[Solved] Why Tughluq's Token Currency Failed | UPSC History

Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): The scheme of the token currency of Muhammad Tughluq proved unsuccessful. Reason (R): Muhammad Tughluq did not have the proper control over currency issue.

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]

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Correct Option: A

Muhammad Bin Tughluq's token currency failed because he lacked control over coin production. This allowed widespread forgery, which devalued the currency and disrupted trade.

A. Both (A) and (R) is individually true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B. Both (A) and (R) is individually true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

A successful fiat or token currency system requires the state to have a monopoly on minting and strict anti-counterfeiting measures to maintain public trust.

Authentic Source Evidence

Muhammad Bin Tughluq introduced copper/brass tokens in 1330. Contemporary historian Barani notes that 'every Hindu's house became a mint', indicating a total failure of state control.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Assertion (A) is true. The experiment caused trade to halt as merchants refused to accept base metal tokens in place of gold/silver.

Logic 2: Reason (R) is true. The Sultan failed to restrict minting to the imperial treasury; the design was too simple, allowing citizens to easily manufacture forged tokens at home.

Historical Logic Quest

"What happened when Tughluq withdrew the token currency?"

He offered to exchange the copper tokens for real gold and silver coins, which drained the state treasury and caused a massive financial crisis.

The Topper's Edge

"Tughluq's failure was not in the 'idea' (which was modern), but in the 'execution' and inability to manage the supply of money."

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