Reason why only Mahatma Gandhi's face features on the Indian currency!

Origin of Gandhi-series notes

Many of you, who are reading this and were born in the 90s and before, would remember the time when Indian currency only featured the eminent ‘Ashoka Pillar’; both on the note and the coins. In the year 1996, the RBI replaced all currencies (notes featuring Ashoka Pillar) and replaced them with the ones featuring the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.

Indian currency history

Back then, with emotions and respect overflowing, not many could question the decision or to say, sought an explanation behind this decision. But, recently a Quora user kicked-off a debate, asking why only Gandhi’s face features on every Indian currency, whereas there are several other equally imminent freedom fighters?

Gandhiji was picked as the symbolism

The debate saw a lot of individuals pouring in their wild guesses; while some hinted that the worldwide acclamation for the film ‘Gandhi’ is the reason behind it, a few others cited that due to the rich diversity of the country, Gandhiji was picked as the symbolism.

Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India explains that unlike the previous currencies, which had only inanimate objects that could be easily forfeit; the current ones would be hard to forge.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha

Back in 2014, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a written reply to the Lok Sabha had said, “A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel has decided against the inclusion of any other national leader's image on banknotes saying that no other personality could better represent the ethos of the country than Mahatma Gandhi." (Quote Courtesy: Economic Times)

Oldest Indian currency

This explanation was provided after a few in the Parliament demanded that other eminent leaders and personalities must also feature on national currency front. The decision came after certain segment of individuals protested against the discontinuation of currency notes of Rs. 20 (featuring the wheel of Konark Temple, Odisha), Rs. 1000 (Brihadeeswara Temple of Tanjore)Rs. 5000 (featuring the Gateway of India.)

Non-human objects on Indian currency

It was decided that as non-humans symbols like the above lead to such regional controversies, it would be better that the national currency bore an image that would be well-respected by the nation as a whole.

Father of the nation

And, with every region having their own famous freedom fighter and every religion having a sacred name, it would be difficult to satisfy each and everyone and keep them united, hence, Mahatma Gandhi being the ‘Father of the nation’ was decided to be featured on the currency note.

How was the current photo of Gandhiji selected?

You’ll be surprised to know that the chosen portrait of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is not a caricature, after all. Yes, this is a real image of Gandhiji smiling, which was captured when he visited Lord Fredrick Pethick Lawrence to then Viceroy’s house (presently Rashtrapati Bhavan).

Famous Gandhi photo on Indian rupee

This particular moment was captured by an unknown photographer, back in 1946; one year from India’s Independence. Much later the face of Mahatma Gandhi was cropped and featured on the present Indian Currency.