Mewar State Bhilwara Mint INO Shah Alam II 1760-1806 CE Copper Paisa Old Coin

Mewar State, INO Shah Alam II, Bhilwara Mint, Years: 1760-1806 CE, Denomination: 1 Paisa, Composition: Copper, Obv: Persian legend, Symbol Oblique, Rev: illegible legends, Weight: 14.56 grams, Diameter: 19 mm, References: C#5, en.numista N#141639, Extremely fine, Scarce.

The Mewar State copper Paisa issued in the name of Shah Alam II reflects the complex political landscape of late 18th-century north-western India. During this period, Mewar, though ruled by its Sisodia Rajput Maharana, formally acknowledged Mughal sovereignty to maintain legitimacy and stability amid declining imperial power. Coins bearing Shah Alam II’s name were struck by several regional states as a symbolic acceptance of Mughal authority rather than direct control.

The Bhilwara mint served local economic needs, producing heavy copper paisa for everyday transactions in markets and rural trade. The Persian legend and abstract symbols follow Mughal monetary tradition, while weak or illegible reverse legends are typical of provincial issues. Such coins illustrate the transition from centralized Mughal coinage to semi-autonomous regional minting.