John,

In British India times, feudatory native rulers of India met under the
auspices of “The Chamber of Princes” to discuss problems of common interest 

The agenda for November 8th 1943 presents the opinion of various state
members that “the shortage of small coins” was “mainly responsible for the
hoarding of food grains”

At least 22 states subsequently went on to issue emergency supplies of small
change, mostly in the form of cardboard tokens.

Sen does not seem to deal with this matter, nor does Mukerjee.  

I agree the matter looks, prima facie, “suspicious”, but remain cautious
concerning who to suspect, and, of what?

Rob Tye, York , UK