The Institutes of Akbar 15.3

15.3

11. The Zarráb. He cuts off the gold, silver and copper ingots, as exactly as he can, round pieces of the size of coined money. His fees are, for 100 gold muhurs, 21 dáms, 1½ jétals; for the weight of 1000 rupees 53 dáms, 8½ jétals, if he cuts rupees; and 28 dáms in addition, if he cuts the same weight of silver into quarter rupees. For 1000 copper dams his fee is 20 dams; for the same weight of half and quarter dams, 25 dams; and for half quarter dams, which are called dumrís, 69 dams. In Iran and Turan they cannot cut these pieces without a proper anvil; but Hindustani workmen cut them without such an instrument, so exactly, that there is not the difference of a single hair, which is remarkable enough. 12. The Engraver. He engraves the dies of the coins on steel, and such like metals. Coins are then stamped with these dies. At this day, Mauláná Ali Ahmad of Delhi, who has not his equal in any country, cuts different kinds of letters in steel, in such a manner as equals the copyslips of the most skilful caligraphers. He holds the rank of a yuzbashi; and two of his men serve in the mint. Both have a monthly salary of 600 dams.