1835-1950 Empire to Independence India Rupee 6-pc Set

Empire To Independence India Rupee Set!

Great Britain's turbulent reign over Indian is vividly chronicled by this this impressive six-piece set of Rupees struck between 1835 through to the country's independence in 1947. Charting the rise and fall of the British Empire in India through its coinage, these pieces serve as fascinating historical artifacts. This set contains five Rupees from British India—featuring royal effigies of King William IV (reigned 1830-1837), Queen Victoria (1837-1901), King Edward VII (1901-1910), King George V (1910-1936), and King George VI (1936-1952)—alongside a 1950-dated Rupee, one of the first issued by the Republic of India following independence. Unlike the other Rupees in this set, the 1950 coin was struck using nickel rather than silver. Due to inadequate supplies of silver on the open market and prevailing high prices, a decision was made in 1947 to abandon the use of silver for coinage.

East India Company Establishes British Foothold In India

Long the focus of European trading companies, India was conquered by Great Britain's East India Company, which effectively ruled the country after its private army emerged victorious in the Battle of Plassey fought in 1757. The British government gradually exerted its influence over the course of the next century and by 1858 directly ruled India, which became known as the British Raj. The British were not welcomed with open arms, however, since Indians were barred from holding higher office and were paid significantly less than non-Indian counterparts. Indians were also forced to grow cash crops for the British empire. Thus denied the ability to rule themselves as they saw fit, Indians resented British rule.

Growing Opposition Leads To Indian Independence

Indian opposition to British Rule continued to grow throughout the first half of the 20th Century, reaching its peak following the end of World War II. The final nail in the coffin of British rule in India was epitomized by the 1946 Royal Indian Navy Mutiny. It showed the British that they were losing control of the local armed forces that were required to safeguard their presence in India and hence their position was no longer tenable. No longer able to afford to administer the country, Great Britain wanted to leave as quickly as possible. The last British viceroy, Lord Mountbatten—the great uncle of King Charles III—oversaw the Partition of India into India and Pakistan and set August 15, 1947 as the date of Indian independence.

Quantities Are Extremely Limited So Act Quickly!

This 1835-1950 Empire to Independence India Rupee Six-Piece Set comes beautifully housed in a deluxe presentation case and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. It's also an extremely limited collection so if you want to add this fascinating piece of history to your collection you'll want to act quickly! Click it your cart right now!