How Does India Preserve Its Cultural Legacy? Celebrating Heritage on 10 Rupees Notes By Rishika Shaw
India takes great pride in showcasing its rich cultural heritage through various means, including its currency notes. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has a tradition of featuring magnificent images of historical monuments on Indian currency, allowing people to catch a glimpse of the country's glorious past.
Historical Monuments on Indian Currency: A Window to India's Past
The journey of featuring historical monuments on Indian currency began with the introduction of the one-rupee note, which proudly displayed images of World War I. Since then, this practice has continued, with each note depicting a different monument or historical achievement. For instance, the 2000-rupee note showcases India's remarkable Mars Mission, Mangalyaan, symbolizing the country's achievements in space exploration.
The Konark Sun Temple on the Ten-Rupee Note
One notable example of historical monuments on Indian currency is the ten-rupee note, which portrays the captivating image of the Konark Sun Temple. This temple, located in the state of Odisha, represents the rich heritage of the region. The RBI introduced a new series of ten-rupee notes on January 5, 2018, featuring the Konark Sun Temple on the backside, while retaining the image of Mahatma Gandhi on the front, as seen in the previous series.
The Significance of the Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple, also known as the "Black Pagoda," holds significant historical and cultural importance. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Built during the reign of King Narasimha I (1238-1264 AD), the temple stands as a testament to India's artistic splendor and engineering prowess. Constructed with black granite, the temple's design incorporated intricate stone sculptures and a unique chariot-shaped structure drawn by seven spirited horses, adorned with gorgeously decorated wheels.
The Intricate Design and Symbolism
The wheels of the Konark Temple, totaling 24 in number, are a major attraction for visitors. These wheels are thought to represent various aspects of time and cosmic cycles. Some theories suggest that the seven horses represent the days of the week, while the 12 pairs of wheels symbolize the months of the year. The 24 wheels may also signify the 24 hours of a day, with the eight major spokes representing three-hour periods called Prahars.
The Konark Wheel: A Timekeeping Wonder
The wheels of the Konark Temple can even be used as sundials to estimate the time accurately from sunrise to sunset. By standing in front of one of the wheels and observing the position and length of the shadow cast by the finger placed at the center of the axle, one can make a rough estimation of the current time. This showcases the advanced knowledge of astronomy possessed by the builders of the temple.
Preserving Cultural Heritage on Currency
The inclusion of the Konark Sun Temple on the ten-rupee note serves as a reminder of India's glorious past and its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. By featuring such historical monuments on currency, India celebrates its diversity and proudly shares its achievements with the world.
The depiction of historical monuments on Indian currency notes not only serves as a medium for financial transactions but also as a way to showcase and preserve India's cultural heritage. The presence of the Konark Sun Temple on the ten-rupee note highlights the country's architectural brilliance and invites people to appreciate the rich history that India holds. These currency notes provide a unique opportunity to connect with India's past and understand the profound cultural significance of its historical monuments.
Thanks for reading.
