Which Sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty in medieval India is known for issuing token copper coins in place of silver coins as part of an experimental currency reform.

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the economic experiments of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly the Tughlaq period. The Sultanate rulers often introduced new policies in administration, taxation, and coinage. Among them, Muhammad bin Tughlaq is famous for his bold but often unsuccessful experiments. One of his most discussed initiatives was the introduction of token currency in the form of copper coins that were meant to circulate along with silver coins. Understanding who introduced this measure gives insight into medieval Indian monetary policy and the reasons for its failure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. • It asks specifically which Sultan issued copper coins instead of silver coins. • The reform relates to a well known monetary experiment. • The options list several Tughlaq rulers and one non Tughlaq ruler.

Concept / Approach:
The concept tested is the identification of Muhammad bin Tughlaq as a ruler known for ambitious but impractical schemes. Among his experiments were shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and introducing token currency. He issued copper coins which were to have the same value as silver tankas. However, because the state was unable to control minting and forgery, this policy collapsed. By recalling this textbook example of a failed economic reform, we can correctly match the Sultan to the policy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase issued copper coins instead of silver coins as token currency. Step 2: Recall that this reform is always associated with Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ruled in the fourteenth century. Step 3: Remember that his idea was to introduce copper coins with the same face value as silver coins in order to ease shortages of precious metal and increase money supply. Step 4: Check each option. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq dynasty but is not linked with token currency. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for public works and irrigation. Mahmud Tughlaq ruled much later during decline. Alauddin Khilji belonged to a different dynasty. Step 5: Conclude that Muhammad bin Tughlaq is the only correct match for the monetary experiment described.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard medieval Indian history books as well as competitive exam guides uniformly describe token currency under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. They often explain that the experiment failed because people started privately minting copper coins and the state could not enforce control or exchange them reliably. As a result, the Sultan had to withdraw the copper coins and exchange them back for silver, causing a huge loss to the treasury. No such copper token currency attempt is recorded for Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, or Mahmud Tughlaq, which confirms that Muhammad bin Tughlaq is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: Founder of the Tughlaq dynasty and known for consolidating power, but not associated with token copper currency. Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Remembered for building canals, gardens, and public institutions, but he did not experiment with copper coins replacing silver coins. Mahmud Tughlaq: A later Tughlaq ruler who presided over a period of decline and is not linked with major monetary innovations. Alauddin Khilji: Belonged to the Khilji dynasty and was known for market control and revenue reforms, not for issuing token copper currency in place of silver.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is mixing up Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq, because both are known for economic reforms. Alauddin Khilji controlled prices and markets but did not introduce token currency. Another mistake is forgetting that the question is limited to the Tughlaq dynasty and mistakenly considering rulers from other periods. Students should remember a simple association: Muhammad bin Tughlaq means experimental schemes such as shifting the capital and using token currency, while Alauddin Khilji means market control and strict price regulations.

Final Answer:
The Sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty who issued token copper coins instead of silver coins was Muhammad bin Tughlaq.