Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c8.48

c8.48

¹ Let us consider some facts in this connection. The ratio of silver to copper has been roughly 1 : 64 ; the weight of the Tanka has been between 179 and 175 grains of pure silver in accordance with the relative value of silver and copper. The Dam of Akbar comes to 1 3/5 times of Tanka in value or bears a ratio of 5 : 8. We know further that the maund of Akbar was about twice our maund in weight. The measure of a ‘Sikandary’ yard had a very slight difference of 1/4 inch in comparison with the yard of Akbar. We have fixed an average of 5 Tankas per month as the maximum average cost of living for a family. The wages of labourers, namely the bricklayers, the carpenters, the builders, the matchlockman and the archers are given as between 5 Rupees and 1½ Rupees (vide Thomas, 429-30). Let us compare the prices of necessities under Akbar with those of the reign of Sultan ‘Ala-ud-din Khalji which we have taken as the norm for the period. We have reduced the prices of Akbar into Jitals :—