Bronze kesarah (punchee), 15th-early 16th century, Kashmir Sultanate, India

Al-Sultan / Al-Azam / (name of the ruler), with a horizontal line with a knot above the Sultan's name // Zarb Kashmir. 20mm, 5.37 grams. 

Fath Shah was a ruler of the Shah Mir dynasty who reigned over the Kashmir Sultanate during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, with several interruptions due to conflicts with rival king Muhammad Shah of the Chak dynasty. His reign was marked by political instability and frequent struggles for the throne, reflecting a turbulent period in Kashmir’s history. Despite the unrest, Fath Shah is noted for his patronage of learning and culture, which helped sustain Kashmir’s rich Persianate and Islamic traditions. His eventual defeat by the Chaks ended his rule and paved the way for their dominance in the region.