Delhi Sultanate Nasir ud-din Mahmud Billon Jital Historical Coin of Delhi Sultan

Delhi Sultanate, Sultan Nasir ud-din Mahmud, (AH 644-664/1246-1266 CE), Denomination: BI Jital, Composition: Billon (Copper+Silver), Budaun mint, Obv: al-sultan al-a-zam Nasir al-duniya wa’l din, Rev: crude horseman to right, Weight: 3.48 grams, Diameter: 14.84 mm, Reference: G&G# D145, about fine, Scarce.

Nasir ud-Din Mahmud ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1246 to 1266 CE during a period of political instability and strong noble influence. He was the eldest son of Sultan Iltutmish, but lacked his father’s military strength and administrative authority. Nasir ud-Din was known for his personal piety, simplicity, and scholarly interests; contemporary sources note that he spent much of his time copying the Quran by hand and earning a modest income from it. Real power during his reign rested largely with his powerful deputy and later successor Ghiyas ud din Balban, who handled military campaigns and state affairs. The Sultan faced internal court rivalries and external threats but avoided major battles himself. He commissioned religious structures and patronized scholars. After his death in 1266 CE, he was buried near the tomb complex of Iltutmish in Delhi.

His billon jitals, struck at regional mints like Budaun, reflect the transitional economy of the mid-13th century, combining Islamic titulature with the long-standing horseman motif for local acceptance.