1 Rupee INR #249

Front

The Ashoka Pillar capital, featuring four Asiatic lions standing back to back, India's national emblem adopted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath (circa 250 BCE). The emblem symbolizes power, courage, and confidence; the lions rest on an abacus decorated with a chakra (wheel) flanked by animals. The note displays the denomination 'Ek Rupaya' (One Rupee) in Hindi Devanagari script prominently at center, with 'Government of India' in both English and Hindi. This design represents the small-denomination government-issued currency notes, distinct from Reserve Bank of India notes.

Back

An offshore oil drilling platform representing India's petroleum industry and energy sector development. The oil rig symbolizes India's efforts toward self-sufficiency in energy production during the 1980s-90s, particularly the development of the Bombay High oil field in the Arabian Sea, which began production in 1974 and became crucial to India's oil production. The denomination appears in 15 regional languages in a vertical panel on the left, reflecting India's linguistic diversity.

History

This note belongs to the Government of India 1 Rupee series issued between 1985 and 1994, authorized under the Currency Ordinance of 1940. Unlike higher denominations issued by the Reserve Bank of India, the 1 Rupee note remained a Government of India issue, continuing a practice from colonial times. These notes featured the signature of the Finance Secretary rather than the RBI Governor. The series was eventually replaced by coins in 1994, marking the end of the 1 Rupee banknote in India. This particular note is signed by Pratap Kishan Kaul, who served as Finance Secretary during the 1980s.