2 INR #250

Front

The Ashoka Lion Capital, India's national emblem adopted in 1950, appears at upper right. This ancient sculpture from Sarnath (circa 250 BCE) was erected by Emperor Ashoka and features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back atop an abacus decorated with a dharmachakra (wheel), a bull, a horse, and a lion. The emblem symbolizes power, courage, confidence, and pride. The note features intricate geometric patterns and the denomination in both Hindi (दो रुपये) and English, with the text 'Guaranteed by the Central Government' affirming state backing.

Back

INSAT-1A satellite, India's first geostationary multipurpose satellite launched on April 10, 1982, aboard a Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral. The satellite was designed for telecommunications, television broadcasting, and meteorological services, marking a major milestone in India's space program. INSAT-1A experienced technical failures and ceased functioning within months, but it initiated the INSAT satellite series that became crucial for India's communications infrastructure. The satellite is depicted against a stylized space background with the denomination 'TWO RUPEES' below.

History

This note belongs to the Lion Capital series issued by the Reserve Bank of India from 1976 to 1997, replacing earlier designs after decimalization. The series featured the Ashoka Lion Capital as the primary motif, emphasizing India's national identity and sovereignty. The 2 Rupee denomination was commonly used in everyday transactions and featured various reverse designs throughout the series. This particular variant (P-79i) with the INSAT satellite reverse was issued during the 1980s, celebrating India's achievements in space technology during a period of significant scientific advancement. The note was eventually withdrawn and replaced by coins.