Delhi Sultanate, Khilji Dynasty, Pretender Issue, Shams-ud-din Mahmud (AH 718/1318 AD), Qila Deogir (Type), Gold Pagoda (1/3 Tanka), Obv: Shams-ud-duniya wa'l din, Rev: Mahmud Shah al sultan, 3.93g, 14.98mm, (Unpublished), choice very fine, Exceptionally Rare.

Shams ud-din Mahmud coins are reported in Billon and Gold, Billon are of two types; six gani & two gani. The legends written on the six gani is read as "al-sultan al-a' zam Shams ud-dunya wa'l din. The script of this coin and the arrangement of legends seems to be adopted from six gani.

As the pagoda is of South India gold weight standard, it is obvious that it was struck in the Deccan region itself. The only known gold tanka also has Deogir as its mint!

While Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak was returning after subduing Deogir/ Malabar in 718 AH (1318 AD), a conspiracy was hatched to assassinate him and to proclaim Shams ud din Mahmud as the new Sultan. These coins were issued as a result of this plot! The Plan however, could not be implemented as it was revealed to the King (Mubarak) and he got all involved, executed.

There is no Historical record regarding the exact identity of "Shams-ud-Din Mahmud'. This was meant to be a royal title, which in most cases, were different from earlier names. However, the most probable contender is 'Asad-ud-Din', son of Yaghrush Khan (Ala-ud-Din Khilji's maternal Uncle). In support of this theory stands the inscription on reverse of the only gold tanka known of this so-called ruler, which has in its last two lines, "Asad-al-Khalifah, Nasir Amir al Momnin". No other coin of any ruler in known to have this word 'Asad' as Khalifah! Another possibility has been put forward by some historians as that of the regent Vafa Malik; and yet another – as asserted by Ibn Batuta, 'a ten year old son of Khizr Khan'.

An Important Rarity of the Delhi Sultanate!

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