Kashmir State, Maharaja Gulab Singh, Silver Rupee (Srinagar Mint)

Ruler : Gulab Singh
Era : (VS 1903-1913, 1846-1856 AD)
Dynasty : Dogara
Mint : Srinagar
Denomination : 1/8 Ashrafi or 1/20 Mohur
Weight : 10.71 grams 
Diameter : 20.08 mm 
Date On Coin : VS 1903
Reference : KM #Y5, pg 343 of South Asian book. 

Obverse :
zarb srinagar, leaf mark.

Reverse :
Emperors name in persian. 

Comment :
The story of Gulab Singh and the coins from his reign is a fascinating chapter in Indian numismatics, as it reflects the intersection of politics, treachery, and cultural shifts during the 19th century.

Gulab Singh and His Rise -

1. Role in Sikh Empire:

• Gulab Singh was originally a prominent noble and commander under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Sikh Empire. He governed Jammu as a feudatory.
• Following Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, the Sikh Empire descended into chaos, marked by internal disputes and wars with the British.

2. Conspiracy with the British:

• During the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846), Gulab Singh was accused of betraying the Sikh Empire. By withholding reinforcements and negotiating with the British, he undermined the Sikh war effort.

3. Treaty of Amritsar (1846):

• After the British defeated the Sikhs, Gulab Singh negotiated with them to gain control of Kashmir.
• He paid 7.5 million Nanakshahi rupees as part of the treaty, effectively buying Kashmir from the British. This marked the establishment of the Dogra dynasty, with Gulab Singh as its first Maharaja.