Chauhans of Ranthambore and Coins

 

The Chauhans of Ranthambore also known as the Chahamanas of Ranastambhapura were a 13th century Indian dynasty. They ruled the area around their capital Ranastambhapura (Ranthambore) in present day Rajasthan, initially as vassals of the Delhi Sultanate, and later gained independence. They belonged to the Chahamana (Chauhan) clan of the Rajputs.

                        

Jaitrasimha, 1275 AD, silver coin

The Chahamana line of Ranastambhapura was established by Govindaraja, who agreed to rule as a vassal of the Ghurids in 1192 AD, after they defeated and killed his father, the Shakambhari Chahamana king Prithviraj III.

                       

The Ranthambore Fort in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, built in the 10th century AD

 

                       

Statue of Prithviraj Chauhan

 Balhana, the son of Govindaraja, is recorded as a vassal of the Delhi Sultan Iltumish in 1215 AD but declared Independence in the later years. Govindaraja's descendants gained and lost their independence to the Delhi Sultanate multiple times during the 13th century. Hammira, the last king of the dynasty, adopted an expansionist policy, and raided several neighbouring kingdoms.  The dynasty ended with his defeat against the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji at the Seige of Ranthambore in 1301 AD.

Coins of Chauhans of Ranthambore

                       

Chauhans of Ranthambore, Jaitrasimha, 1275 AD, silver, weight 4.38 gm, Obverse: Lion to left with front paw raised, double dotted circle around, Reverse: Legend reads in Nagari script in three lines, Jai/TaSiDe/Va, sun and moon symbols flanking the letters on the third line, a dotted circle around.

                         

Hammira Deva, copper, weight 3.75 gm, Indo-Sassanian type, Obverse: Stylized representation of a fire altar, Reverse: within a dotted circle, a rectangle with Devnagari script, Ha Pri Sa 46

                          

Hammira Deva, 1281-1301 AD, weight 4.4 gm, Obverse: Devanagari Sri at center of the alter, Reverse: within a dotted circle, a rectangle with Devnagari script Ha Pri Sa 40

                          

Hammira Deva, 1281-1301 AD, weight 4.9gm, Billon, Obverse: Devnagari legend Hasa with year 45, Reverse: Nagari letters Sri in center and fire altar.

Chauhans of Ranthambore

Coins of Chauhans of Ranthambore