En-cashing Journey...

“Travel because your money will return but time will not” while reading this trending quote on internet a thought passes by, how money has travelled through time?

History suggests, money system was brought into use as logical inference to barter system. The oldest form of money was a stamped metal piece on contrary latest form of currency known as cryptocurrency exist virtually only. It reminds us a famous quote by Paulo Coelho, “Travel is a matter of courage and not money.”

Likewise, Indian currency also had an exciting journey mentioned in side column. In fact, it has always showcased country’s finest heritage monuments. Upcoming stories will unfold these destinations in order to encourage tourism and cherish our history. It will also be a guide how to explore these timeless places.

India had its currency from 6^th century BC inform of irregular shaped metal coins. Metal coins were prominent in India and used by many native emperors. However, bank notes were introduced during British Raj. These paper notes had portrait of monarch of Great Britain. Followed by these paper notes Coinage Act 1835 led use of coins minted with uniformity. Interesting fact, India not only had currency announced by British but also by French and Portuguese which was in routine in respective colonies.

Since Independence, RBI has issued various types of banknotes. Retaining the same design of note pre-independence portrait of King George VI was replaced with symbol of Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar. In 1996, Mahatma Gandhi (MG) series was adopted but symbol of Lion Capital Pillar was retained and shifted to left of watermark of Mahatma Gandhi image. Further to this Mahatma Gandhi series 2005 came in with new and additional security features proceeded by MGNS a new series on 8 November 2016 which is revolutionary, cutting edge, dimensionally pocket friendly, currently in use series. MG series had farming equipment while MG 2005 and MGNS 2016 series has highlights of the cultural heritage and scientific achievements of the country.

The first post-Independence note came out in 1949. A one-rupee note with the image of the Lion Capital of Ashoka. This image later on came into force as Nation Emblem of India which you notice on Indian Rupee coins, bank notes, passport, driving license, PAN card, Aadhar card and many more as per government rule.

Lion Capital of Ashoka image is carved on Ashok-Stambha at Sarnath. Stay tune to know more this iconic monument and how to reach there. Till then follow us @MerakiItineraise on Facebook, merakitours_pune on Instagram and शुभास्ते पंथानः संतु!