Dehli Sultanate, Ghorid (Ghurid) Dynasty, Mu'izz ud din Muhammad bin Sam Muhammad Ghori) (AH 589-602/1193-1206 AD), Gold Unit, Bayana Type, Obv: seated goddess Lakshmi facing front, Rev: Devanagari legend "sri maha/mira mahama/da sama", (Wt: 4.37 grams, Dia: 20.01 mm), (G&G # D5/Deyell # 252), choice quality, extremely fine, Very Rare.

Comment : In 1194 CE, Muhammad Ghori defeated the Gahadavala king Jayachandra at the Battle of Chandawar, near present-day Firozabad. Jayachandra died in the battle, dealing a severe blow to Gahadavala power and opening the Ganga valley to further Ghurid expansion. Ghori’s Lakshmi coinage continued an established monetary tradition familiar from the issues of Govindachandra and other northern Indian rulers. The goddess remained on the obverse, while a Nagari inscription named Muhammad bin Sam on the reverse. This continuity of design is generally understood as a practical means of maintaining acceptance in local trade during a change of political authority. This coin is remarkable in Indian numismatic history. Striking a coin featuring a Hindu deity was a practical move to ensure acceptance in trade, using familiar iconography to gain the confidence of the local population. It is a rare example of the fusion of cultures in early medieval India.