Note: Dawar Bakhsh, born in 1607 AD, was the son of Khusrau Mirza and grandson of Emperor Jahangir. He was affectionately named Bulaki by Jahangir and held notable positions, including Diwan of Deccan and Governor of Gujarat. Jahangir passed away on 28th Safar, AH 1037 (7th November 1627), in Kashmir. This triggered a power struggle between his courtiers and family members. Asaf Khan, a powerful noble and Shah Jahan’s father-in-law, sought to secure the throne for Shah Jahan, who was then in exile at Junnar, Deccan. However, anticipating resistance from Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s widow, who supported her son-in-law Shahryar, Asaf Khan acted decisively.

To counter Shahryar’s claim, Asaf Khan released Dawar Bakhsh, who had been imprisoned by Nur Jahan, and proclaimed him emperor under the regnal name Abu al-Muzaffar Dawar Bakhsh. A preliminary investiture ceremony took place at Bhimbar, and the Khutba was read in his name soon after Jahangir’s death. Dawar Bakhsh, at the age of 16, briefly served as a puppet ruler while Asaf Khan worked to consolidate power.

Shahryar, meanwhile, declared himself king at Lahore and raised an army using funds from the imperial treasury. On 19th November 1627, Asaf Khan’s forces defeated Shahryar near Lahore, leading to his imprisonment and blinding. A second, more formal coronation for Dawar Bakhsh was held at Lahore on 20th November 1627, where he was also given the title Sher Shah. Despite this, Asaf Khan secretly communicated with Shah Jahan, urging him to return and claim the throne.

Shah Jahan began his march to Agra on 27th November 1627, gathering support en route. By 19th December, he learned of Asaf Khan’s victory over Shahryar and continued consolidating his position. On 2nd January 1628, Shah Jahan sent orders to eliminate Dawar Bakhsh and other potential claimants. By 29th January 1628, Dawar Bakhsh was deposed, and the Khutba was read in Shah Jahan’s name at Lahore. Dawar Bakhsh, Shahryar, and four other princes were executed on 2nd February 1628, ending Dawar’s short-lived reign of approximately 72 days. Shah Jahan’s formal coronation followed on 14th February 1628 in Agra.

This Dawar Bakhsh rupee, dated RY 1, is of extraordinary numismatic importance. The numeral "1" rather than the typical Ahad suggests it was minted during the brief interlude between Dawar Bakhsh’s enthronement at Bhimbar (8th November 1627) and his official coronation at Lahore (20th November 1627). This rare coin likely represents the pre-coronation phase of Dawar Bakhsh’s reign.

The fact that the Khutba was read in his name twice indicates he may have had fleeting support in Lahore, despite Shahryar’s control of the city at the time. Coins like this reflect the tumultuous power struggles of the era, showcasing the transient reign of a puppet emperor.

This rupee exhibits a fully legible inscription, clear margins, and only one minor test mark. Its condition surpasses most known specimens, including those in prominent collections. With fewer than 10 surviving examples, this coin stands as an exceptionally rare and valuable numismatic piece from one of the shortest reigns in Mughal history.

Coins of this exceptional quality have consistently fetched prices around INR 20,00,000 in recent auctions. They are highly sought after and greatly admired by Mughal numismatists and collectors alike.

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