At first, it was decided that the old republic India notes would feature a portrait of the father of our nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi. Strangely though, the decision was revoked at the last moment and the Lion Capital of Sarnath was chosen. This was probably because they didn’t want to depict a personality on the first republic India notes. Instead they wanted to feature a symbol that represents our country.
Old notes of republic India that were issued after 1953 started using Hindi language more boldly. Did you know that the Reserve bank of India had issued old currency banknotes of high denominations such as Rs 1,000, Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000 in the year 1954? Another interesting fact about republic India notes is that the size of notes were reduced in the year 1967 as the nation was facing economic crises and the government wanted to implement cost-cutting measures. A commemorative series of republic India notes was issued in the year 1969 to celebrate the birth centenary of Mahatma Gandhi. Unlike other old notes of republic India, these special notes featured a seated Gandhiji with the Sevagram Ashram in the background.
The very first 20 Rs notes of republic India were introduced in the year 1972 and the first 50 rupees notes were circulated two years later, in 1975. The high denomination old currency banknotes were demonetised in 1972. The ancient mathematician Aryabhatta was featured on the 2 Rupees notes of republic India in 1980s. Similarly, the oil rig was featured on 1 rupee note and Farming mechanism was featured on 5 rupees notes issued during this period. The Konark wheel and Peacock were featured on 20 rupees and 10 rupees notes of this time.
There are many such interesting facts related to old currency banknotes that need to be explored as a true Indian. So, start collecting different types of republic India notes to enhance your knowledge.
