Mahatma Gandhi Photo Age on Currency Notes: Have you ever wondered what is the age of Mahatma Gandhi’s photo printed on Indian notes? Do you know how old this photo is? Do you know why RBI chose this picture? Know the real story of Gandhiji’s photo and interesting facts related to Indian currency.
How old is Mahatma Gandhi Photo on Indian currency: Do you know how old is the real age of Gandhiji’s picture in your pocket? How many times a day do you take out a note with Mahatma Gandhi’s photo from your pocket? At a tea shop, in grocery bill, while paying auto fare or while withdrawing money from ATM. But have you ever wondered how old is the smiling picture of Mahatma Gandhi printed on Indian notes? Interestingly, the picture of Gandhiji seen on the note in your pocket is not a new design. This picture is not of today, but reminds of the period just before independence. Crores of Indians see this face every day, but very few people know its real story.
Gandhiji’s picture seen on currency notes is 80 years old
The portrait of Gandhiji seen on Indian currency notes is not a sketch made by any artist. This is a portrait taken from an actual photo. This original photograph was taken in the year 1946, when Gandhiji was present with the British politician Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence. That means, if we talk about 2026, then the age of this picture is almost 80 years. That is why it is not just a photo, but also a living document of India’s history.
Why did RBI choose this picture of Mahatma Gandhi for its notes?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) chose this part of Gandhiji’s photo among many for its notes. The biggest reason for this is considered to be Gandhiji’s easy and smiling expression. The photo that appears on the note is a cropped and mirror image of the original photo. Interestingly, the identity of the photographer who took this photo is not publicly known.
When did Gandhiji start appearing on every Indian note?
Many people think that since independence, every Indian note had Gandhiji’s picture on it, but it is not so. Gandhiji first appeared in special notes issued on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary in 1969. However, the permanent portrait of Gandhiji on all major currency notes came with the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Series’ launched in 1996. After this, the identity of the Indian currency itself became the smile of Gandhiji.
There is not just money in your pocket, there is also history.
Next time you hold a ₹10, ₹100 or ₹500 note, look carefully at Gandhiji’s face. It’s not just currency. This is also the story of that India, which was standing at the door of independence and whose picture is still traveling in the pockets of crores of people.