Delhi first became the capital of a kingdom under the Tomara Rajputs, who were defeated in the middle of the twelfth century by the Chauhans (also referred to as Chahamanas) of Ajmer. It was under the Tomaras and Chauhans that Delhi became an important commercial centre. Many rich Jaina merchants lived in the city and constructed several temples. Coins minted here, called dehliwal, had a wide circulation.
Edward Thomas has expressed the following views. According to him (JRAS, II, p. 148), the Delhiwals weighed 32 ratis, or the measure of the old Purana of silver of Manu's day. Elsewhere (JRAS, IX, p. 288) he says that the most ancient Indian coins (puch-marked) are in average, 50 grains, the old Varaha silver coins also give an average weight of 50 grains and Rajputa coins also give the average weight of 50 grains. Here he does not mention any weight standard.
Source: The Coinage Of Northern Indian: P.C. Roy, Abhinav Publications
Coin Image: Description: Artist: Amrita Pala (-1195), ruler; Date(s): 1195; Classification(s): coin, Dehliwal, Indian, Sultanate, Delhi/Ajmer/Badon, Bull & Horseman; Acquisition: given by Lyall, R.A., Col., 1945-09-19 [CM.59-1945]
Coin Image: Description: Artist: Amrita Pala (-1195), ruler; Date(s): 1195; Classification(s): coin, Dehliwal, Indian, Sultanate, Delhi/Ajmer/Badon, Bull & Horseman; Acquisition: given by Lyall, R.A., Col., 1945-09-19 [CM.59-1945]
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