The Rupee's Origin: Sher Shah Suri Named India's Currency 500 Years Ago

• An exhibition "Odyssey of the Rupee" in Mumbai showcases the 2500-year journey of Indian currency, celebrating 75 years since its post-independence circulation.
• The term "rupee" originated in 1538 when Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri introduced silver coins called "rupaya," derived from the Sanskrit word "rupya" meaning silver.
• Mughal rulers adopted the rupee, making it a standard currency, with different empires engraving unique symbols on the silver coins.
• The British era saw the transition from handmade to machine-made coins, and the rupee's influence spread through trade routes to East Africa, the Middle East, and neighboring countries.
• The paper rupee began in the 18th century with the Bank of Hindustan, and the first 1 rupee note was issued in 1917.

Why It Matters: Discover the surprising origins and 2500-year evolution of India's currency, the Rupee.