Indian Currency Facts: Where is the picture of Gandhiji printed on Indian currency? Is the picture on the note real or a sketch? Why was this photo selected among thousands of photographs of Gandhiji? Was Gandhiji’s picture always on Indian notes? When did Gandhiji’s picture start appearing on notes? Do you know the name of the photographer who took this picture?
Mahatma Gandhi Indian Currency Photo Facts: If you are asked where the photo of Mahatma Gandhi printed on the Indian currency is from, you will probably say, ‘It must be from Sabarmati Ashram’, ‘It must be from the time of independence’ or ‘It must have been specially made by RBI.’ The interesting thing is that most of the people’s answer may turn out to be wrong. Actually, the story of Gandhiji’s smiling picture appearing on Indian notes is not as simple as it seems. There are many facts related to this picture, about which very few people know.
Is the photo of Gandhiji printed on the note real or made?
The picture of Gandhiji printed on the note is not a sketch, painting or computer generated image. This is an image based on a real photo, which was later used for the design of the notes. This is the reason why Gandhiji’s smile looks so natural and lively.
When was Gandhiji’s photo taken on the note?
This picture is from before independence. At that time Gandhiji had reached Kolkata in connection with an important meeting. On one occasion his picture was captured on camera. Later this photo became the identity of Indian currency. The interesting thing is that when this photo was taken, no one would have thought that one day this photo would reach the pockets of crores of Indians.
Why was this one chosen for the note out of thousands of photographs of Gandhiji?
Mahatma Gandhi is counted among the most photographed leaders of the world. Thousands of photographs of his life exist. Then why did RBI choose this photo? A major reason for this is believed to be that Gandhiji’s face appears clear, calm and relaxed in this picture. Their identification is instant and the picture is clearly visible even at small size. This is a very important thing for note designers.
Who took the photo of Gandhiji printed on the note?
This famous photograph of Gandhiji has been used for decades, but even today there is no completely accurate information available on which photographer took it. That is, the name of the photographer of the picture which the whole country sees every day still remains a mystery.
Was Gandhiji’s picture always on the notes?
No. Even after independence, Gandhiji’s picture was not printed on Indian notes. Earlier the notes used to have the picture of the British king. Later the Ashoka Pillar got its place. Then many years later, Gandhiji’s picture became the main identity of Indian currency. The picture that seems normal to us today is the new identity of Indian notes.
When did the note series with Gandhiji’s photo start?
When the problem of fake notes started increasing and the need to modernize the design of notes was felt, then the Indian currency was designed in a new form. During this time, it was decided to make Gandhiji’s picture the identity of all major notes. After this, gradually the same picture became the identity of Indian notes.