Bijapur Sultanate Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II Copper 1/3 Falus

Bijapur Sultanate, Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II, r. AH 988–1037 / 1580–1627 CE, Denomination: 1/3 Falus, Composition: Copper, Weight: 3.36 grams, Diameter: 14 mm, obv. gulam-i-murtaza, rev. ali ibrahim aba bali, Reference: G&G #BJ5, About Very Fine, + Extremely Scarce.

Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II (r. 1580–1627 CE) was one of the most remarkable rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate, combining political stability with extraordinary cultural patronage. Ascending the throne at a young age, he consolidated Adil Shahi authority in the Deccan and successfully defended Bijapur against pressure from the Mughal Empire and rival Deccan states. His reign marked a period of administrative balance, relative peace, and territorial expansion toward the south.
Ibrahim Adil Shah II is best remembered as a philosopher-king and an exceptional patron of art, music, and literature. A devout yet tolerant ruler, he supported multiple faith traditions and famously composed verses in praise of Hindu deities alongside Islamic themes. His celebrated work Kitab-e-Navras reflects his deep engagement with classical music and aesthetics, earning him the title “Jagadguru.” Copper fractional coinage such as the 1/3 Falus played a vital role in everyday commerce during his reign. The devotional legends on these coins emphasize Shiʿa symbolism and royal legitimacy, making them historically significant and highly collectible today.