Question

Explain the importance of coins in the historical sense.

Answer 1

Instructions:

This answer for this question can be broken down into two parts.

1. First, talk about what coins are in terms of history. (1 mark)
2. Second, talk about the significance of information carried by them through examples. (2 mark)

Solution:

• Coins are important primary sources of history. They convey the names of kings with their titles and portraits, events, places, dates, dynasties, achievements and logos. The composition of metals in the coins gives us information on the economic condition of the empire.
• Muhammad Ghori had stamped the figure of Goddess Lakshmi on his gold coins and had his name inscribed on it. This tells us that he was liberal in religious outlook.
• Copper coins called Jitals helps us to study the period of the Delhi Sultans. Ala-ud-din Khalji’s gold coins, Muhammad-bin-Tughluq’s copper token currency, silver Tankas introduced by Iltutmish, are indicative of coinage and economic prosperity of Delhi Sultans.