History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c17.22

c17.22

7½ *jitals*, says Baranī, bought one *man* of wheat. The *man* of Fīrōz Tughlaq's time was of 40 *sers* and a *ser* is stated to have been of 70 *misqāls*. Taking the weight of *misqāl* at the even average of 72 grains, the *ser* would range at 5040 grains and a *man* would amount to 201, 600 grains, 35 lbs. troy and 28.8 lbs. avoirdupois. Ferishtah, however, says that the *man* of 'Alāuddīn's time consisted of 40 *sers*, the weight of a *ser* being 24 tolas. Thus according to Ferishtah, a *man* of 'Alāuddīn's times was equal to 12 *sers* and according to Thomas' calculations it was equal to 14 *sers* of today. Thus if 7½ *jitals* bought one *man* of wheat, one *jital* would buy 5⅓ *sers* (of 24 tolas each). Calculated in modern money one pice (¾ jital) would buy 1⅓ *ser* of 80 tolas each. Thus a present day rupee would buy about two present day maunds of wheat in 'Alāuddīn's time. All other prices may be calculated on this basis.