Coins of Delhi Sultanate

The coins of the Delhi Sultanate represent one of the most remarkable phases in the monetary history of medieval India, reflecting the economic vitality, administrative organisation, and cultural synthesis of the period. Between the early thirteenth and early sixteenth centuries, the rulers of the Sultanate introduced a distinctive system of coinage that blended Islamic numismatic traditions with Indian artistry. These coins not only served as instruments of commerce but also as political symbols, proclaiming the authority and legitimacy of the ruling sultans.

Historical Background

The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) was established following the decline of the Ghurid Empire in India. Over the next three centuries, it was ruled successively by five major dynasties — the Mamluks (Slave Dynasty), Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis.
Coinage during this period underwent significant transformation, both in design and in metal composition. The introduction of Islamic monetary standards replaced earlier Hindu-Buddhist motifs with inscriptions in Arabic and Persian, yet Indian craftsmanship and metrological traditions persisted. The Sultanate’s coins reflected political stability, trade expansion, and evolving economic policy.

Evolution and Major Phases of Coinage

1. Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206–1290)The earliest coins of the Delhi Sultanate were issued by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi. Initially, the Mamluk rulers retained the design and weight standard of their Ghurid predecessors. Coins were mainly of silver (tanka) and copper (jital).
Aibak’s coins bore the names of his Ghurid overlords, symbolising political subordination, but later sultans such as Iltutmish (1211–1236) standardised the coinage system. Iltutmish introduced the silver tanka, weighing about 175 grains (approximately 11 grams), and the copper jital as the standard denominations. His coins carried inscriptions in Arabic, including the Kalima (Islamic declaration of faith) and the sultan’s titles. Iltutmish also received formal recognition from the Abbasid Caliphate, and his coins bore the Caliph’s name, enhancing the legitimacy of his rule.
2. Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)The Khiljis, particularly Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316), made significant contributions to monetary reform. His reign saw an expansion of trade and market regulation, supported by a well-structured coinage system.
Alauddin issued gold dinars, silver tankas, and copper jitals, maintaining the weight and purity introduced by Iltutmish. His coins were remarkable for their calligraphic beauty and titles such as “Sikandar al-Sani” (the Second Alexander). These coins circulated widely across North India and even into the Deccan, reflecting the vast extent of his empire.
3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)The Tughlaq period was marked by both innovation and experimentation in coinage. Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351), an able yet controversial ruler, attempted several ambitious monetary reforms.
He introduced token currency made of copper and brass to supplement the shortage of precious metals. The idea was modelled on the Chinese system of paper money, with copper coins officially valued at par with silver. However, the experiment failed because people began privately minting counterfeit coins, leading to a severe financial crisis. Eventually, the tokens were withdrawn and exchanged for silver coins.
Despite this failure, Tughlaq’s reign also saw high-quality gold and silver coinage with detailed inscriptions and mint marks. His coins were struck in multiple mints across the empire, including Delhi, Daulatabad, and Lakhnauti.
Later Tughlaq rulers, such as Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388), issued coins in gold, silver, and copper, maintaining stability in the system. Firuz Shah’s coins often included his name along with the titles of the Caliph, underscoring his religious legitimacy.
4. Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties (1414–1526)The Sayyid dynasty, which followed the Tughlaqs, issued fewer coins due to political instability. Their coinage was largely imitative, continuing earlier types with modest inscriptions.
The Lodi rulers, particularly Bahlul Lodi and Sikandar Lodi, revived the monetary system and restored confidence in the currency. Sikandar Lodi’s coins were notable for their fine calligraphy and uniform weight. His silver tankas often bore the title “Sikandar al-Thani” (the Second Alexander) and were widely circulated across northern India until the establishment of the Mughal Empire in 1526.

Denominations and Metals

The coinage of the Delhi Sultanate was primarily tri-metallic, comprising gold, silver, and copper.

• Gold Dinar (Ashrafi): Used for high-value transactions and ceremonial gifts.
• Silver Tanka: The principal monetary unit, used in commerce and taxation.
• Copper Jital: Used for everyday trade and minor transactions.

Occasionally, billon coins (alloy of silver and base metals) were issued when silver was scarce. The introduction of the silver tanka and copper jital by Iltutmish laid the foundation for India’s medieval monetary system, influencing later Mughal coinage.

Design and Inscriptions

The artistic style of Delhi Sultanate coins represents a blend of Islamic and Indian influences. Typically, coins bore Arabic and Persian inscriptions containing:

• The name and titles of the ruler.
• The Islamic declaration of faith (Kalima).
• The name of the Caliph (in earlier issues).
• The mint and date (in Hijri era).

While Islamic prohibitions forbade human or animal figures, the coins often displayed intricate calligraphy and geometric or floral motifs, demonstrating high levels of craftsmanship. In some regions, especially at provincial mints, traces of Indian symbols such as the Sri monogram occasionally appeared, indicating cultural synthesis.

Economic and Political Significance

The widespread use of standardised coinage under the Delhi Sultanate was crucial for economic growth and political consolidation. The system facilitated taxation, trade, and military payments, strengthening central authority.
Key economic implications included:

• Expansion of trade networks across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
• Introduction of monetary economy, replacing barter in many regions.
• Fiscal centralisation, allowing efficient collection of land revenue and commercial taxes.

Coinage also served as a medium of political propaganda, asserting the sultan’s sovereignty and allegiance to the Caliphate. The presence of the ruler’s name on coins symbolised legitimate authority throughout the realm.

Minting Centres

Major mints were established in Delhi, Lahore, Multan, Daulatabad, Lakhnauti, Bengal, and Badaun. Each mint used local symbols or marks to identify its issues. The wide distribution of mint towns indicates the geographical expanse of the Sultanate’s control and its administrative sophistication.

Legacy and Influence

The monetary system developed under the Delhi Sultanate profoundly influenced subsequent Indian coinage. The Mughals, who succeeded the Lodis, adopted the silver tanka’s weight standard to create their celebrated rupee, introduced by Sher Shah Suri in the sixteenth century.
The Sultanate’s emphasis on uniformity, calligraphic beauty, and trilingual inscriptions set enduring standards for Indian numismatics. Moreover, its economic reforms contributed to the growth of towns, markets, and long-distance trade.