What is "shivrai"

Shivrai was a copper coin minted during the rule of Marathas and remained in circulation till the end of 19th century, primarily in the Bombay Presidency region.

Before 1830s, Shivrai was valued at 1/74th to 1/80th of a Rupee. There are 150 different types of Shivrai extant till date. In 1885, the British government ordered all local revenue collectors (Mamlatdars) to collect all Shivrais and deposit them in treasury. The purpose of this was to bring the new pice, worth 1/64th of Rupee, in currency by eliminating this native rival. In 1890, Rev. Abbott collected and studied around 25,000 Shivrais. He mentions that they were still in circulation. The Shivrai remained in circulation till the end of 19th century.