Note: Muhammad Akbar II, the 26th Mughal Emperor, had a notably brief and tumultuous reign, lasting only two days from October 15 to October 17, 1788. During this short period, he ruled as a puppet under the control of the Rohilla chief, Ghulam Qadir, amidst the political instability that plagued Delhi. His reign was part of a turbulent era in the Mughal Empire, where the power struggled between various figures, including Shah Alam II and Bedar Bakht.

On October 15, the young prince Muhammad Akbar II was enthroned, and in those fleeting two days, Khutba was recited, and coins were struck in both gold and silver—rare numismatic relics that mark this brief puppet rule. Among the coins produced during this short-lived reign, those minted in Saharanpur are particularly noteworthy. These coins are extremely rare due to the brevity of Akbar II’s reign, offering a unique glimpse into the political upheaval of the time, when the Mughal Emperor had little real power, his authority overshadowed by Ghulam Qadir and the emerging dominance of the East India Company.

This extraordinary gold mohur of Emperor Akbar II, minted during the turbulent chapter of India's Mughal history, stands as a remarkable testament to a fleeting moment in time. Struck in the imperial capital of Shahjahanabad (Delhi) within the brief span of October 15th to 17th, 1788, it follows the time-honored custom of issuing coinage upon a ruler's ascension to the throne. This extraordinary coin captures a fascinating episode in the waning power of the Mughal Empire, offering a poignant glimpse into its regal yet tumultuous legacy.

The coins from this period serve as a tangible reminder of the fragile nature of Mughal authority at the time and the shifting control over India. For a deeper understanding of Muhammad Akbar II’s reign and its numismatic significance, Dr. Shailendra Bhandare’s article, "Muhammad Akbar: A Pawn in Politics," published in the ONS Newsletter, offers valuable insights into this fascinating chapter of history.

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