Vikramsinh Rao Pawar (Nana Saheb), Gold Nazarana 1/2 Mohur, 5.04g, VS 1994, Modi legend on both sides, Obv: “Rajya Dewas Mothi Pati 1994”, Rev: “Vikramsinh Pawar” (Unpublished). Extremely fine+, exceedingly rare. During Peshwa Baji Rao I’s campaigns in Malwa in the 1720s, the Pawar brothers Tukoji Rao Pawar and Jivaji Rao Pawar, prominent Maratha sardars serving under the Peshwas, established their authority in the region. They subsequently made Dewas their principal seat, laying the foundation of the Pawar state of Dewas, which later developed into the two branches known as Dewas Senior and Dewas Junior. The present coin might have struck during Rajyabhishek (Accession) Ceremony. Vikramsinh Rao Pawar was one of the most illustrious rulers of the Dewas Senior Branch. He ascended the throne in 1937, he also assisted in overseeing the administration of Indore State for few months at the request of Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II. He subsequently became the Maharaja of Kolhapur, assuming the name Shahaji II. A distinguished soldier, he volunteered for active military service during the Second World War and served in the Middle East with the 2/5th Marathas, attaining the rank of Major. In recognition of his distinguished military career and service, he was gazetted as an Honorary Major-General of the Indian Army in 1962. His life thus combined the traditions of princely leadership, public administration and military service.