drachm Silver of Madana Palla Deva (c.1145-67), Chauhan Rajas of Delhi, India

Horseman right, holding standard, Nagari legend: SRI MA-DANA PALA DEVA / Bull facing left, Nagari legend above: MADHAVA-SRI SAMANTA DEVA. 15mm, 3.15 grams. Mint of Delhi, Tye #45. 

The silver drachms (or jitals) were issued by 9 different Tomaras and Chauhan Rajas of Delhi. These coins of the Hindu Delhi Rajas were copied by Muhammed bin Sam and some later Muslim rulers of Delhi. 

The Chauhans (Chahamanas) were a powerful Rajput dynasty who ruled parts of Rajasthan and Haryana and rose to prominence in Delhi and Ajmer during the 12th century. Their most famous ruler was Prithvi Raja III Chauhan (reigned c. 1177–1192), known for consolidating power around Delhi, resisting raids by neighboring kingdoms, and expanding Chauhan influence in northern India. The dynasty is best remembered for its conflicts with the Ghurid Empire, culminating in the battles of Tarain (1191 and 1192). After Prithvi Raja III’s defeat in 1192, Ghurid control expanded into Delhi, but minor Chauhan branches continued to rule smaller territories for centuries afterward.

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