Daily Current Affairs : 2-October-2023
The face of a nation often finds its reflection in its currency. In India, the most widely recognized and circulated image on official currency notes is that of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. His presence on Indian currency notes carries significant historical and cultural importance, representing India’s struggle for independence and its values of nonviolence and peace.
The Origins of Gandhi’s Image on Indian Currency: A Pictorial Journey
- Gandhi’s Portrait: A Snapshot of History
- Gandhi’s image on currency notes derived from a 1946 photograph with Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence.
- The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Department of Currency Management designs rupee notes, requiring approval from the central bank and the Union government.
Gandhi’s Debut on Indian Currency: Commemorating a Legacy
- Gandhi’s First Appearance: Commemorating the Centenary
- In 1969, a special series marked Gandhi’s 100th birth anniversary, featuring him against the backdrop of Sevagram Ashram, bearing RBI governor LK Jha’s signature.
- October 1987 witnessed the launch of Rs 500 notes featuring Gandhi, further solidifying his presence in everyday transactions.
Evolving Designs in Independent India: From Monarchy to National Pride
- Transitioning from Colonial Notes to Independent Symbols
- Post-independence, India continued using colonial-era notes featuring King George VI for a brief period.
- In 1949, the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar replaced the King’s watermark window on the 1-rupee note, symbolizing India’s sovereignty.
- The 1980s emphasized scientific advancements and Indian art forms on various denominations, showcasing the nation’s progress.
Gandhi’s Permanence on Banknotes: A Testament to National Identity
- Choosing Gandhi: A Symbol of Unity
- Gandhi was chosen for his national appeal, embodying India’s ethos of nonviolence.
- In 1996, the RBI introduced the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Series,’ featuring enhanced security measures, such as windowed security thread and intaglio features.
- The ‘Mahatma Gandhi New Series’ launched in 2016 retained his portrait while incorporating the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo and additional security features.
Contemplating Change: The Debate Surrounding Currency Portraits
- Alternative Suggestions: Diversity in Representation
- Suggestions surfaced to feature figures like Lord Ganesha, goddess Lakshmi, Rabindranath Tagore, and former President APJ Abdul Kalam on currency notes.
- The RBI, through a committee, decided to uphold Gandhi’s presence, citing his unmatched representation of India’s ethos and unity.
Important Points:
- Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait on Indian currency notes symbolizes India’s struggle for independence, nonviolence, and peace.
Origins of Gandhi’s Image on Indian Currency:
- Gandhi’s image on currency notes is derived from a 1946 photograph with Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence.
- The RBI’s Department of Currency Management designs rupee notes, requiring approval from the central bank and the Union government.
Gandhi’s Appearances on Indian Currency:
- Gandhi first appeared on Indian currency in 1969, commemorating his 100th birth anniversary, with a special series featuring Sevagram Ashram.
- In October 1987, Rs 500 notes featuring Gandhi were introduced, further solidifying his presence in everyday transactions.
Design Evolution in Independent India:
- Post-independence, India briefly used colonial-era notes featuring King George VI before transitioning to symbols of sovereignty.
- The Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar replaced the King’s watermark window on the 1-rupee note in 1949, signifying India’s independence.
- The 1980s highlighted scientific advancements and Indian art forms on various denominations, showcasing the nation’s progress.
Gandhi’s Permanence on Banknotes:
- Gandhi was chosen for his national appeal and representation of India’s ethos of nonviolence.
- In 1996, the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Series’ was introduced, featuring enhanced security measures like windowed security thread and intaglio features.
- The ‘Mahatma Gandhi New Series,’ launched in 2016, retained his portrait while incorporating additional security features and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo.
Debate Surrounding Currency Portraits:
- Suggestions arose to feature figures like Lord Ganesha, goddess Lakshmi, Rabindranath Tagore, and former President APJ Abdul Kalam on currency notes.
- The RBI committee decided to retain Gandhi’s portrait, considering his unmatched representation of India’s ethos and unity.
Why In News
The most widely circulated image of Gandhi, however, is his portrait on Indian official currency notes, symbolizing his enduring influence and recognition as the father of the nation.
MCQs about Gandhi on Indian Currency
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What event led to Mahatma Gandhi’s first appearance on Indian currency notes?
A. India’s Independence in 1947
B. Gandhi’s 100th birth anniversary in 1969
C. The formation of RBI in 1935
D. Gandhi’s famous Dandi March in 1930
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Why was Mahatma Gandhi chosen to feature on Indian currency notes?
A. Due to his association with the Indian National Congress
B. His national appeal and representation of India’s ethos of nonviolence
C. Random selection by the RBI committee
D. His role as India’s first Prime Minister
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Which series of banknotes introduced additional security features and incorporated the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo along with Gandhi’s portrait?
A. Mahatma Gandhi New Series
B. Gandhi Commemorative Series
C. Sovereign India Series
D. Swachh Bharat Series
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What historic event led to the temporary continuation of colonial-era notes featuring King George VI after India’s independence?
A. Gandhi’s Salt March in 1930
B. India’s first general elections in 1952
C. Declaration of India’s independence on August 15, 1947
D. India’s participation in World War II
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