Mohur

Mohur
"Gold mohur" redirects here. For the hotel in Aden, see Gold Mohur Hotel.
For the city in Iran, see Mohr, Fars.

A Mohur is a gold coin that was formerly minted by several governments including British India (including the princely states), the Moghul Empire, Nepal, and Afghanistan. It was usually equivalent in value to fifteen silver rupees. It was last minted in British India in 1918, but some princely states issued them until absorption into India. Coins were also issued in 2/3 Mohur (10 Rupees) and 1/3 Mohur (5 Rupees) by the British Government, and Half Mohur (7 Rupees, 8 Anna) by some of the Princely States.

The word Mohur was introduced by Sher Shah Suri during his brief rule in India between 1540-1545. It was used for the gold coin weighing 169 grains. He also introduced copper coins called Dam and silver coins called Rupiya that weighed 178 grains.[1] Later on, the Mughal Emperors standardised this coinage of tri-metalism across the sub-continent in order to consolidate the monetary system.

Contents

Etymology

The word 'Mohur' or 'Mohor' is derived from Sanskrit word 'Mudra' which means 'symbol', 'seal', as also 'ring' (as finger ornament). Ancient rulers used to seal their documents and acts with their ring dipped in wax or ink. Also, when paying someone, a golden 'mudra' used to be granted. Centuries later, the word remained in use for currency in spite of the form changing from ring to coins.

See also

References

  1. ^ Mughal Coinage at RBI Monetary Museum. Retrieved on May 4, 2008.

External links


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