Madurai Sultanate – Ala al-Din Udauji Shah Copper Paika Very Rare Coin

Ma’bar Sultanate (Madurai Sultanate), Ala al-Din Udauji Shah, AH 740/1339 CE, Denomination: Paika, Composition: Copper, Weight: 3.41 grams, Diameter: 15 mm, Obv: Ala al-Duniya wa-l-Din, Rev: Udauji Shah al-Sultan, Reference: GG # MD8, About Very Fine, + Extremely Rare.

After Jalaluddin’s murder, Ala-ud-Din Udauji Shah took power in 1340 CE. He was succeeded by his son in law Qutb-ud-Din Firuz Shah, who in turn was assassinated within forty days of taking power. Qutbuddin’s killer Ghiyas-ud-din Dhamagani took over as Sultan in 1340.

This copper Paika was struck in the Sultanate of Madurai under Ruler Ala al-Din Udauji Shah around 1339 CE, during the brief but significant period of independent Southern Indian Muslim rule. The hammered planchet and irregular strike are typical of medieval Indian Sultanate minting. As a minor denomination within the Madurai rupee system, this paika saw everyday commerce among traders and local markets. Today it is prized by collectors for its connection to the Madurai Sultanate’s monetary history and its scarce survival in collectible condition.