India Prime. History Desk – Devendra Singh Tanwar. Imprint of Power: Historical Coins of Women Rulers In history, coins have special importance and along with being evidence of a regime’s history, coins or currencies provide political, economic, and social information of the state. Though globally coins were valued by precious metal and weight, in the dominance of male rulers in history, the emergence of women rulers and the public acceptance of their coins was extremely challenging. Here we will share interesting information about the coins issued by such women rulers in the world and India.
Issuing coins for male rulers was a “normal” process, as male rule was traditionally acceptable. But for women rulers, they were considered as “exceptions” or “temporary” rulers, so engraving their name and image on coins was essential to increase public acceptance of their authority.
There are many such examples of women rulers in the world and India, during whose time the coins issued were not accepted by a male-dominated society. In the world, Cleopatra presented herself as Goddess Isis on her coins to gain divine support for her rule. Whereas India’s first woman ruler and Sultan of Delhi, Razia Sultana, included the name of the Caliph on her coins to obtain religious legitimacy.
Coins of women rulers were not just currency, but a medium of power struggle, struggle against gender inequality, and political propaganda. Where the coins of male rulers were “symbols of power”, the coins of women became “symbols of struggle for power”.
Male rulers emphasized military victory, religion, or dynasty on their coins. Whereas women rulers had to show a balance of femininity and power. Elizabeth I got her image of “Virgin Queen” engraved on coins, which strategically used her unmarried status. Victoria adopted the title “Empress of India” to assert imperial dominance in India.
Coins of male rulers were often limited to military power or religious symbols. Whereas women rulers tried to normalize female rule. An example is that women rulers of the Byzantine Empire (like Theodora) had their images engraved parallel to men on coins.
Coins of women rulers were important in foreign relations, for example, Cleopatra issued joint coins with Roman leaders (Caesar, Antony) to show political alliances. Similarly, Mary I of England issued coins with Philip II of Spain to emphasize matrimonial alliance.
Indian Example: Razia Sultana (1236–1240 CE)
She was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
Coins in her name were issued written as “Raziat-ud-Din bint Iltutmish.”
On her coins, her name and the Caliph’s name were inscribed in Arabic.
These were mostly found in the form of silver rupee, copper dam, and occasionally gold mohurs.
Coins were mainly issued between 1620–1627 CE, when Nur Jahan’s influence was at its peak.
Historical Background:
Nur Jahan married Jahangir in 1611 CE.
Soon she took a major role in the court’s politics.
Due to Jahangir’s addiction to alcohol and opium, he became passive in rule, so Nur Jahan started making decisions in many matters.
Somlekha – Chauhan Dynasty of Ajmer
The history of the Chauhan dynasty of Ajmer spans from the 7th century to the 12th century. Somlekha was an important woman of the Chauhan dynasty of Ajmer. Ajayraj issued silver coins in the name “Sri Ajaydev.” On some coins, the name of his queen Somlekha (Somalvati) is also found. Somlekha is also known as “Bopushahi.” Somlekha or Somlekha seems to be a form of Somaladevi, who, according to the Bijolia inscription, was the queen of Ajayraj. Some rare silver coins have been found with the name “Sri Somaladevi” written in Nagari script near the king’s head. Copper coins with horse-rider images with the same inscription have also been found.
Coins:
She issued copper and silver coins during her reign, on which her name was inscribed.
Importance:
These coins have historical significance because they are examples of coins issued by women in the history of Rajasthan.
Queen Chandodi – Mewar State
Coins of Chandodi:
In Rajasthan, the coins of Chandodi, especially of Mewar State, were silver coins usually minted in the denomination of 1/2 rupee. These coins were part of the “Chandori” series.
Queen Naganika – Satavahana Dynasty
The queen who issued coins in mixed metal was associated with the Satavahana dynasty around 2000 years ago in Maharashtra. Queen Naganika belonged to that dynasty. It is said she was the first queen of the Indian subcontinent to issue coins in her own name. She issued coins together with her husband King Satakarni. Her name is written in Brahmi script on them. They were made from mixed metal.
Major Women Rulers of the World and Their Coins
1. Cleopatra VII (Egypt, 51–30 BCE)
Background: Last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty and Egypt’s most famous woman ruler.
Coins:
Silver drachma and copper coins bore her image.
Some coins showed her with Julius Caesar or Mark Antony.
Her coins reflected a blend of Greek and Egyptian art.
2. Elizabeth I (England, 1558–1603)
Background: England’s “Virgin Queen” who led the country into a golden age.
Coins:
“Million Face” coins (Silver Crown) – bore her image as young and old.
Gold Sovereign – iconic currency of her reign.
Coins bore the Latin phrase “Elizabetha D G Ang Fra Et Hib Regina” (Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, France, and Ireland).
3. Empress Victoria (Britain, 1837–1901)
Background: Longest-reigning empress of the British Empire.
Coins:
In India, coins circulated under the name “Victoria Rani” (rupee, anna, pai).
Her coins bore images of her in youth, middle age, and old age.
Gold Sovereign and Silver Crown coins with her image were globally circulated.
4. Berenice II (Judea, 1st century CE)
Background: Princess of the Herod the Great lineage and Queen of Judea.
Coins:
Copper coins in her name were minted under Roman influence.
Some coins bore her name in Greek and Hebrew script.
Other Notable Women Rulers and Their Coins
- Theodora (Byzantine Empire, 6th Century) – Co-ruler with Emperor Justinian; her image is found on coins.
- Isabella I (Castile, Spain, 15th Century) – “Catholic Queen,” whose coins were in circulation during Columbus’s era.
- Catherine the Great (Russia, 18th Century) – Her gold and silver coins reflect the wealth of the Russian Empire.
Mentions of Queen Coins without Historical Proof
1. Rani Karnavati (Bundi, 16th Century)
Queen mother and influential ruler of Bundi State.
Some historians believe coins named “Karan Rani” were issued during her time, though confirmation is rare.
2. Rani Durgavati (related to Mewar, Queen of Gondwana)
Though she was mainly the ruler of Gondwana (Madhya Pradesh), she was related to the Sisodia dynasty of Rajasthan.
There is no direct evidence of coins in her name, but research on coins from her era is ongoing.
3. Empress Kishori Devi (Jaipur, 20th Century)
She was the queen mother of Jaipur, but no coins were issued in her name, as such practices were not allowed under British rule.
4. Queen Hadi (Jhalawar)
A powerful woman of the Jhala dynasty, but no records of her coins are found.
In the history of India and Rajasthan, many powerful women rulers existed, but clear evidence of coins issued in their names is rare. Such rare examples exist where coins of women rulers were issued. In the medieval period and British era, there was no practice of minting coins in women’s names. Some local folklores mention queen’s coins, but no historical proof has been found.
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