The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c28.75.5

v2.c28.75.5

Thus *Hammīra* appears to be another Indian corruption of the Arabic word *Amīr*.⁴ That this is the correct interpretation is proved by the Sanskrit legend on the reverse of some of the gold coins of Muhammad ibn Sām, which runs as follows:—*Śrīmad Hamīra Mahamad Sām*.⁵ From this time onwards up to the reign of Balban the epithet *Śrī-Hamīra* (*Śrī-Hamīra* or *Śrī-Hammīra*) occurs as the regular designation of the Ghūrī and Delhi Sulṭāns in their coins and inscriptions.⁶ The epithet also occurs on the coins of some of their provincial satraps.⁷ There is no doubt therefore that *Hammīra* *Hamīra*, or *Haṃvīra* was to the Indians the accepted title for a Muhammadan prince at least during the period *c.* 1000-1300 A.D. But this word may have even a longer history. It is not unlikely that it came to acquire this meaning from the middle of the 9th century A.D., when the Arab chiefs of Sind became practically independent and assumed the title of *Amīr*.¹