Charity was an integral part of the Mughal court's culture and administration, reflecting the empire's wealth and the rulers' desire to project benevolence and piety. The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, were known for their generous charitable acts, which included large-scale donations, construction of public works like wells, mosques, and inns, and the distribution of food and alms to the poor.
One significant aspect of Mughal charity was the issuance of special coins called "Nisar." These coins were struck specifically for the purpose of being scattered among the public as a symbolic gesture of the emperor's generosity. The term "Nisar" means "scattered" or "scattered money." During important events, such as the emperor's birthday, royal weddings, or significant victories, the Nisar coins were distributed or thrown among the people, especially the poor, as a way to celebrate and share the wealth of the empire.
The Nisar coinage served both a practical and symbolic function: it provided material assistance to the needy and reinforced the image of the emperor as a magnanimous and divine ruler. These coins were often made of gold or silver, and while they had limited monetary value, their symbolic importance was immense in demonstrating the emperor's commitment to charity and the well-being of his subjects.
