the Sikh Misls (Confederacy). They were not formally united and organized but would get together when required. The Second Sikh Rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh also minted coins at various mints. Sikhs did not debase their currency (coins) by mixing their silver coins with other base metals like copper. This shows that Sikhs did not ofload financial problems of the State on the public. This is significant in the light of currency debasement going on all over the world, which leads to so many economic, political, and social problems. This practice of ‘sound economics’ likely contributed to Sikh Rule being a progressive, enterprising, just, and inclusive Rule as regarded by outside observers of that time, and historians today.