It is very common for us today to see the picture of Mahatma Gandhi on Indian currency notes. But do you know how and when this picture came on our notes? This is a very interesting story. Even after independence, there was no picture of Gandhiji on Indian notes for a long time. It took many years to decide to print his photograph on the notes.
Today in this article we will know how Gandhiji’s picture became an integral part of Indian notes. We will see what was printed on the notes after independence and then gradually how Gandhiji’s picture was selected. This story not only reflects the history of Indian currency but also reflects the values and heritage of our country.
History of Gandhiji’s photo
The story of Gandhiji’s photo being printed on Indian notes is very interesting. This was the result of a long process. Let us understand this journey in detail:
Overview of Gandhiji’s photo
| Description | Information |
| Year of first issue of currency note | 1969 |
| first note printed on | 100 rupee note |
| Year of printing permanently on all notes | 1996 |
| photo source | A photo from 1946 |
| With Gandhiji in the photo | Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence |
| Type of photo on note | Smiling Gandhiji |
| Reason for photo selection | the most appropriate smile |
early years after independence
Even after independence, the picture of British King George VI continued to be printed on Indian notes for some time. For the first time in 1949, a new 1 rupee note was printed which had the symbol of the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath in place of the king. At that time a proposal for Gandhiji’s photograph was made but it was not accepted.
First use of Gandhiji’s photo
Gandhiji’s photograph first appeared on a special series of notes in 1969. It was released on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. Gandhiji was seen sitting on this 100 rupee note and behind it was the scene of Sevagram Ashram.
Arrival of Rs 500 note
In 1987, the Rajiv Gandhi government issued a new note of Rs 500. Gandhiji’s smiling picture was printed on it for the first time. This picture was the same which is seen on our notes even today.
Start of Mahatma Gandhi Series
In 1996 RBI started a new series called “Mahatma Gandhi Series”. In this series, Gandhiji’s picture started being printed on notes of all denominations. There were some important reasons behind this:
- Security reasons: The technology of printing counterfeit notes had advanced greatly in the 1990s. In such a situation, notes with human faces were considered more difficult to copy.
- National Symbol: Gandhiji is the Father of the Nation and his image binds the entire country in unity.
- Ease of identification: Every Indian recognizes Gandhiji’s face, so it becomes easy to check the authenticity of the note.
Selection of Gandhiji’s photo
Gandhiji’s photo to be printed on the notes was selected through a special process:
- This photo is taken from a photo taken in 1946.
- In this photo Gandhiji is standing with British leader Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence.
- This photo was chosen because Gandhiji is smiling in it.
- The picture printed on the note is the mirror image of this photo.
Importance of Gandhiji’s picture on notes
The presence of Gandhiji’s photograph on the notes is significant in many ways:
- It is a symbol of our national identity.
- It reminds us of the ideals and values of Gandhiji.
- It reflects the story of India’s independence.
- This provides credibility to our currency.
Demand for pictures of other persons on notes
From time to time many people have demanded to print pictures of other great men on the notes. Some key suggestions are:
- Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Dr. A.P.J. abdul kalam
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Subhash Chandra Bose
But RBI and the government have not accepted these suggestions. He believes that Gandhiji is the most appropriate symbol to represent the entire country.
Features of notes with Gandhiji’s photo
In 2016 RBI launched “Mahatma Gandhi New Series”. Some new features were added:
- Logo of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan with Gandhiji’s picture
- Better security features
- Pictures related to Indian culture on the back side of the note
Disclaimer
This article has been written for information purposes only. The printing of Gandhiji’s photograph on Indian currency is a real fact and is officially accepted by the RBI. However, there may be a change in the design of the notes in future, so check the official website of RBI for the latest information.
