Every time you pull out a note from your pocket, Mahatma Gandhi looks back at you with that calm smile. From the small Rs 10 to the big Rs 500, his face is there on all our currency notes. But this was not always the case. Many people think Gandhi’s picture came right after independence, but it took almost 50 years. In fact, at first, his portrait was not chosen at all. This is the interesting story of how Bapu became the permanent face of Indian rupees, even as of December 2025.
Indian money is not just for buying things. It shows our history and what we value as a nation. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes care of designing the notes. They make sure the notes are hard to fake and easy to use. Gandhi’s image stands for peace, truth, and the long fight for freedom. Let’s go through the journey step by step.
The Early Years After Independence
When India got freedom in 1947, the old notes still had the picture of British King George VI. The RBI used them for some time. Soon, they started planning new designs for free India.
Many thought Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, would be on the new notes. Some sample designs were even made with his face. But in the end, they chose the Lion Capital from Ashoka’s pillar at Sarnath. This has four lions and means strength, courage, and peace. The first new notes, like Rs 1 in 1949 and others in the 1950s, had this symbol.
Notes from that time showed India’s growth. There were pictures of tigers, dams like Hirakud, oil rigs, and temples like Konark Sun Temple. High-value notes like Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 were stopped in 1978 to fight black money. No person’s face was on regular notes after the British kings. It was all about animals, nature, and progress.
Gandhi’s First Step in 1969
1969 was Mahatma Gandhi’s 100th birth year. To celebrate, the RBI issued a special Rs 100 note. This was the first time his picture appeared on Indian currency.
The note showed Gandhi at Sevagram Ashram with a spinning wheel on the back. It was not for daily use but to remember his life. People loved it, and collectors still search for it today.
This note was important because it showed Gandhi’s ideas of simple living and self-reliance were still strong. It was the start of something bigger.
The Return in 1987 with Rs 500
It took 18 more years for Gandhi to appear on a regular note. In 1987, the RBI brought back the Rs 500 note, which had been stopped earlier. This time, it had Gandhi’s smiling portrait.
India’s economy was growing fast, and higher value notes were needed. The note had better security features like threads to stop fakes. On the back, it showed themes like farming and industry.
People liked the change. It felt right to have the Father of the Nation on money during tough times.
The Big Change: Mahatma Gandhi Series in 1996
The real turning point came in 1996. The RBI launched the Mahatma Gandhi Series. For the first time, all notes – from Rs 10 to Rs 1,000 – had Gandhi’s portrait on the front.
Why this big step? Fake notes were becoming a problem with new copying machines. Experts said a human face is harder to copy than animals or buildings. And who better than Gandhi? He is respected by everyone, across all religions and regions.
The notes were bright and colorful. The back sides showed India’s rich heritage – Red Fort, Konark Temple, Hampi ruins, and more. New security like hidden numbers, micro text, and the rupee symbol (added later) made them safe.
An old RBI statement said Gandhi’s image brings trust and keeps his values alive in every transaction.
After Demonetisation: The New Series in 2016
On 8 November 2016, the government suddenly stopped old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to fight black money and fakes. New notes came under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.
Gandhi’s portrait stayed the same. New features included bigger numbers for blind people, changing colors, and the Swachh Bharat logo. A new Rs 2,000 note came in pink with the Mangalyaan space mission on the back. Later, Rs 200, new Rs 50, Rs 100, and others joined.
Even with all these changes, Gandhi remained. Today, in 2025, notes from Rs 10 to Rs 500 (and the rare Rs 2,000 still valid) all have him.
The Special 1946 Photograph
The picture on our notes is not just any photo. It comes from 1946, taken during talks with British leaders in Delhi. Gandhi is standing next to Lord Frederick Pethick-Lawrence, smiling calmly with his glasses on.
This photo was chosen because it shows Gandhi’s kind and peaceful side. The portrait on notes is a drawn version, mirrored, for clear printing. The photographer’s name is still unknown, but it has become the most famous image of Bapu.
As historian Ramachandra Guha once said, this smiling Gandhi gives a sense of hope in everyday life.
Talks About Change and Recent Rumors
Over the years, some people suggested putting other leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, Rabindranath Tagore, or Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on notes. In 2022, there were calls for gods like Lakshmi and Ganesh.
But the RBI and government always said no. Gandhi is above politics and unites everyone. Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said no one represents India’s spirit better than him.
In late 2025, fresh rumors spread on social media about removing Gandhi’s image, linked to changes in schemes like MGNREGA. A CPM MP even claimed high-level meetings. But the RBI quickly denied it all, saying there is no plan to change. As of December 2025, Gandhi stays firmly on our notes.
Other countries often change faces on money, but in India, Bapu is seen as the best symbol.
From being rejected after independence to a special note in 1969, regular in 1987, full series in 1996, and new designs after 2016 – Gandhi’s journey to our rupees shows his lasting place in our hearts. Even with digital payments like UPI growing, cash notes matter, and his smile reminds us of unity and simple values.
As India moves forward, Mahatma Gandhi remains the forever face of our money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Mahatma Gandhi’s image first appear on Indian currency notes?
It first appeared in 1969 on a special Rs 100 commemorative note for his birth centenary. The note showed him at Sevagram. Regular notes started with Rs 500 in 1987, and all notes in 1996.
Why was Gandhi not put on notes right after 1947 independence?
Designs with Gandhi were made but rejected. The Lion Capital of Ashoka was chosen as a neutral national symbol instead.
What is the Mahatma Gandhi Series?
Launched in 1996, it put Gandhi’s portrait on all notes with better security and heritage themes on the back.
Did the 2016 demonetisation remove Gandhi from notes?
No. The new series kept his portrait, only updating colors, sizes, and security.
Are there plans to remove Gandhi’s image in 2025?
No. The RBI has denied all recent rumors. There is no proposal to change it.
Why this specific smiling photo of Gandhi?
It is from 1946, showing him calm and kind during freedom talks. It was selected for its peaceful expression.