Explained: What appeared before Mahatma Gandhi’s image on Indian currency? A brief history

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stirred a controversy when he appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order the concerned authorities to print images of Hindu gods Laxmi and Ganesha on banknotes. Underscoring that the gods mentioned above are symbols of wealth and prosperity, he said the dwindling economy will be on track by taking the steps. Not only BJP and the Congress, but several core members of India Against Corruption (IAC) movement also lashed out at him. While BJP is scrambling to secure its core constituency by projecting itself the sole champion of Hindus, the Congress has kept branding him a ‘B’ team of the saffron outfit. However, the common people believe the demand to place the Hindu idols is weird and that Mahatma Gandhi featured on banknotes since Independence.

Gandhi appeared on Indian notes in 1969

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was formed in 1935. It first printed a rupee one note in 1938. King George 6 appeared on this note, reported DNA. In fact, The Reserve Bank in 1969 came out with a commemorative note of Rs 100 showing Mahatma Gandhi seated in the backdrop of the Sevagram Ashram.

Earlier, temples, satellites, dams and iconic gardens used to adorn Indian paper money. After Independence, RBI printed its first note in 1949. The note featured India’s national symbol, the Ashoka Emblem.

In 1949 the then government brought out the new design Re 1 note with Ashoka Pillar.

In 1953, Hindi was displayed prominently on new notes.

Mahatma Gandhi started appearing on Indian notes in 1969. He was introduced to the bank notes to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary.

In the 1950s, the Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 notes featured the Tanjore temple, the Gateway of India, and the Lion Capital, Ashok Emblem respectively. The high denomination currency notes were, however, demonetised in 1978.

The 1980s saw a completely new set of notes.

Photo of Indian parliament and Brahmeshwar Temple also appeared on the notes. Further, Aryabhatt, India’s first satellite on Rs 2 notes, agriculture equipment on Rs 5 notes, a peacock on Rs 10 notes, and a chariot wheel on Rs 20 notes were printed later.