Collection: Banknotes

In the early days, private papers were made for International trade backed by private banks

In 1861, the Government of India introduced its first paper money:

₹10 note in 1864,

₹5 note in 1872,

₹10,000 note in 1899,

₹100 note in 1900,

₹50 note in 1905,

₹500 note in 1907

and ₹1,000 note in 1909.

In 1917, ₹1 and ₹2​1⁄2 notes were introduced.

The Reserve Bank of India began banknote production in 1938, issuing ₹2, ₹5, ₹10, ₹50, ₹100, ₹1,000 and ₹10,000 notes while the government continued issuing ₹1 note but demonetized the ₹500 and ₹2​1⁄2 notes.