1 Rupee #371

Front

Two swamp deer (barasingha) in their natural Himalayan mountain habitat. The swamp deer is native to the Indian subcontinent and appears as a symbol of Nepal's wildlife heritage. The front also features the royal crown emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Nepal in the upper right corner, with traditional Nepali decorative borders and text in Devanagari script.

Back

King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (1945–2001), who reigned as King of Nepal from 1972 until his assassination in 2001. He is shown in traditional Nepali royal dress with the distinctive plumed crown. The reverse also depicts Swayambhunath stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal, located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu. The complex dates to the 5th century CE and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing Nepal's Buddhist heritage.

History

This 1 Rupee note belongs to the King Birendra portrait series issued by Nepal Rastra Bank during the reign of King Birendra (1972–2001). The series continued in circulation until Nepal's transition from monarchy to republic. Following the royal massacre in 2001 and the subsequent abolition of the monarchy in 2008, notes bearing royal portraits were gradually withdrawn and replaced with new republican designs. The swamp deer motif reflects Nepal's emphasis on wildlife conservation and its Himalayan natural heritage. The Swayambhunath stupa represents the country's deep Buddhist traditions. Pick reference P-22 encompasses multiple signature and date varieties issued over the series run from 1974 to 2000. The serial number format visible (५१९८५८४ in Devanagari numerals = 5198584) is typical of Nepal Rastra Bank issues of this era.