The currency system of the Delhi Sultanate, which spanned from the 13th to the 16th centuries, was characterized by a diverse array of coins minted by various rulers and dynasties. These coins played a crucial role in facilitating trade, commerce, and economic transactions within the sultanate and beyond its borders.
Gold Coins (Tanka and Dinar)
Gold coins were among the most prestigious and valuable currency units minted by the Delhi Sultans. The two primary gold coins in circulation were the tanka and the dinar. The tanka, also known as the tanki, was a local currency issued by the Delhi Sultanate, while the dinar was a foreign coin imported from regions such as Persia and Central Asia. Both coins were used for high-value transactions and were often hoarded as a store of wealth by the elite.
Silver Coins (Jital and Rupiya)
Silver coins were widely circulated throughout the Delhi Sultanate and were used for everyday transactions by people of various socioeconomic backgrounds. The jital was the most common silver coin minted by the Delhi Sultans, valued at a fraction of the tanka. It was characterized by its small size and was issued in large quantities to facilitate everyday transactions. Another silver coin, the rupiya, was introduced during the later period of the Delhi Sultanate and gained popularity as a medium of exchange.
Copper Coins (Jital and Paisa)
Copper coins were the most widely used currency units for small transactions and petty purchases. The jital, similar in name to the silver coin, was also minted in copper and served as a lower denomination currency. The paisa, another copper coin, emerged as a common currency during the later period of the Delhi Sultanate. It was valued at a fraction of the jital and was widely circulated among the common people for everyday transactions.
Bullion and Barter
In addition to minted coins, bullion and barter also played a significant role in the currency system of the Delhi Sultanate. Precious metals such as gold and silver were often traded in their raw form, either in the form of ingots or as jewelry. Barter, the exchange of goods and services without the use of currency, was also a common practice, especially in rural and remote areas where coins were scarce.
Foreign Influence
The currency system of the Delhi Sultanate was not entirely indigenous, as it was influenced by foreign currencies and trade relations with neighbouring regions. Coins from Persia, Central Asia, and other neighbouring kingdoms were often in circulation alongside locally minted coins, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the sultanate’s economy.
In conclusion, the currency system of the Delhi Sultanate was characterized by a diverse array of coins minted in gold, silver, and copper, as well as the use of bullion and barter. These currency units played a crucial role in facilitating trade, commerce, and economic transactions within the sultanate and contributed to the vibrancy of its economy.
