Famous Prithviraj Chauhan Coin
Chauhan Dynasty of Ajmer & Delhi – Bull & Horseman Billon Jital
A historically fascinating 1 Jital of Prithviraj III (Prithviraja Chauhan), one of the most celebrated rulers of medieval India. This iconic Bull & Horseman type belongs to the Chauhan coinage of Ajmer and Delhi and dates to approximately c. 1179–1192 CE. The type is catalogued as Tye #52 and Rajgor #717. (Numista)
The coin is particularly appealing because it carries the ruler’s name in Nagari script while retaining the traditional bull-and-horseman design that is strongly associated with medieval North Indian jital coinage.
Obverse
The obverse depicts a humped bull facing left, with the Nagari legend:
“Sri Samanta Deva”
The bull design represents the continuation of an established jital tradition in northern India.
Reverse
The reverse features a horseman riding towards the right.
The surrounding Nagari legend reads:
“Sri Prithvi Raja Deva”
This inscription provides the direct numismatic identification of Prithviraj III, making the coin especially desirable to collectors interested in the celebrated Chauhan ruler. (Numista)
Coin Details
Ruler: Prithviraj III / Prithviraja Chauhan
Dynasty: Chauhan / Chahamana
Realm: Ajmer & Delhi
Period: c. 1179–1192 CE
Denomination: 1 Jital
Metal: Billon
Type: Bull & Horseman
Obverse: Bull facing left; “Sri Samanta Deva” in Nagari
Reverse: Horseman facing right; “Sri Prithvi Raja Deva” in Nagari
Technique: Hammered
Reference: Tye #52; Rajgor #717
Age: Approximately 830–850 years old
Historical Background
The Chahamanas, commonly known as the Chauhans, were one of the important ruling dynasties of medieval northern India. Their power was centred around Ajmer and later extended into the Delhi region.
Prithviraj III, popularly remembered as Prithviraj Chauhan, ruled during a particularly important period in the history of northern India. His reign coincided with the major political and military struggles that culminated in the Battles of Tarain.
His coinage provides tangible evidence of his authority and is especially valuable because the ruler’s name appears directly on the coin in the contemporary Nagari script.
Why This Coin Is Special
The Bull & Horseman Jital is among the most recognisable medieval Indian coin types. It combines:
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The traditional bull motif
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A striking mounted horseman
-
The ruler’s name in Nagari
- A connection with one of India’s most famous medieval rulers
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More than eight centuries of history
For collectors, the appeal goes beyond the historical name. The coin is a genuine piece of medieval monetary history that circulated during the turbulent final decades of Prithviraj Chauhan’s reign.
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections of:
- Prithviraj Chauhan Coins
- Chauhan / Chahamana Dynasty
- Ajmer & Delhi Coinage
- Rajput Coinage
- Medieval Indian Coins
- Billon Jitals
- Bull & Horseman Coins
- Nagari Script Coins
- Historical Indian Coins
- 12th Century Indian Numismatics
A famous and highly collectible medieval Indian coin associated with Prithviraj Chauhan, combining an iconic bull-and-horseman design with the ruler’s name in Nagari script. A remarkable piece of Indian history, approximately 830–850 years old.
