UPSC CSE Prelims
Society and Economy Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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Solved Previous Year Questions
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In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Coins
The term "Fanam" in medieval India referred to a gold or silver coin that was widely used in South India, particularly in regions like the Vijayanagara Empire, the Nayakas of Madurai, and various Deccan states. It was a small denomination currency used extensively in trade and commerce from the medieval period until the 19th century.
📝 Short Notes: Medieval Indian Coinage
- Fanam: A gold/silver coin primarily used in South India (Vijayanagara Empire, Madurai Nayakas, Travancore, Mysore); continued until British period in some regions
- Tanka: Silver coin introduced by Iltutmish of Delhi Sultanate; became standard currency in North India
- Jital: Copper coin used during Delhi Sultanate period for smaller transactions
- Hun: Small copper coin used in various regional kingdoms; 1 Tanka = 48 Jitals or multiple Huns
- Pagoda (Varaha): Gold coin of South India, especially Vijayanagara Empire; featured Hindu deities
- Rupiya: Silver coin introduced by Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545); standardized by Akbar; became foundation of modern rupee
Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?
Detailed Explanation:
Harihara I founded the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 along with his brother Bukka I, establishing the capital Vijayanagara (Hampi) on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River (a tributary of the Krishna River).
The rulers of the Sangama dynasty ruled as agents of the deity Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva), who was believed to be the true owner of all land south of the Krishna River, with royal orders signed in the name of 'Shri Virupaksha'.
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