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Jharkhand P.C.S. Pre 2016

Medieval Economic Administration

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The pure silver 'rupiya' was issued by

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Sher Shah Suri’s most lasting legacy was the total overhaul of the Indian monetary system. He replaced the debased coins of the Sultanate era with standardized, high-purity precious metal currency.

Explanation Sher Shah Suri introduced the 11 gram pure silver coin, which he named the Rupiya. This replaced the older 10 gram bullion 'Tanka' (which was mixed with base metals). The term 'Rupiya' comes from the Sanskrit 'Rupya,' meaning wrought silver.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Sher Shah's coinage was so well-made that it became the standard for the Mughals and remained the basis for Indian currency until the 19th century.
Logic 2: While Akbar standardized the 'Dam' (copper), the actual creation of the silver Rupiya as we know it belongs to the Suri dynasty's reforms.

Active Recall

Question

What was the significance of the Rupiya's weight?

Answer

By fixing it at 178 grains (approx 11 gm) of pure silver, Sher Shah provided a stable unit of value that boosted both internal and foreign trade.

Core Insight

The Rupiya is a rare example of a medieval administrative reform that survived for nearly 500 years, eventually becoming the national currency of several modern nations.

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