The Nepalese mohar was a historical coin that played a crucial role in the nation’s economic history. As a primary medium of exchange, it reflected the artistic and economic advancements of several Nepalese dynasties. The mohar served as the currency of the Kingdom of Nepal from the second half of the 17th century until 1932.
Evolution of Nepalese Coinage
Early Coinage (c. 500 BC – 300 AD)
Among Nepalese coins, the earliest were minted around 500 BC in the Shakya Mahajanapada, which is along the India-Nepal border. These punch-marked coins bore a variety of symbols like geometric patterns, trees, and other nature motifs, reflecting religious views and economic markers.
During the Maurya Empire (c. 322-185 AD), punch-marked coins circulated widely in southern Nepal, featuring symbols like wheels (possibly representing the Dharma) and elephants, which symbolized strength and protection. Some issues featured mountains and six-armed designs.
The Kushan Empire (c. 30-375 AD) introduced copper coins in Nepal, which were used extensively in the southern regions. Unlike the older punch-marked issues, Kushan coins featured more elaborate designs, including deities like Shiva, along with dynastic emblems and inscriptions.
Classical and Medieval Periods (c. 576-1540 AD)
The Licchavi Kingdom (c. 576-750 AD) marked the beginning of the classical period in Nepalese coinage. Licchavi coins, which were typically made of copper, were the first widely used coins in the Kathmandu Valley.
The Malla Dynasty saw significant developments in Nepalese coinage. Silver mohars, initially called Mhendramalli, were introduced with a reduced weight of 5.4 grams compared to earlier issues with a weight of 6-7 grams. Mohar coins also circulated in Tibet, where they were valued for their silver content.
Mohar Coinage System and Standardization
With the rise of the Shah Dynasty, Nepal’s monetary system underwent further development. Following the conquest of the Kathmandu Valley, Prithvi Narayan Shah introduced new systems of coinage. The first copper coins issued for the valley in 1865 included denominations like paisa, double paisa, and dam. The silver mohar system was standardized, with denominations like double rupee, rupee, double mohar, and mohar. Gold coins called asarfi were also introduced.
Transition to the Rupee and Modern Period (1932 – Present)
In 1932, Nepal transitioned from the silver mohar to the Nepali rupee, with an exchange rate of 2 mohars to 1 rupee. This marked a significant transformation in Nepal’s currency system, aligning it with international monetary practices. The Nepali rupee has been pegged to the Indian rupee at a ratio of 1.6:1 since 1994.
Denominations and Designs
The Nepali mohar was subdivided into smaller units called dams, with one mohar equivalent to 128 dams. Additionally, copper paisa coins were issued, with 4 copper dams equal to 1 paisa. The value of gold and silver mohars was based on metal content and weight.
During the reign of King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah (1799–1816), the denominations included:
- Silver Coins: 1 dam, 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1.5, and 3 mohars.
- Gold Coins: 1 dam, 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 1.5, and 2 mohars.
The fluctuating values of copper, silver, and gold coins led to the formal standardization of the silver mohar in 1903, which was divided into 50 paisa. The 1932 transition to the rupee further consolidated Nepal’s monetary system.
Design and Inscriptions of Mohar
Mohar coins featured designs and inscriptions that reflected Nepal’s rulers and religious beliefs of the time.
1722 Silver Mohar
Obverse
The 1722 Silver Mohar of King Bhupatindra Malla displayed the king’s name and titles in the Newari script, which was commonly used from the 10th to 20th centuries. The obverse design was surrounded by intricate floral patterns and decorative borders.
Reverse
The reverse side presented religious symbols like the trident (Trishul), the sun, and the moon. These symbols were arranged in a circular pattern with additional inscriptions in the Newari script, further embellished with ornamental borders and other decorative elements.
1736 Silver Mohar
Obverse
The 1736 Silver Mohar of King Jaya Prakash Malla featured the king’s name and titles in the Devanagari script, which is often used for inscriptions and religious texts. The obverse design was surrounded by intricate patterns and further inscriptions.
Reverse
The reverse depicted Nepal’s national emblem, which includes the trident, sun, and moon, along with other symbols of prosperity and protection. The design was surrounded by decorative borders and additional inscriptions in the Devanagari script.
The Nepalese mohar played a crucial role in the country’s history, exerting its influence beyond trade and crystalizing Nepal’s rich cultural heritage in silver and gold. The transition from early punch-marked coins to standardized mohars and eventually the modern rupee mirrors Nepal’s history, showcasing its deep connections with regional and international trade networks.
