Вопрос школьника
Collect information on the history and development of banknotes/coins in your country. Present it to the class.
Ответ от учителя
Banknotes and coins have been an integral part of the monetary system in my country, India, for centuries. The history of Indian currency dates back to the ancient times when cowries shells were used as a medium of exchange. Later, during the medieval period, gold and silver coins were introduced by various rulers.
The modern era of Indian currency began in 1861 when the British colonial government introduced the first paper currency, known as the «Victoria Portrait Series.» These banknotes featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and were issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1000 rupees.
In 1935, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established, and it became the sole authority for issuing currency in the country. The RBI introduced the «King’s Portrait Series» in 1938, which featured a portrait of King George VI. These banknotes were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 1000 rupees.
In 1953, the «Ashoka Pillar Series» was introduced, which featured the national emblem of India, the Ashoka Pillar, on the banknotes. These banknotes were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 100 rupees.
In 1969, the «Mahatma Gandhi Series» was introduced, which featured the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, on the banknotes. These banknotes were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1000 rupees.
In 1987, the RBI introduced the first polymer banknote in the world, the 10-rupee note. Polymer banknotes are more durable and secure than paper banknotes and are difficult to counterfeit.
In 1996, the RBI introduced the «Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series,» which featured enhanced security features such as watermarks, security threads, and micro-lettering. These banknotes were issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rupees.
In 2016, the Indian government demonetized the 500 and 1000 rupee banknotes to curb black money and corruption. New banknotes of 500 and 2000 rupees were introduced with enhanced security features.
In addition to banknotes, coins have also played an important role in the Indian monetary system. The first coins were introduced during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BC. The modern era of Indian coins began in 1950 when the government introduced the first coins after independence. These coins were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 paise.
In 1982, the government introduced the «Stainless Steel Series» of coins, which replaced the earlier aluminum coins. These coins were issued in denominations of 10, 25, and 50 paise and 1 rupee.
In 2011, the government introduced the «Bi-metallic Series» of coins, which featured a new design and enhanced security features. These coins were issued in denominations of 2, 5, and 10 rupees.
In conclusion, the history and development of banknotes and coins in India have evolved over time with the introduction of new designs and enhanced security features. The Indian government and the RBI have taken several measures to ensure the safety and security of the currency and to prevent counterfeiting.
