Question

Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A), and the other labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): In the medieval period the dam was as much an index of the value of copper, as the rupee was of silver. Interestingly the regional price variations attained a much greater importance in the case of copper metal than in that of gold or silver.

Reason (R): The main supplies were from the mines of the northern and eastern slopes of the Aravalli and the Vindhyan ranges. The proximity to these could play a large part in determining the extent of differences in price among various markets.

In the context of the above two statements which of the following is correct ?

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

• Sher Shah Suri minted and issued huge number of silver coins which later came to be known as Dam.
• He fixed the rate of copper and silver coins and abolished all old and  mixed metal old currency coins.
• The silver coins are issued on the weight standard of Rupiya (about 11-11.5 gms,) ,was also introduced by Sher Shah Suri.
• The Suri Empire left Humayun a reformed and largely standardized coinage, consisting of the gold mohur (about 11 grams), the silver rupee(about 11.5 grams), and the copper dam or paisa (of variable weight).
• One mohur typically traded for 15 rupees, and one rupee exchanged for 48 dam, but the market value of gold, silver and copper fluctuated freely.
• The termed Dam was used for the copper coins of Mughal period. It weighed about 20 gms. 
• Hence, the statement given in Assertion is true.

 

In the next step, we will consider the Reason.

• The Aravalli and Vindhyan Ranges have  significant mineral deposits of base metals (copper, lead and zinc), noble metals (gold and silver) and building material such as marble, granite and more.
• It is no wonder therefore that the Aravalli have been supporting the mining industry from way back in history.
• The claim is backed by the existence of copper mines dating back to the fifth century BC  the presence of zinc smelters in the Zawar area of Rajasthan, dating to the thirteenth century and several historical monuments built using local construction material from this range. 
• The prices also varied in different regions depending upon the proximity to the area as the process of metal extraction was a long and difficult.
• Here statement of the Reason is also true.

 

Conclusion- We can say that both statements of Assertion and Reason are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).