Ahmadnagar Sultanate, Burhan Nizam Shah II (AH 1000-1003 /1591-1595 AD), Burhanabad Mint, Silver Abbasi, Obv: Arabic legend "la Ilaha Illa Allahu Muhammadur Rasulullah Ali wali Allah" (Shia version of Kalima )in a Mihrabi-style cartouche, Rev: Arabic legend "zarb Burhanabad" within a circle, "Khadim-e-Ahl-e- Bait Rasul Allah, Abu'l Ghazi Burhan Nizam Shah" written clockwise. (Wt: 7.23 gms, Dia: 18.04 mm) (Unlisted in GG), no test mark, Uncirculated, Extremely Rare.

 A Troubled Throne in the Deccan

Burhan Nizam Shah II ruled Ahmadnagar from 1591 to 1595 AD, during a period of dynastic rivalry and growing Mughal interest in the Deccan. A son of Hussain Nizam Shah I, he belonged to the Nizam Shahi house, whose struggle to preserve its independence increasingly involved the neighbouring kingdoms of Bijapur and Khandesh, as well as the emperor Akbar.

Burhan’s path to the throne was far from straightforward. Following unsuccessful challenges to his elder brother, Murtaza Nizam Shah I, he sought refuge at Akbar’s court. Meanwhile, political upheaval in Ahmadnagar brought Burhan’s own son, Ismail, to the throne. Burhan therefore faced the unusual task of displacing his son to secure the kingship for himself.

In 1591, Burhan returned to the Deccan and successfully claimed Ahmadnagar. Support from Raja Ali Khan of Khandesh and sections of the Nizam Shahi nobility helped his cause. The defeat and death of Jamal Khan, the powerful figure supporting Ismail’s government, cleared the way for Burhan’s accession. Ismail was deposed, and his father assumed authority as Burhan Nizam Shah II.

Akbar expected Burhan’s return to power to strengthen Mughal influence over Ahmadnagar. Burhan, however, declined to accept the subordinate position the emperor sought to impose. His reign consequently formed part of a larger contest over the independence of the Deccan sultanates. Relations with Bijapur also deteriorated, adding another source of conflict to an already unsettled political landscape.

The mint name Burhanabad provides a distinctive numismatic connection to this short reign. It is generally associated with Ahmadnagar, although its precise identification remains uncertain. A study published by the Oriental Numismatic Society suggests that Burhanabad may have been a new name for Ahmadnagar itself, or for an extension of the city incorporating the neighbouring settlement of Bhingar. It is therefore best understood as a mint associated with the Ahmadnagar capital region, rather than confidently identified as a separate town.

It is believed that the weight of these coins was adapted from Ottoman issues, marking a rare instance of the Shia version of the Kalima appearing on an Indian coin. The calligraphy and design are strongly influenced by Safavid coinage of Iran, highlighting the Persian impact on the Shia Sultanate of Ahmadnagar. This influence came through the influx of people and trade via the Konkan ports controlled by its rulers. Therefore, this coin serves as an excellent example of cross-cultural and trans-regional influences in the numismatics of the regional Deccani Sultanates.