Delhi Sultanate Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak Shah 1 Tanka Hadrat Dar al-Mulk Mint Silver Extremely Rare Coin

Delhi Sultanate, Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak Shah, (AH 716-720, 1316-1320 CE), Denomination: Silver Tanka, Composition: Silver, Weight: 11.00 grams, Diameter: 27.05 mm, Mint: Hadrat Dar al-Mulk, Reference: R# 1034, NW# 374, G&G # D259, Grade: Extra Fine (UNC), Extremely Rare.

Obverse: Arabic inscription in elegant calligraphy featuring the imperial titles of Mubarak Shah, including “Qutb al-Dunya wa’l-Din Abu’l-Muzaffar Mubarak Shah,” proclaiming his authority as Sultan.

Reverse: Arabic inscription bearing the religious and royal formula “Al-Imam al-A‘zam Khalifa Rabb al-‘Alamin,” with the mint name and date placed in the marginal legend.

Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak Shah ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1316 to 1320 CE, succeeding his father, Alauddin Khalji. His reign followed the strict and highly centralized administration established by Alauddin, but Mubarak Shah adopted a more relaxed approach to governance and court life. He asserted his sovereignty through distinctive royal titles and inscriptions on his coinage. His rule faced political intrigues and growing opposition, particularly from Khusrau Khan, a powerful courtier who eventually orchestrated his assassination in 1320. Mubarak Shah’s death ended the Khalji dynasty’s rule and paved the way for Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq to establish the Tughlaq dynasty.

Coinage Note: This rare silver Tanka was issued under Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak Shah at the mint designated Hadrat Dar al-Mulk. His coinage is notable for its variety of legends and elaborate royal titles, with gold and silver issues struck at mints including Delhi, Dar al-Islam, and Qutbabad. Some varieties use “Hadrat Dar al-Khilafa Dar al-Mulk” in place of the capital’s name. The Arabic inscriptions reflect the Sultan’s claims to religious and political authority, making these coins important examples of early fourteenth-century Delhi Sultanate coinage.