Sher Shah Suri, also known as Sher Khan, was an Afghan emperor who ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 1540 to 1545. During his reign, he made several significant reforms, including the introduction of a new silver coin known as the "Dam."



Sher Shah introduced the Dam primarily to standardize the monetary system and facilitate trade and commerce within his empire. Prior to the introduction of the Dam, the currency system in India was highly fragmented, with various local and regional coins in circulation. This lack of uniformity made transactions challenging and hindered economic growth.



The Dam was a silver coin that weighed approximately 178 grains or 11.53 grams. It was round and had a diameter of about 0.75 inches. The coin featured inscriptions in Persian, including the name of the ruler and the date of minting. Sher Shah's coins were known for their high purity, with a silver content of around 95%.



The introduction of the Dam had a profound impact on the Indian economy during Sher Shah's reign and even beyond. The standardized coinage system made transactions easier and more efficient, boosting trade and commerce. The Dam also became widely accepted and recognized, gaining credibility among merchants and traders.

Sher Shah's coinage system had a lasting impact, and the Dam continued to be used even after his reign. The Mughal emperors who succeeded Sher Shah, such as Akbar and Jahangir, also minted Dam coins, further solidifying its importance in the Indian monetary system.



Sher Shah Suri's introduction of the Dam, a silver coin, was a significant step towards standardizing the currency system in India. The coin played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce during his reign and left a lasting legacy in the Indian monetary system.