Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c8.31

c8.31

The earliest coins that are mentioned during the period are the *Delhiwals* of the "Bull and horseman" device.¹ Although it is not necessary to accept an identity between these coins and the later money of account, our copper *Jitals* were merely a continuation of these old Delhiwals of Hindu times.² The *Jitals* continued to be used until they were replaced by the *Bahloli*, instituted by Sultan Bahlul Lodi. We shall refer again to these developments. Like the copper *Jital*, the silver *Tanka* which was introduced by Sultan Iltutmish, of a mint standard approaching 175 grains, was also connected with the older Hindu monetary system. The *Tanka* held its place until it was succeeded by the *Rupia* of Sher Shah and Akbar and the *Rupee* of the present day. We have come across a few references to gold *Mohurs* but probably they were not used as money of account and do not concern us here.