A History of Agriculture in India v2.c61.s9: Coinage

v2.c61.s9.1

Copper *jitals* were in use as currency, stated Ashraf. 'The *jitals* continued to be used until they were replaced by the *bahloli*, instituted by Sultan Bahlul Lodi. Like the copper *jital*, the silver *tanka* introduced by Sultan Iltutmish was of a mint standard approaching 175 grains. The *tanka* held its place until it was succeeded by the *rupia* of Sher Shah and Akbar and the rupee of the present day. Taking the wages of the slaves of Muhammad Tughlak and Firoz Tughlak, at 10 *tankas* per month was about the minimum wage for an employee of the Sultan. The soldier was paid at 19½ *tankas* per month. The cost of living works out at 5 *tankas* per month for the average family. The Sultans divided the contents of a *tanka* into 64 *jitals*.’