RAS question
Sher Shah's silver coin that became basis for the modern rupee was:
Correct answer: (B) Rupiya.
Sher Shah Suri's silver coin called the Rupiya was the precursor of the modern Indian rupee.
Explanation
Sher Shah Suri introduced a tri-metallic coinage system in which the silver coin was called the Rupiya. The Reserve Bank of India states that this silver Rupiya weighed 178 grains and was the precursor of the modern rupee, which directly matches the question's phrase "basis for the modern rupee". The Rupiya stood alongside Sher Shah's gold Mohur and copper Dam, so the answer turns on both metal and name: the modern rupee traces to Sher Shah's silver Rupiya, not to a gold or copper coin. This is why option B is the only option that fits the coin, its metal, and its later monetary legacy.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Dinar does not fit because the question asks for Sher Shah's silver coin, while Dinar is identified as a gold coin.
- (C) Dam is wrong because it was Sher Shah's copper coin, not the silver coin that led to the rupee.
- (D) Tanka is wrong because it is linked to Delhi Sultanate coinage, whereas the question asks for Sher Shah's silver coin.
Concept
This tests medieval Indian monetary history, especially the coinage reforms associated with Sher Shah Suri. It recurs in RAS because coin names, metals, and administrative reforms are standard factual anchors in Ancient and Medieval History.