Give an account on the archaeological …

Archaeological sources are basically the material evidence like historical buildings, coins, inscriptions and other remains that gives important and detailed information pertaining to a particular period. 

Out of all the archaeological sources of the period, the coins of the Delhi Sultans have proved to be very useful. The coins help in fixing the chronology of events and correcting or ascertaining the genealogical tables of the rulers. In addition, the coins also help in finding out about the economic conditions of the Delhi Sultanate.

The silver coins of Mahmud of Ghazni have his name inscribed on them. The coins of Iltutmish describe him as a lieutenant of the Khalifa. Fine coins of silver called Tanka were also issued by Balban, while the rulers of the Khilji Dynasty issued many coins with Pompous titles. The coins of the Tuglaq’s were quite superior in design as compared to the Khilji’s. By the time of the Lodis, the coins were mainly in copper.

The Mughal Empire also witnessed the minting of coins under different rulers. Such coins provide general information about the chronology, the economic condition, rulers, etc. The coins during Babur’s reign, however, were largely regarded only for their monetary value. They lacked in the beauty and elegance of his successors, Akbar and Jahangir.

Mughal coins of different rulers depicted the portraits of the rulers, despite the prohibition imposed by Islam on display the images of humans or animals. Both Akbar and Jahangir minted coins with their portraits. Jahangir’s coins had the impression of the queen, Nur Jahan on one side with Jahangir’s image on the other side – Indicating the sharing of power between the emperor and his queen.