1 Jital - Narendra Chandra Deva

Historical Context: This 1 Jital copper coin was issued by Narendra Chandra Deva, a ruler of the Kangra Kingdom between 1465 and 1480. Located in the Himalayan foothills, Kangra maintained significant regional autonomy during a period of flux in late medieval India, marked by the emergence of powerful regional states following the Delhi Sultanate's decline. The issuance of such base metal coinage underscores the kingdom's economic self-sufficiency and its role in facilitating local commerce and daily transactions under the Katoch dynasty.

Artistry: The design of this Jital, typical for the era and region, likely features the ruler's name and titles in Nagari script. While specific engravers remain anonymous, the coin reflects a localized Kangra stylistic school, prioritizing clear epigraphy over elaborate iconography. The small flan size and copper medium often led to a utilitarian aesthetic, where legibility of the royal inscription was paramount, characteristic of the functional coinage circulating within the hill states.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a small (14mm) copper flan weighing 3.22 grams, this Jital exhibits characteristics common to medieval hammer-struck coinage. High-points would typically be the central portions of the Nagari legends. Technical strike quality often varies, with examples frequently displaying irregular flans, off-center strikes, or areas of weakness, particularly towards the edges. Planchet preparation was generally rudimentary, influencing the overall sharpness and evenness of the impression.