Currencies/Indian mohur
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Introduction
The Indian Mohur was a gold coin introduced by Sher Shah Suri in 1540 CE, serving as one of the highest-value denominations in Indian monetary history. Used for major transactions and state purposes across the Mughal, Maratha, and British periods, the Mohur remained in circulation for more than four centuries as a symbol of wealth and authority.
History
The Mohur formed part of Sher Shah Suri’s tri-metallic reform system—gold Mohur, silver Rupee, and copper Dam—which standardized coinage throughout northern India. Following the foundation laid by Sher Shah, the Mughal emperors—especially Akbar (1556–1605 CE), Jahangir (1605–1627 CE), and Shah Jahan (1628–1658 CE)—issued Mohurs bearing elegant Persian inscriptions, ruler names, and mint marks. Under Jahangir, portrait Mohurs were struck, notable for their artistry and imperial symbolism.
During British rule, Mohur coinage continued from 1835 CE to 1918 CE, featuring portraits of British monarchs including Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and George V. Some princely states kept minting Mohurs for ceremonial use until the mid-20th century.
Coins
Mohurs were consistently struck in high-purity gold and reflected careful standardization. Typical characteristics
Weight 10.9 to 11 grams
Diameter around 25 mm
Metal Gold (≈ 22 carat)
Designs
Mughal issues: Arabic or Persian legends with regnal years and mint names (e.g., Agra, Lahore).
British issues: Latin legends and monarch portraits.
Special strikes: Presentation or commemorative Mohurs used in official ceremonies.
Currency
The Mohur stood at the top of India’s traditional tri-metallic currency system
1 Mohur = 15 Rupees (standard Mughal and British valuation).
It functioned primarily for treasury storage, taxation payments, state rewards, and large-scale trade. Gold Mohurs seldom appeared in everyday exchange due to their high intrinsic value.
Legacy
The Indian Mohur embodied economic stability and political prestige from the 16th to the 20th century. Its consistent gold standard influenced currency design across South Asia, and its inscriptions and imagery trace centuries of political transition—from Afghan to Mughal and colonial administration. Although minting ceased after 1918 CE, the Mohur endures as an important milestone in the development of Indian coinage and monetary systems.