The first Ahom king to issue official coins was Jayadhwaj Singha, also known by his Ahom name Sutyinphaa. He ruled the Ahom kingdom from 1648 to 1663 CE and is remembered for his key role in initiating a formal monetary system in Assam.
Jayadhwaj Singha introduced silver coins bearing inscriptions in Sanskrit and Assamese script, marking a significant shift from the earlier barter-based economy. These coins often featured his royal title Swargadeo Jayadhwaj Singha and were dated using the Saka era, reflecting a blend of Ahom traditions with broader Indian coinage practices.
Features of the First Ahom Coins:
-
Made of silver, standardized for trade and taxation.
-
Inscriptions in Sanskrit and regional scripts.
-
Issued to strengthen state control over commerce and administration.
His introduction of coinage helped centralize the Ahom administration, improve tax collection, and facilitate regional trade. It also symbolized the Ahom kingdom’s increasing interaction with mainstream Indian political and economic systems.
Legacy:
Jayadhwaj Singha’s monetary reform laid the foundation for later coinage issued by his successors. Today, these coins are preserved in museums and are studied as part of Assam’s rich numismatic heritage.
Thus, Jayadhwaj Singha (Sutyinphaa) is rightly credited as the first Ahom king to issue coins, making a lasting contribution to the region’s economic history.
PREVIOUS :
Who Was Known As Burha Raja?
NEXT :