Mughal India

The 17th century was a high point for the Mughal emperors of India. Akbar (1556-1605) consolidated the subcontinent and, while himself illiterate, expended great sums of money on arts and letters. Shah Jahan (1628-1658), who erected the Taj Mahal in memory of his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal, also required enormous coinage. Mughal coinage of this period is know for its distinctive Arabic script.