RAS question
Which Sultan of Delhi introduced the token currency of bronze and copper coins?
Correct answer: (D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency by issuing bronze and copper coins to circulate at the value of the silver tanka.
Explanation
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency in 1329-30 by putting bronze or copper coins into circulation at the face value of the silver tanka. Maulana Azad National Urdu University Institutional Repository explains the key point: token currency has an assigned value unrelated to the coin's intrinsic metallic value, and Muhammad bin Tughlaq asked people to accept bronze tankas as equivalent to the silver tanka then in circulation. This made the reform ambitious but fragile. The scheme failed when people began forging coins at home, creating economic chaos and forcing the Sultan to withdraw it. The episode is therefore remembered as one of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's bold but unsuccessful monetary experiments.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Sikandar Lodi is linked here with shifting the capital to Agra, not with introducing token currency in bronze or copper.
- (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq is noted here for canals, whereas the token-currency experiment belongs to Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- (C) Alauddin Khalji is associated here with market reforms, not with issuing bronze or copper token coins at silver-tanka value.
Concept
This tests Delhi Sultanate monetary reforms, especially the difference between intrinsic metal value and token face value. It recurs in RAS because Muhammad bin Tughlaq's experiments are a standard way to connect medieval administration, economy and state capacity.