Who was the first Sultan of India to have “Deputy of the Caliph” (Naib-e-Khilafat) engraved on coins?
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the first Sultan to inscribe the title “Naib-i-Khilafat” or “Vice-Chancellor of the Caliph” on his coins. This reflected his desire to gain religious legitimacy from the Abbasid Caliph and assert his authority. The inscription strengthened his claim as a rightful Islamic ruler. ANSWER: (A) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
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Muhammad bin Tughlaq sought to enhance his religious authority and international prestige by acknowledging the Abbasid Caliph’s symbolic supremacy. For this reason, he became the first Indian Sultan to mint coins bearing the title “Naib-i-Khilafat,” meaning “Vice-Chancellor of the Caliph.” By doing so, he positioned himself as the Caliph’s representative in India. This act not only reinforced his legitimacy but also projected loyalty to the broader Islamic world. His coins, known for their sophistication, reflected his administrative vision, though many of his monetary experiments were controversial. Still, this inscription marked a significant moment in Indo-Islamic numismatic history.