5.1 Do you know
Description Image Source Once the Delhi sultanate was firmly established in the 13th century, Indian coinage underwent a major change. The ancient pictorial tradition of coinage gave way to the so-called Islamic type of coins which were sans any pictorial motif. Islamic type of coins had inscription written in Arabic script on both the sides and furnished more information than their ancient counter parts. It offers Religious and Secular information
The Khalji sultan Alauddin Muhammad Shah (1296-1316 CE), discarded the name of Abbasid Caliph from his coins and called himself Yamin- ul Khilafat (right hand of Caliph). The title was used for the first time by an Indian ruler. He also adopted the title of sikander-us-sani (Second Alexander). This indicates that he was well aware of the importance of Alexander, and wanted to be recognised as the second Alexander.
Qutubuddin Mubarak (1316-1320 CE), the successor of Alauddin Khalji is known to have issued coins in gold, silver, billon and copper. He made a remarkable change in his coin inscription
as he has not only discarded the name of Abbasid caliph but declared himself as caliph and called himself khalifullah (caliph of Allah) and Khalifah rabil alemin (caliph of the lord of the world). He also adopted the title of sikander uz zaman.
Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325-1351 CE) introduced token currency in bronze. It weighed around 10 gm. and ruler has asked to accept this bronze tanka at the rate of silver tanka current in the market. An appeal inscribed on the coins reads man ata as-sultan faqad ata rahman (he who obeys king obeys the God) on one side and Muhr shud tanka raij dar raijgar banda –e- umidwar Muhammad Tughluq (sealed as a tanka current in the reign of slave, hopeful Muhammad Tughluq) on the other.
Bahlol Lodi (1451-1459 CE), an Afghan established Lodi dynasty in India in 1451 CE and the dynasty continued to rule till 1526 when Babar defeated the Lodi sultan Ibrahim Lodi. Bahlol made some changes in his coinage. Discarded Gold and silver coins, but continued to issue billon and copper coins.
Sher Shah (1538-1540CE) has given the term rupiya to his silver coins, it weighed about 11.5 gms. varies from 11.2 to 11.6 gms. Fractions of these coins are also reported.
He re-introduced Devanagari legend, inscribing his name as Sri Ser Sahi on his silver coins.
Sher Shah discarded billon coins and introduced heavy copper coins.
It is generally believed that the term paisa was probably given by Sher Shah to his copper coins, weighed at 20gms.Fractions of these coins are also reported.
5.2 Timeline
Timelines Image Description
The Delhi sultanate was ruled by Khalji dynasty. Alauddin Muhammad shah was the most popular and strong ruler of 1290-1320 CE this dynasty. He adopted the title of Sikander -us-sani (second Alexander) On collapse of the Khalji dynasty, Ghiyasuddin founded the Tughluq dynasty in 1320 CE and ruled till 1325 CE, the dynasty, however, ruled till 1414 CE by many sultans. 1320-1414 CE Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, Muhammad bin Tughluq and Firuz Tughluq are the important sultan of this dynasty.
During this period Tughluq dynasty was ruled by Muhammad bin Tughluq. He expanded his empire from north to south, even 1325-1351 CE shifted his capital to Devgiri (Daulatabad). He made various changes in the coinage of the Delhi sultanate, re-introduced the name of Abbasid Caliph of Egypt (now the seat of Caliph is Egypt), modified the weight standard of coins and introduced
token currency in bronze.
The Delhi sultanate in this period witnessed the rules of Suri dynasty. It was founded by Sher Shah Suri who ruled from 1538- 1545 CE. He is generally known in Indian history for his revenue 1538-1556 CE administration and public welfare schemes. In the coinage history of India also, he has a distinct position, and is known for his currency reforms
5.3 Glossary
Staring Related Term Definition Character Term T Tanka The term was used for Gold and Silver coins of
Mameluk and Khaljis of Delhi sultanates J Jital The billon( mixed metal of silver and copper) coins of
Delhi sultanate are termed as jital S Sikander-us-sani The Arabic term for second Alexander, the title was first used by Alauddin Muhammad Shah Khalji on his gold and silver coins N Nasir amir al- English translation; Deputy of commander of momenin faithful(Khalifah). The term was used by many sultans of Delhi sultanate on their gold and silver coins. Here the term amir al-momenin is used for Abbasid khalifah of Baghdad and Egypt
5.4 Bibliography
Bibliography
Goron, Stan and J.P. Goenka., The Coins of Indian Sultanates, New-Delhi, 2001
Gupta, Parmeshwari Lal, Coins, National Book Trust, New Delhi
Jha, Amiteshwar., Bhartiye sikke ek aitehasik Parichay (in Hindi) , Nasik, 2003.
Moin, Danish, Coins of Delhi Sultanates, Nasik, 1999.
Moin, Danish., Catalogue of Medieval Coins in Assam State Museum, Guwahati, Guwahati, 2010.
Rajgor, Dilip., Standard Catalogue of Sultanate Coins of India, Mumbai
Thomas, Edward, Chronicles of Pathan King of Delhi, London, 1871.
Wright, H Nelson., Catalogue of the Coins in Indian Museum Calcutta vol. II, Oxford, 1907.