COINS IN MEDIEVAL INDIA 

1. GURJARA-PRATIHARA (MIHIR BHOJA)

• Mihir Bhoja was a devotee of Vishnu
• Adopted the title “Adivaraha”
• This title is inscribed on his coins

Key Features:

• Coins reflect religious ideology (Vaishnavism)
• Use of titles on coins for political legitimacy

Exam Point:

Coins used as religio-political propaganda

2. EARLY MEDIEVAL ECONOMY (COIN DECLINE)

• Virtual absence of gold coins till 10th century

Implications:

• Decline in long-distance trade
• Weakening of urban centres
• Rise of regional/local economy

Important Insight:

Coins = indicator of economic health

3. RAJPUT–TURKISH TRANSITION (PRITHVIRAJ PERIOD)

Key Points:

• Coins reflect political compromise after conquest
• Early example of dual authority on coinage

4. DELHI SULTANATE – MUHAMMAD BIN TUGHLAQ

Token Currency Experiment

• Introduced bronze coins equal to silver tanka
• Inspired by:
  • Kublai Khan (China)
  • Ghazan Khan (Iran)

Features:

• First token currency experiment in India
• Based on idea: money = medium of exchange

Failure Reasons:

• Widespread forgery
• Lack of state control
• Public distrust

Result:

• Currency withdrawn
• Exchange with silver coins
• Forged coins rejected

Exam Point:

One of the most important monetary experiments in Indian history

5. VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE

• Provincial governors (Nayaks) had right to issue coins

Features:

• Coins were of small denomination
• Reflects:
  • Decentralisation of power
  • Strong provincial autonomy

6. SHER SHAH SURI (MAJOR MONETARY REFORM)

• Introduced standardised coinage system

Types of Coins:

Key Features:

• Coins of uniform weight & purity
• Replaced earlier debased mixed-metal coins
• Silver rupee became standard for centuries

Impact:

• Boost to trade & commerce
• Facilitated market integration
• Helped handicrafts growth

Most Important Fact:

Rupee system originated from Sher Shah Suri

7. MUGHAL PERIOD (TRADE & COINS)

Features:

• Minting of high-purity silver rupees
• Coins issued from multiple mints
• Traders could:
  • Bring silver
  • Get coins minted (after batta/discount)

Importance:

• Mughal rupee became:
  • Standard currency in India
  • Accepted internationally

Impact:

• Expansion of:
  • Trade
  • Commerce
  • Market economy

8. NUR JAHAN (UNIQUE CASE)

• Coins issued in the name of Nur Jahan

Significance:

• Rare example of female authority on coinage
• Symbol of political influence

9. AURANGZEB – COIN POLICY

• Prohibited inscription of Kalma on coins

Reason:

• To prevent religious desecration
• Coins may be:
  • Trampled
  • Mishandled

Shows: Link between religion & currency policy

FINAL CONSOLIDATION (VERY IMPORTANT)