In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to? Clothing? Coins? Ornaments? [2022]]

In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to:

In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to small coins, particularly those used in South India between the 9th and 19th centuries. These coins were notable for their extremely small size, often weighing as little as 0.3 grams and having a diameter of less than a centimeter. Despite their small size, fanams played a significant role in the regional economy and were commonly used for everyday transactions.
While these tiny coins were in circulation, India was also home to some of the world’s largest and most impressive coins. For example, Mughal Emperor Jahangir minted enormous gold coins (Mohur), some with a diameter of 21 centimeters and weighing around 12 kilograms, which were often presented as gifts to foreign dignitaries.

Tanka: A standard silver coin used during the Delhi Sultanate, particularly under the Khilji rulers.
Jittal: Smaller value copper coins used alongside the tanka.
Fanam: A small gold coin used in South India, including the Vijayanagar Empire.
Pagoda: A gold coin used in the Vijayanagar Empire, later inspiring similar coins like the ‘Single Swami’ and ‘Three Swami’ Pagodas issued by European trading companies.
Rupiya: Silver coin issued by Sher Shah Suri. It remained in use during the Mughal period, Maratha era and British India.