[Solved] Muslim Ruler with Lakshmi Coins | Muhammad Ghori

Coins of which Muslim ruler bear an image of Devi Lakshmi?

[Uttarakhand P.C.S. Prelims 2006]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Early Islamic rulers in India often adopted local currency patterns to ensure economic continuity and political legitimacy among their new subjects.

Authentic Source Evidence

After the victory at Tarain, Muhammad Ghori (Muhammad bin Sam) minted gold coins that featured the image of Goddess Lakshmi on the obverse and his name in Devanagari script on the reverse.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is correct. This 'imitative' coinage was necessary because the local population was accustomed to the gold coins of the Gahadavala and Kalachuri dynasties.

Logic 2: These coins used the legend 'Shri Muhammad bin Sam' in Nagari, illustrating the syncretic nature of the very first Sultanate currency.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Ghori use Devanagari script on his coins?"

To make the currency recognizable and acceptable to the local North Indian population who were unfamiliar with Arabic script.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Lakshmi coins of Ghori signify that the early Sultanate was a pragmatic military occupation that prioritized financial stability over strict religious dogmatism in its initial phase."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Nagari Script 2 Gahadavala Dynasty 4

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