Pratapgarh Princely State Udai Singh 1864-1890 AD Copper Paisa Stylized face of Lord Shiva

Pratapgarh Princely State, Ruler: Udai Singh, r. 1864-1890 AD, Denomination: Paisa, Metal: Copper, Weight: 7.63 grams, Diameter: 18 mm, Reference: ICM #2388, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Stylized face of Lord Mahadev (Shiva), often described as a one-eyed form by some experts.

Reverse: Devanagari legend: Shri Riyasat Kanthal Pratapgarh.

Mint Information: Struck locally within the Pratapgarh (Kanthal) State; exact mint attribution is generally unspecified for this series.

The copper paisa of Pratapgarh State issued under Udai Singh represents a regional coinage tradition of Rajputana princely states. Pratapgarh, historically known as Kanthal Nagri, was established in 1699 by Maharaja Pratap Singh, with its earlier center at Devgarh (Devalia). The rulers belonged to the Sisodia clan of Mewar, reflecting a strong Rajput lineage. Unlike standardized British Indian coinage, these coins were locally produced with symbolic religious motifs, as seen in the depiction of Lord Mahadev on the obverse, emphasizing cultural and devotional identity. The reverse inscription names the state, reinforcing political authority. Such coins are valued by collectors for their crude fabric, regional identity, and representation of indigenous monetary systems operating alongside colonial currency.