Kutch History & Coins

Kutch (Cutch)
Kutch is a district on the coastal portion of the India/Pakistan frontier, to a large extent involving  an extensive salt-flats (the Great Rann of Kutch) adjacent to the Gulf of Kutch, an arm of the  Arabian Sea extending toward Gujarat. At thetime of Alexander's invasion (4th century BCE)  the Rann was a shallow but navigable lake, but subsequent centuries of silting have made a mud  flat of it, and settlement within the Rann is limited to what hills are present. The Royal House  of Cutch (or Kutch) belongs to the Jadeja clan of Rajputs. The founder of the family, prince  Lakho, had been adopted by his uncle, a Samma chieftain named Jada. Leaving Sind, after  the birth of a natural son to this adopted father, Lakho migrated to the marshlands of western  Gujarat. There, with the help of his twin brother Lakhiar, he established his principality in 1147.  Maharao Khengarji, the head of the Jadeja clan, consolidated his territories in 1549 and  established his capital at Bhuj. Area: 21,365 km2.
In Vikram Samvat 683, present day Egypt was called Misr. One of the states in Misr was  Sonitpur, which was ruled by Jam Devendra Sama. His forefathers were given the title of 'Jam'  by the emperor of Iran. In that year Shonitpur was attacked by Omar Khalifa, and King  Devendra was defeated in that battle of Sonitpur. Omar Khalifa offered the eldest son Aspat  of Devendra the throne of Sonitpur with the condition that Aspat will have to convert to Islam.  Aspat converted to Islam and became king of Sonitpur, however his three brothers Gajpat,  Narpat and Bhupat refused to convert and they migrated to present day Afghanistan. They  captured Gazni by defeating King Firozshah and Jam Narpat was made King of Gazni. He  ruled a major part of Afaghanistan from Gazni for 18 years. After that in a war with Badshah  of Kabul, he was defeated and he became a Martyr. His son Samaji migrated to present day  Sindh in Pakistan. They were all called "Sama" Rajputs at that time. The Kings of Sama  Rajputs were called Jam, since then many generations of Samma Dynasty Rajputs ruled  Sindh. Their capital was "Sama Nagar" or Nagar Thaththa which is about 100 km from  Karachi. CHAVADA RAJPUT Jado (1st Jam) The dominant races in Kutch previous to the 9th century of Christian era were the Chavda, Kathees and Waghela, they ruled the western, central and the eastern parts of Kutch respectively. The reigning Prince of Nagar Thatta in Sindh towards the end of 8th century AD was Lakho Ghuraro. He had eight sons by two wives, the eldest son being Unad from the first wife and the other being Mod by a wife from Chawda tribe. As Unad was the eldest, he succeeded the throne by virtue of his primogeniture. Shortly afterwards brothers Mod and Manai started planning against the life of Unad in order to usurp his throne. However they did not succeed and found it necessary to go into exile with their followers to Kutch where they had maternal relations with the Chawda tribe. This was the first historically noted foray of Samma Rajputs of Sind in Kutch.After arrival in Kutch, Mod had a dispute with his maternal Uncle Chawda Whagum, The ruler of Eastern Kutch, and was killed by Mod, thereafter, Mod assumed the sovereignty of the province. There is no concrete information available for the period that followed except the names of the rulers up to five generations. They were Jam Mod, Jam Saad, Jam Phool, Jam Lakho Phoolani and Jam Pooeronjee. It is important to note here that Lakho Phoolani is the most revered and cherished warrior in the history of Kutch and Saurashtra. Jam Pooeronjee was a very cruel ruler and created despair and apathy among his dominion until he was killed by Jakhs. During this time the direct descendents of Jam Unad in Nagar Thatta Sindh was Jam Jada, as he did not have any legitimate heir to the throne he adopted his brothers son Lakho, however, after adopting Lakho, Jam Jadas wife gave birth to a child named Ghao, As Jam Jada had already adopted lakho, he decided to divide his dominion equally among both his legitimate son Ghao and adopted son Lakho, however after the demise of Jam Jada, Ghao refused to give any share to Lakho and was forced to leave Sindh with his twin brother Lakhiar and well wishers. Lakho and Lakhiar ventured into Kutch and slowly regained the territories in control of Chavdas, as Lakhiar was childless, Lakho named his territory after his brother and called it Lakhiarviro. Lakho was adopted by Jam Jada, the descendants of this Lakho Jadani were called Jadejas. The name Jadeja means "Belonging to Jada" in the Sindhi and Kutchi language and is pronounced as "Jaa day jaa. Lakho Jadani.......................1147 - 1175 Jam Lakho Jadani is attributed to the surname Jadeja being adopted for all his descendants. Lakho Jadani reigned in Kutch between AD 1147–1175 and had one heir to the gaddi (throne), Jam Rato Raydhan. Ratto Rayadhan.....................1175 - 1215 Ratto means Red in Kutchi and he was so called because he used to tie a red cloth across his turban to prevent it from dislodging during battles. Jam Ratto Raydhan had four sons namely, Jam Othaji, Dedaji, Hothiji and Gajanji and they were given the territories of Lakhirviro, Kanthkot, Gajod and Bara respectively in Kutch. Othoji.............................1215 - 1255 As Othaji was the eldest he ascended to the throne and the rest became a part of Bhayyat or the Brotherhood. Bhayyat is the term used for all the descendants of the royal family who own and control their own domains allocated to them within the state and adhere to the feudal system. Gaoji...............................1255 - 1285 Vahenji.............................1285 - 1321 SAMMA RAJPUT Murvoji.............................1321 - 1347 Kaiyaji.............................1347 - 1386 Amarji..............................1386 - 1429 Bheemji.............................1429 - 1472 Hamirji.............................1472 - 1510 Over the years, there were constant skirmishes due to jealousy that marred within these houses, until they merged in two groups of Othaji and Gajanji. The first incident among these which changed the history of Kutch is the murder of Jam Hamirji of Lakhiarviro, chief of eldest branch of Jadeja and descendant of Othaji, by Jam Rawal of Bara. It is believed that Jam Rawal attributed the murder of his father Jam Lakhaji to Hamirji, as he was killed within the territory of Lakhiarviro, and on the pretense of resolving the dispute between the two branches, took a fake oath of Ashapura Mataji, the supreme deity of Jadejas, invited Hamirji for a meal and killed him by deceit. During this time Alioji and Khengarji, two sons of Hamirji were in Ahmedabad and escaped the complete destruction of the royal family perpetuated by Jam Rawal, thereafter Jam Rawal usurped the throne of Kutch and reigned with supreme authority. Khengarji was 15 years old when his father was murdered, he enlisted in to the army of Mahmud Begada, during one Royal Hunting party, Khengar killed a lion and saved the life of Sultan for which he was asked to name his reward, the prime ambition of Khengar was to regain Kutch and hence he asked for support to fight Jam Rawal, whereby, he was given 1000 soldiers and complete access to Morvi and given a title of Rao by the sultan Mohamad of Ahmedabad. Rao Khengar with the support of well wishers within Kutch and Morvi fought with Jam Rawal and slowly started gaining the territories of Rapar and nearby villages, as Khengar was the rightful heir to the throne he was welcomed and dissent towards Jam Rawal grew within the state of Kutch. Jam Rawal was ardent devotee of Maa Ashapura, it is believed that the Goddess indicated Jam Rawal to leave Kutch and establish himself at Halar (Saurashtra), and that she will support him in this venture. Jam Rawal set out for Saurashtra and established himself at Nawanagar. Khengar became the 1st Rao of Kutch in AD 1549 and established Bhuj as Capital. Khengarji I S/o Hamirji (1st Rao).........1510 - 1586 Bharmalji I S/o Khengarji I...............1586 - 1632 Bhojrajji S/o Bharmalji I.................1632 - 1645 Khengarji II S/o Meghji Bharmalji.........1645 - 1654 Meghji Bharmalji was Bhojrajji's younger brother. The first four Raos of Kutch ascended the throne in regular succession according to primogeniture, however after Rao Khengarji II died, there was a break in succession, and in order to prevent the throne being given to Khengarjis illegitimate son, the Bhayyat instated Tamachiji who was the second son of Rao Khengarjis brother. Tamachiji S/o Bhojrajji..................1655 - 1666 Rayadhanji I S/o Tamachiji...............1666 - 1698 JADEJA Jadeja belong to the Yaduvanshi rajputs or Chandravanshi (Moon Dynasty) rajputs. They are one of the 36 royal dynasties of old tracing their origins to Lord Krishna. They ruled huge parts of Kathiawar peninsula and Kutch until India's independence in 1947. Pragmalji I S/o Rayadhanji I (1st Maharao....1698 - 1715 Gohodaji I S/o Pragmalji I...................1715 - 1719 Deshalji I S/o Gohodaji I....................1719 - 1741 Lakhpatji S/o Deshalji I.....................1741 - 1761 Gohodaji II S/o Lakhpatji....................1761 - 1778 Rayadhanji II S/o Gohodaji II (1st time).....1778 - 1786 Prithvirajsinhji S/o Gohodaji II.............1786 - 1801 Fath Mohammad (regent)............1786 - 05 Oct 1813 Rayadhanji II S/o Gohodaji II (2nd time)..1801 - 30 Oct 1813 Great Britain.........................Nov 1815 - 15 Aug 1947 Kutch became British protectorate in Nov 1815. Bharmalji II S/o Rayadhanji II..06 Nov 1813 - 25 Mar 1819 Husain Miyan (regent).................Oct 1813 - 1814 Deshalji II S/o Bharmalji II....25 Mar 1819 - 26 Jul 1860 MacMurdo (regent)...........25 Mar 1819 - 08 Jul 1834 Pragmalji II S/o Deshalji II (regent)Jul 1849 - 26 Jul 1960 Pragmalji II S/o Deshalji II.....26 Jul 1860 - 19 Dec 1875 Khengarji III S/o Pragmalji II...19 Dec 1875 - 15 Jan 1942 Full name:  Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Sir Khengarji III Sawai Bahadur, GCSI, GCIE, KIH. During the latter part of Queen Victoria's reign, Sir Khengarji came to be appointed as an aide de camp to the Queen-Empress in her declining years, which excited some jealousy amongst the officials of the Government of India. He often traveled abroad to Europe, and was noted for his personal relations with the members of the ruling houses there. Khengarji III was one of the very few Indian monarchs to attend all three Delhi Durbars - in 1877,1903 and 1911. His title became Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Shri from 01 Jan 1918. In 1919, he was granted a local salute of 19-guns, and represented India at a League of Nations conference in Geneva in 1921. Khengarji was very progressive and did lots of reforms and developments in Kutch during his reign. Vijayaraja S/o Khengarji III.........15 Jan 1942 - 15 Aug 1947 Vijayaraja S/o KhengarjiIII (continued)15 Aug 1947 - 26 Feb 1948 In year 1947, upon advice of Gandhiji, 15,000 acres (61 km2) of land was donated by him for re-settlement of refugee Hindu Sindhi community, who migrated across the border into India upon partition. The towns of Gandhidham and Adipur were developed on this land donated by him. He acceded the Princely State of Cutch to the Dominion of India on 16th August, 1947. As he was in London for medical treatment at the time India gained independence, he took a decision from there only and the Instrument of Accession of Kutch was signed on his behalf by the Heir & his son Yuvraj Meghraji. Upon death of his father on 26 February 1948, Yuvraj Sahib Meghraji under the new name and style of Madansinghji ruled for a short period, when the administration of Princely State was completely merged in to Union of India. Madan Singh S/o Vijayaraja.....26 Feb 1948 - 01 Jun 1948 Kutch State was formed out of the territory of the former princely state of Cutch, whose ruler (Maharao Sri Vijayaraji) had acceded to the Dominion of India with effect from 15 August 1947. The administration of Kutch after accession remained in the hands of its former ruler until his death on 26 February 1948, when it then passed to his son, Maharao Shri Meghraji.
Rayadhanji II S/o Gohodaji II (2nd time; 1801 - 1813) coinage issue:
Currency:  Kori = 2 Adlinao = 4 Payalo = 8 Dhabu = 16 Dhinglo = 24 Dokda = 48 Trambiyo = 96 Babukiya.
Kori. Year: ND (1800-1814). Weight: 4.46g [4.50g].  Metal: 0.800 Silver.Diameter: 15.00 mm. Edge: Plain.  Alignment: Rotated. Mint: Bhuj.  Mintage:N/A.  Minted Years: One year type with (17)78 frozen date.  Ruler:Rayadhanji II. Note: 1778 is the year when  Rayadhanji II became the ruler of Kutch.
Deshalji II S/o Bharmalji II (1819 - 1860) coinage issue:
Currency: Kori = 2 Adlinao = 4 Payalo = 8 Dhabu = 16 Dhinglo = 24 Dokda = 48 Trambiyo = 96 Babukiya.
C#53 Kori. Year: VS1882 (1825). Weight: 4.54g [4.60-4.70g].Metal: 0.610 Silver. Diameter: 14.50 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Coin. Mint: Bhuj. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: AH (12)34 frozen date on all coins with VS1875-1877, 1879-1882, 1884-1885 and 1887. Ruler: Deshalji II.Note: AH (12)34 = VS1875 or 1818 is the year when Deshalji II became the ruler of Kutch.
Pragmalji II S/o Deshalji II (1860 - 1875) citing Queen Victoria coinage issue:
Currency: Kori = 2 Adlinao = 4 Payalo = 8 Dhabu = 16 Dhinglo = 24 Dokda = 48 Trambiyo = 96 Babukiya.
Y#5.1 Trambiyo (1/48 Kori). Year: 1767 error (1867). Weight: 3.34g [3.00-3.40g]. Metal: Copper. Diameter: 15.00 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Coin, but rotated as shown. Mint: Bhuj. Mintage: N/A.Minted Years: 1865-1868 and 1767 error (1867). Ruler: Pragmalji II.
Y#8 3 Dokda (Dhabu or 1/8 kori). Year:VS1925 (1868). Weight: 18.92g [18.80-19.60g]. Metal: Copper. Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Coin. Mint: Bhuj.Mintage: N/A. Reverse: Sa(m)vat at upper left, date at upper right. Minted Years: One year type but other similar varieties also exits as Y#8.1, Y#8.2 and Y#12. Ruler: Pragmalji II.
Y#14.2 Kori. Year: VS1920 (1863). Weight: 4.66g [4.70g].Metal: 0.610 Silver. Diameter: 16.00 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Medal, but rotated and off-flan as shown. Mint: Bhuj.Mintage: N/A. Reverse: Open crescent at the top. Minted Years:VS1920 (1862), VS1920 (1863) and VS1921 (1863). Ruler:Pragmalji II.
Khengarji III (1875 - 1942) coinage citing Queen Victoria:
Currency: Kori = 2 Adlinao = 4 Payalo = 8 Dhabu = 16 Dhinglo = 24 Dokda = 48 Trambiyo = 96 Babukiya.
Lettering edge description: * "Bhuj" written in Devanagri script * "Kutch" written in English * "Kutch" written in Devanagri script * "Bhuj" written in English *.
Y#37.2 5 Kori. Year: VS1937 (1881).Weight: 13.78g [13.87g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 30.50 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when VS date (reverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal, but rotated as shown.Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "Victoria Qaiser-i-Hind" (Victoria, Queen of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Leaves of wreath pointing counter-clockwise. Reverse: Close crescent and bars to left and right of center legend within circle. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years:VS1937 (1880) and VS1937 (1881). Ruler:Khengarji III. Y#37.5 5 Kori. Year: VS1954 (1897).Weight: 13.86g [13.87g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 31.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when CE date (Obverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"Victoria Qaiser-i-Hind" (Victoria, Queen of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Changed wreath. Reverse: Open crescent within circle. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1947 (1890), VS1950 (1893), VS1950 (1894), VS1951 (1894), VS1951 (1895), VS1952 (1895), VS1952 (1896), VS1953 (1896), VS1954 (1896) error, VS1951 (1897) error, VS1853 (1897), VS1854 (1897), VS1951 (1898) error, VS1953 (1898), VS1954 (1898), VS1955 (1898) and VS1955 (1899).Ruler: Khengarji III.
Khengarji III (1875 - 1942) coinage citing George V:
Y#47 Dokdo (1/24 Kori). Year: VS1977 (1920). Weight: 6.44g. Metal: Copper.Diameter: 20.50 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment:Medal, but rotated as shown. Mint: Bhuj.Obverse: "George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse: Date below trident (trishul) in center and legends around. Mintage: N/A.Minted Years: VS1976 (1920) and VS1977 (1920). Ruler: Khengarji III. Y#48 1½ Dokdo (Dhinglo or 1/16 Kori).Year: VS1982 (1926). Weight: 9.96g. Metal:Copper. Diameter: 23.00 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Reverse: Date below trident (trishul) in center and legends around. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Khengarji III. Y#49 3 Dokdo (1/8 Kori). Year: VS1982 (1926). Weight: 19.67g. Metal: Copper.Diameter: 33.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment:Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse:Date below trident (trishul) in center and legends around. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years:One year type. Ruler: Khengarji III. Y#51 Kori. Year: VS1979 (1923). Weight:4.67g [4.70g]. Metal: 0.610 Silver. Diameter:17.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal, but rotated as shown. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Reverse: Trident (trishul) on the left above side below the crescent. Legends in the center. Date at the bottom. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1970 (1913 ), VS1979 (1923), VS1980 (1923) and VS1984 (1927). Ruler:Khengarji III. Y#52a 2½ Kori. Year: VS1991 (1935).Weight: 6.92g [6.935g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 26.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when CE date (Obverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Leaves of wreath pointing clockwise. Reverse:Small legends than earlier issues 1916-1926 .Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1984 (1927), VS1985 (1928), VS1986 (1930), VS1987 (1930), VS1988 (1932), VS1989 (1932), VS1989 (1933), VS1990 (1933),  VS1990 (1934), VS1991 (1934), VS1991 (1935) and VS1992 (1935).Ruler: Khengarji III. Y#53a 5 Kori. Year: VS1989 (1932).Weight: 13.85g [13.87g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when CE date (Obverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Leaves of wreath pointing clockwise. Reverse:Small legends than earlier issues 1913-1927 .Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1985 (1928), VS1986 (1929), VS1986 (1930), VS1987 (1930), VS1987 (1931), VS1988 (1931), VS1988 (1932), VS1989 (1932),  VS1989 (1933), VS1990 (1933), VS1990 (1934), VS1991 (1934), VS1991 (1935), VS1992 (1935) and VS1992 (1936). Ruler: Khengarji III. Y#54 Trambiyo (1/2 Dokdo or 1/48 Kori).Year: VS1985 (1928). Weight: 2.73g. Metal:Copper. Diameter: 16.00 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Reverse: Date below trident (trishul) and legend in the center with more legends around.  Mintage: N/A. Minted Years:VS1984(1928) and VS1985 (1928). Ruler:Khengarji III. Y#55 Dokdo (1/24 Kori). Year: VS1985 (1929). Weight: 5.63g. Metal: Copper.Diameter: 21.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment:Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse:Date below trident (trishul) and legend in the center with more legends around. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: VS1982 (1922 sic), VS1984 (1928) and VS1985 (1929). Ruler:Khengarji III. Y#56 1½ Dokdo (Dhinglo or 1/16 Kori).Year: VS1986 (1929). Weight: 8.30g. Metal:Copper. Diameter: 23.00 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Reverse: Date below trident (trishul) and legend in the center with more legends around.Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1985 (1928), VS1985 (1929), VS1986 (1929), VS1987 (1931), VS1988 (1931), VS1988 (1932) and VS1889 (1932). Ruler: Khengarji III. Same as above coin, but...Year: VS1989 (1932). Weight: 8.24g. Y#57 3 Dokdo (1/8 Kori). Year: VS1991 (1934). Weight: 16.65g. Metal: Copper.Diameter: 33.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment:Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "George V Qaiser-i-Hind" (George V, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse:Date below trident (trishul) and legend in the center with more legends around. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: VS1985 (1928), VS1985 (1929), VS1986 (1929), VS1987 (1930), VS1987 (1931), VS1990 (1934), VS1991 (1934) and VS1992 (1935). Ruler:Khengarji III.
Khengarji III (1875 - 1942) coinage citing Edward VIII:
Y#63 3 Dokdo (1/8 Kori). Year: VS1993 (1936). Weight: 16.59g. Metal: Copper.Diameter: 33.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment:Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "Edward VIII Qaiser-i-Hind" (Edward VIII, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse:Date below trident (trishul) and legend in the center with more legends around. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler:Khengarji III. Y#65 Kori. Year: VS1992 (1936). Weight:4.67g [4.70g]. Metal: 0.610 Silver. Diameter:17.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal, but rotated as shown. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"Edward VIII Qaiser-i-Hind" (Edward VIII, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse: Trident (trishul) on the left above side below the crescent. Legends in the center. Date at the bottom. Mintage: N/A.Minted Years: VS1992 (1936) and VS1993 (1936). Ruler: Khengarji III. Y#67 5 Kori. Year: VS1993 (1936). Weight:13.88g [13.87g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when VS date (reverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"Edward VIII Qaiser-i-Hind" (Edward VIII, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Leaves of wreath pointing clockwise.Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1992 (1936) and VS1993 (1936). Ruler: Khengarji III.
Khengarji III (1875 - 1942) coinage citing George VI:
Y#71 3 Dokdo (Dhabu or 1/8 kori). Year:VS1993 (1937). Weight: 14.80g. Metal:Copper. Diameter: 32.25 mm. Edge: Plain with some sort of decoration. Alignment:Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse:Date below trident (trishul) and legend in the center with more legends around. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler:Khengarji III. Y#74 2½ Kori. Year: VS1993 (1937).Weight: 6.96g [6.935g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 26.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when VS date (reverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Leaves of wreath pointing clockwise. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler:Khengarji III. Lettering edge of the above coin. Y#75 5 Kori. Year: VS1995 (1938). Weight:13.91g [13.87g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when CE date (obverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Leaves of wreath pointing clockwise. Reverse:Crescent flanked by trident and and trisul knife above two lines of legends and VS date at the bottom (all within the center circle). Legend clockwise in outer circle. Mintage: N/A.Minted Years: VS1993 (1936), VS1993 (1937),  VS1994 (1037), VS1994 (1938), VS1995 (1938), VS1997 (1941) and VS1998 (1941). Ruler: Khengarji III.
Vijayaraja (1942 - 1948) coinage citing George VI:
Currency: Kori = 2 Adlinao = 4 Payalo = 8 Dhabu = 16 Dhinglo = 24 Dokda = 48 Trambiyo = 96 Babukiya.
Y#77 Dhinglo (1½ Dokdo or 1/16 Kori).Year: VS2000 (1943). Weight: 4.15g. Metal:Copper. Diameter: 20.50 mm; hole in center.Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj.Obverse: "George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse: Date below on right side.Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS2000 (1943), VS2000 (1944), VS2004 (1947) and VS2004 (1948). Ruler: Vijayarajji. Y#79 Payalo (1/4 kori). Year: VS2000 (1943). Weight: 8.25g. Metal: Copper.Diameter: 26.50 mm; hole in center. Edge:Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Reverse: Date below on right side. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: VS1999 (1943), VS2000 (1943), VS2000 (1944), VS2001 (1944), VS2001 (1945), VS2002 (1945), VS2002 (1946), VS2003 (1946) and VS2003 (1947). Ruler: Vijayarajji. Same as above coin, but..Year: VS2003 (1947). Weight: 8.35g. Y#80 Adhio (1/2 kori). Year: VS2001 (1944). Weight: 16.49g. Metal: Copper. Diameter: 36.00 mm; hole in center.Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: "George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date. Reverse: Date below on right side. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: VS1999 (1943), VS2000 (1943), VS2001 (1944), VS2001 (1945), VS2002 (1945) and VS2002 (1946). Ruler: Vijayarajji. Y#82 5 Kori. Year: VS1998 (1942). Weight:13.87g [13.87g]. Metal: 0.937 Silver.Diameter: 32.00 mm. Edge: Plain with Lettered: * भुज * Kutch * कच्छ * Bhuj *. Readable when VS date (reverse side) is on top. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse:"George VI Qaiser-i-Hind" (George VI, King of India), "Zarb Bhuj" (Mint: Bhuj) with date.Leaves of wreath pointing clockwise. Mintage:N/A. Minted Years: VS1998 (1942), VS1999 (1942) and VS1998 (1943) Reported but not confirmed. Ruler: Vijayarajji.
Madan Singhji [Yuvraj Meghraji] (1947-1948) coinage on celebrating Indian Independence:
Currency: Kori = 2 Adlinao = 4 Payalo = 8 Dhabu = 16 Dhinglo = 24 Dokda = 48 Trambiyo = 96 Babukiya.
Y#84 Kori. Year: VS2004 (1947). Weight: 4.66g [4.70g].Metal: 0.610 Silver. Diameter: 17.00 mm. Edge: Plain.Alignment: Medal. Mint: Bhuj. Obverse: In Devanagiri: जय हिंद ("Jai Hind" = Victory to India) at the top, "Bhuj" in Devanagiri at bottom. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler:Madan Singh.
Upon the independence of India in 1947, Kachchh acceded unto the dominion of India and was constituted an independent commissionaire. It was created a state within the union of India in 1950. On June 01, 1948, Chhotalal Khovshaldan Desai became first Chief Commissioner of Kutch State, functioned as a province. He was succeeded by Sambhajirao Appasaheb Ghatge in 1952. He was in office till October 31, 1956. Upon the Constitution of India coming into force on 26 January 1950, Kutch became a "Class C" state, i.e. its administration was under the direct control of India's central government. Its capital was Bhuj. On November 01, 1956, Kachchh State was merged with Bombay state, under the States Reorganization Act. Later in n 1960 was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, with Kachchh becoming a district as part of Gujarat state.On the Partition of India in 1947, the province of Sindh, including the port of Karachi, became part of Pakistan. The Indian Government constructed a modern port at Kandla in Kutch to serve as a port for western India in lieu of Karachi. There was a dispute over the Kutch region with Pakistan on Sir Creek. In 1965, Pakistan claimed 3,500 sq mi (9,100 km2) of the land and an international tribunal was set up. It awarded 350 sq mi (910 km2) of the claimed land to Pakistan, the rest remaining with India.
Kutch district (also spelled as Kachchh) is a district of Gujarat state in western India. Covering an area of 45,652 km², it is the largest district of India. Kachchh literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry; a large part of this district is known as Rann of Kachchh which is shallow wetland which submerges in water during the rainy season and becomes dry during other seasons. The same word is also used in the languages of Sanskrit origin for a tortoise and garments to be worn while having a bath. The Rann is famous for its marshy salt flats which become snow white after the shallow water dries up each season before the monsoon rains.
Pretenders of Kutch Madan Singh S/o Vijayaraja (continued)...........01 Jun 1948 - 21 Jun 1991 He died in Surrey, UK on 21st June 1991, having three sons and two daughters. Pragmulji III S/o Madan Singh....................21 Jun 1991 - date Installed in the Tila-medi, Prag Mahal Palace, Bhuj on 17th October 1991.