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Economic Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
If Mahatma Gandhi wasn't India's first choice for banknotes then how did he become Rupee's forever face?
Synopsis Initially rejected, Mahatma Gandhi's image wasn't always destined for Indian currency. Post-independence, the Lion Capital of Ashoka was favored, symbolizing the new republic. Gandhi's presence began with a 1969 commemorative note, becoming permanent in 1996. Despite debates and proposals for other figures, Gandhi remains a constant reminder of India's core values on every rupee. Mahatma Gandhi Walk into any shop in India, hand over a crumpled banknote, and you'll see a familiar face smiling back, bespectacled, serene, and instantly recognisable. Mahatma Gandhi doesn't just appear on our currency; he has become a quiet constant in our daily exchanges, silently passing through millions of hands each day. But the story of how he ended up there is far from straightforward. In fact, in the first flush of independence, Gandhi's portrait was rejected for Indian on 14 August 1947 brought independence, but not yet a new currency. For a brief period, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) continued issuing colonial notes bearing King George VI. Behind closed doors, discussions began on what a truly Indian banknote should look like. The early idea was simple, replace the King's portrait with that of the Father of the Nation. Designs were prepared with Gandhi's image. Then came a surprising turn. As the RBI recounts, the 'final analysis' shifted towards a non-personal symbol, the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. It was felt this emblem, drawn from India's ancient heritage, better captured the idea of a modern republic. So, in 1949, the new Re. 1 note appeared with the Lion Capital watermark, and Gandhi's portrait was the following decades, Indian notes became miniature showcases of the country's identity and ambitions. Tigers, deer, and peacocks symbolised natural heritage. The Konark Wheel, Brihadeeswara Temple, and Hirakud Dam spoke of cultural pride and industrial progress. The Aryabhatta satellite hinted at a future in science and space. Currency in the 1950s and 60s was not about a single leader, it was about the nation as a wasn't until Gandhi's birth centenary in 1969 that he made his first official appearance on a banknote. This commemorative design showed him seated, with Sevagram Ashram in the background, a gentle nod to his life of simplicity and service. The issue was special and short-lived, not yet a permanent feature of Indian currency. The real turning point came in 1987. The Rajiv Gandhi government reintroduced the Rs 500 denomination, and for the first time on a regular note, Gandhi's portrait appeared on its obverse. Still, he wasn't on every note. That came in 1996, when the RBI launched the Mahatma Gandhi Series, redesigned notes with improved security features and, for the first time, Gandhi's smiling face on all 2016, the 'New Series' kept Gandhi firmly in place while refreshing colours, sizes, and themes. From Rs 10 to Rs 2,000, he had become inseparable from the the years, there have been calls to share this space. Some have suggested Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, or even religious figures like Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. In 2016, the government clarified that a high-level committee had decided 'there is no need to change Mahatma Gandhi's photo on the currency notes.' Others have been honoured in different ways, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, for instance, was commemorated with special Rs 125 and Rs 10 coins. In 2022, a proposal from the Aam Aadmi Party to add Lakshmi and Ganesha sparked debate, with supporters citing prosperity and detractors warning against politicising or communalising currency design. For all the discussion, Gandhi remains unshaken on our notes. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Gandhi was inevitable… we may ignore him at our own risk.' On the rupee, his presence is more than decoration, it's a reminder of the values he championed: truth, non-violence, and unity in time we pass a note across a counter, we're not just exchanging money. We're handing over a piece of history, one that almost didn't have Gandhi's face, but now, perhaps fittingly, cannot be imagined without it.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From Brass Bodhi Tree to Warli art: What PM Modi gifted to world leaders during his 3-nation tour; see pics
From Brass Bodhi Tree to Warli art: What PM Modi gifted to world leaders during his 3-nation tour; see pics PM Narendra Modi on the final leg of his 3-nation visit, arrived in Croatia on Wednesday after visiting Cyprus and Canada in the backdrop of the G7 summit, which was organised in Kananaski. During the recent G7 Summit in Kananaski, PM Modi presented carefully chosen Indian handicrafts and artworks to various world leaders, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Here's a list of gifts given by PM Narendra Modi to world leaders at the G7 Summit: Brass Bodhi tree to Canada PM Mark Carney Brass Bodhi tree Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney a handcrafted Brass Bodhi tree sculpture from Bihar. Symbolic of spiritual awakening, the piece reflects the sacred tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Made from pure silver, the pot is decorated with detailed floral and paisley designs, all hand-engraved by skilled local artisans. The pot also has an ornate lid, showing the perfect mix of beauty and function. Such silver pots were once used in temples and royal homes for holding holy water, offerings, or as decorative pieces during special ceremonies. Dokra Nandi to French President Emmanuel Macron Dokra Nandi To French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi gifted a Dokra Nandi sculpture from Tamil Nadu. Crafted using the lost-wax casting method, this decorative brass bull, symbolic of devotion to Lord Shiva, features an open lattice body and intricate embellishments that celebrate India's spiritual and artisanal traditions. Sandstone Konark Wheel to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Sandstone Konark Wheel PM Modi presented German Chancellor Friedrich Merz with a Sandstone Replica of the Konark Wheel. Made from natural sandstone, it carefully copies the detailed design of the original 13th-century wheel, which is both a sundial and a symbol of time, movement, and the universe. The real Konark Wheel has 24 spokes, often seen as the 24 hours of the day or 12 months of the year, showing the endless cycle of time. Carved with motifs of gods, dancers, and nature, it reflects the mastery of Odisha's artisans. Kolhapuri Silver Pot to Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese Kolhapuri Silver Pot Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received a Kolhapuri Silver Pot from Maharashtra. Crafted from solid silver, the pot is embellished with intricately detailed floral and paisley patterns, all expertly hand-engraved by talented local craftsmen. It features an elaborate lid, showcasing a wonderful blend of aesthetics and practicality. Historically, these silver pots were employed in temples and royal residences to hold sacred water, offerings, or as decorative items for special occasions. Silver Filigree clutch purse to the Governor General of Canada Silver Filigree clutch purse To Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, PM Modi presented a Silver Filigree work clutch purse from Cuttack, Odisha. This exquisite purse highlights the ancient Tarakasi craft, known for its intricate lace-like designs made from fine silver wires, a tradition that traces its roots back over 500 years. Ebony Jali Work Box to Premier of Alberta Ebony Jali Work Box PM Modi gifted Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, an Ebony Wood Jali Work Box with Silver Nakkashi from Rajasthan. It features detailed silver inlay work and a colourful hand-painted peacock on the lid. The box is hand-carved by skilled artisans using a traditional jali design, inspired by famous Indian monuments. The silver inlay, known as Nakkashi, is a centuries-old craft where silver sheets are carefully shaped and added by hand. Papier Mâché Box to Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Papier Mâché Box Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, received a Papier Mâché Box with Gold Leaf Work from Jammu and Kashmir. The process begins with sakhtsazi, where layers of recycled paper are molded into a sturdy box that is then dried in the sun. Following this is naqashi, where artists intricately hand-paint the box with elaborate designs featuring flowers, Chinar leaves, birds, and picturesque landscapes. The vibrant colors and golden accents enhance the beauty of the artwork. Cane and Bamboo boat to Brazilian President Luiz Silva Cane and Bamboo boat Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was gifted a Cane and Bamboo Boat with a Swan Figurine from Meghalaya. Made from natural materials, this eco-friendly artwork captures the craftsmanship and cultural stories frpm India's northeastern region. Brass Dokra Horse to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Brass Dokra Horse PM Modi presented South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with a Brass Dokra Horse from artwork is crafted by hand using an ancient metal casting process known as the lost-wax technique. Created by tribal artisans, every piece is one of a kind, blending traditional elements with modern styles. In tribal cultures, horses symbolize power, loyalty, and devotion. These figures are commonly utilized in rituals as offerings to deities. The horse features intricate details such as twisted wire patterns, bells, and harnesses, all fashioned from brass. Madhubani Painting to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Madhubani Painting To South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, PM Modi gifted a Madhubani Painting from Bihar. Also called Mithila Art, is a famous traditional art form from Bihar, India. It is mostly done by women and passed down through generations. These colourful paintings were originally made on mud walls during festivals and weddings to seek blessings. Now created on paper, cloth, and canvas, the art is known for bold outlines, bright colours, and detailed designs. Warli Painting to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo Warli Painting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo received a Warli Painting. Warli art is a traditional tribal art form originating from the Warli community in Maharashtra, India. It is among the oldest and most straightforward types of Indian folk art, created using white rice paste on mud walls or similar surfaces. Unlike other art forms that depict deities or mythological narratives, Warli paintings illustrate scenes of daily life, such as agriculture, fishing, dancing, and village festivities. The art utilizes fundamental shapes like circles, triangles, and squares to narrate beautiful stories. A commonly depicted scene is the "tarpa dance," where individuals dance together in a circle, symbolizing unity and happiness. Squares typically signify sacred locations or the earth goddess. Pattachitra painting to the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović Pattachitra painting On his concluding leg of 3-nation visit to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia, PM Modi gifted a Pattachitra painting to Croatian President, Zoran Milanović. It is a traditional artform form Odisha. The name of the painting comes from "patta" (cloth) and "chitra" (picture). These artworks usually show stories from Indian mythology, particularly about Lord Krishna and the Jagannath tradition. Artists use natural colours and handmade brushes to create bold lines and detailed scenes. He also gifted a silver candlestand to Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Kashmiri silk carpet, silver clutch to Cyprus President and First Lady Kashmiri silk carpet, silver clutch PM Modi gifted a luxurious Kashmiri silk carpet to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. To First Lady Philippa Karsera, PM Modi gifted a silver clutch handcrafted in Andhra Pradesh. The purse is made using the ancient repoussé technique, blends intricate temple-inspired floral designs with modern aesthetics.
