U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013

Economic Reforms of the Delhi Sultanate

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was the medieval king responsible for introducing the silver coin called 'Tanka' in North India?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The introduction of the Tanka was a major milestone in Indian numismatics, providing a stable, high-purity silver standard that lasted for centuries.

Explanation Sultan Iltutmish (1210-1236) is credited with establishing the silver Tanka (weighing roughly 175 grains) and the copper Jital as the standard currency of his empire.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Before Iltutmish, coinage was irregular and lacked imperial standardization.
Logic 2: The Tanka became the ancestor of the modern Rupee, setting the weight and purity standard followed by later dynasties including the Mughals.

Active Recall

Question

What was the weight and composition of Iltutmish's Tanka?

Answer

It was a high-purity silver coin weighing approximately 175 grains (about 11.5 grams).

Core Insight

Iltutmish's bimetallic system solved the liquidity crisis of the early Sultanate and integrated the regional economy.