Kabul Shahis – Samanta Deva Jital
Bull & Horseman Type | c. 9th–10th Century CE
A historically important Jital of Samanta Deva, attributed to the Kabul Shahi dynasty, featuring the iconic Bull & Horseman design of the series. Dating to approximately the 9th–10th century CE, this coin represents one of the distinctive monetary traditions of the medieval north-western Indian subcontinent.
Obverse
The obverse depicts a humped bull facing left, accompanied by the Nagari legend:
“Sri Samanta Deva”
The bull motif is one of the most recognisable elements of Kabul Shahi and later north-western Indian Jital coinage.
Reverse
The reverse features a horseman riding to the right, creating the characteristic Bull & Horseman composition.
This powerful equestrian imagery reflects the strong Central Asian and military traditions of the region and became one of the defining designs of medieval Jital coinage.
Coin Details
Region: Kabul Shahis / North-Western Indian Subcontinent
Dynasty: Kabul Shahi
Ruler/Attribution: Samanta Deva
Period: c. 9th–10th Century CE
Denomination: Jital
Metal: Billon / base silver alloy
Type: Bull & Horseman
Obverse: Bull facing left with “Sri Samanta Deva”
Reverse: Horseman riding right
Script: Nagari
Age: Approximately 1,100–1,200 years old
Historical Background
The Kabul Shahis were an important ruling dynasty of the north-western regions of the Indian subcontinent, controlling territories around Kabul, Gandhara and the Hindu Kush before their political centre shifted further towards the Punjab region.
Their coinage is particularly significant because it preserves a distinctive monetary tradition that continued across political and geographical boundaries. The Bull & Horseman Jital became one of the most enduring coin designs of the region and remained influential in subsequent medieval Indian coinage.
The inscription “Sri Samanta Deva” is an important feature of this type and connects the coin with the Samanta Deva series.
Numismatic Significance
The Bull & Horseman design is notable for its longevity and wide circulation. The bull on one side and the mounted horseman on the other created a highly recognisable monetary type that remained familiar to merchants and users across north-western India and neighbouring regions.
The use of Nagari script alongside the traditional imagery also reflects the changing cultural and political landscape of the region during the early medieval period.
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
- Kabul Shahi Coinage
- Samanta Deva Coins
- Ancient & Medieval Indian Coins
- Jital Coinage
- Bull & Horseman Coins
- North-Western Indian Coinage
- Gandhara & Kabul Region
- Nagari Script Coins
- Early Medieval Coins
- 9th–10th Century CE Coinage
Age of Coin: Approximately 1,100–1,200 years old.
A fascinating Kabul Shahi Jital of Samanta Deva, preserving the enduring Bull & Horseman design and providing a tangible connection to the political and commercial history of the north-western Indian subcontinent.
