Delhi Hindu Raja’s Mahipala Deva Tomara Dynasty 1 Jital Copper Coin

Tomara Dynasty, Raja Mahipala Deva, Reign: 1103–1128 CE, Denomination: 1 Jital, Composition: Copper, Weight: 2.76 grams, Diameter: 15 mm, Type: Bull-and-Horseman, Reference: Tye# 39, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Devanagari legend naming Mahipala appears above the characteristic bull, representing the traditional Tomara Bull-and-Horseman coinage style.

Reverse: A horseman appears prominently with associated design elements, continuing the distinctive medieval North Indian Bull-and-Horseman monetary tradition.

Mahipala Deva was a Tomara ruler associated with the Delhi region during the early 12th century. The Tomaras established a sovereign principality around Delhi as Pratihara power declined, controlling parts of present-day Delhi and Haryana. Their political centre developed around Lal Kot, whose fortified walls are traditionally associated with the Tomara ruler Anangapala II. The dynasty was involved in conflicts with neighbouring Chahamanas and other regional powers before its political dominance declined in the 12th century. Mahipala is particularly remembered through his coinage, which bears his name and the characteristic bull-and-horseman imagery of the period. Some historical traditions also associate him with Mahipalapura, identified with present-day Mahipalpur near Delhi.

Coinage Note: This copper Jital of Mahipala Deva belongs to the characteristic Tomara Bull-and-Horseman coinage tradition of medieval North India. The Devanagari legend naming Mahipala and the distinctive animal figures provide important evidence for attributing these coins to the Tomara ruler. Jitals were practical circulating denominations used in everyday commercial transactions. The issue is catalogued as Tye# 39 and represents an important surviving example of early medieval Delhi-region coinage.