Aurangzeb, Square Dirham Shara’ai, Multan Mint, Silver, 2.75 g, Dirham Shara’ai 1091 on obv, Zarb Multan on rev, AH 1091 (GR# 13.374). About Very Fine, Extremely Rare piece of Indian History against the Hindus. On 12 April 1679, Aurangzeb minted a new denomination called Dirham Shara’ai (Legal Dirham) so the Hindu population can pay their Protection Tax (Shariya Tax called Jizya) as per the Shariya Law (Qura’an 9:29). This coin was of about 3 gram of silver which was roughly equal to 3 Annas and 8 Pies. By conversion, this annual Jizya Tax amounted to 2 Rupees & 12 Annas for the Poor; 5 Rupees & 8 Annas for the Middle class; and 11 Rupees for the rich. Jizya Tax was the proof of the non-Muslims’ acceptance of subjugation to the King / State and their laws. In return, the non-Muslims were permitted to practice their faith; to enjoy a measure of communal harmony; to get entitled to the Muslim State’s protection from outside attacks; to be exempted from military service; and also from the Zakat (Octroi) levied upon Muslim citizens.
