Before Gandhi: Uncover the Hidden History of Images on Indian Currency Notes!

• Before independence, Indian notes featured 'King George VI' until 1947, remaining in circulation briefly post-independence.
• In 1949, independent India's first 1-rupee note replaced the king's image with 'The Ashoka Pillar', which dominated notes for decades.
• From the 1950s to 1980s, notes showcased diverse symbols like the Aryabhata satellite, a farmer with a tractor, a boat/peacock, and the Konark Sun Temple wheel.
• Mahatma Gandhi first appeared on a special commemorative series in 1969 for his birth centenary, showing him at Sevagram Ashram.
• The 'Mahatma Gandhi Series' launched in 1996 made Gandhi's 1946 photograph, taken at Viceroy House, a permanent feature on all Indian currency notes.

Why It Matters: Indian currency notes evolved from King George VI to Ashoka Pillar, diverse symbols, and finally, Mahatma Gandhi.