Flash Yellow, Bright Blue: RBI’s New Notes Bring Colour to Life

The new notes come in four new colours.

(Photo: The Quint)

Remember how after every Holi celebration, we would discover a note that was left behind in our pocket? The note would emerge drenched and coloured in shocking pink or a bright eccentric blue. Now, thanks to the Reserve Bank of India, we no longer have to wait for Holi. Our notes have officially been coloured in myriad hues.

The Modi government's sudden announcement of demonetisation on 8 November 2016 may have left people looking pale with anxiety. However, our new notes are bringing colour back. Since notebandi, the RBI has launched four notes in different colours.

Let's take a look at what's colouring the insides of our wallets.

A Bright Yellow Note of Rs 200

For the first time, there will be a denomination in between Rs 100 and Rs 500. The RBI will release the new Rs 200 notes on Friday, 25 August. This note will be a bright yellow!

A significant detail about this note is that it has a photo of Mahatma Gandhi in the centre, and the back has an image of the Sanchi Stupa.

The Ashokan Pillar, Mahatma Gandhi's photograph, and the H symbol are elevated for the convenience of visually challenged people.

Also Read: Yellow Rs 200 Notes Out Tomorrow – Here’s What They Look Like

Rs 50 in Fluorescent Blue

The Rs 50 note is already in the market, but a new version is going to be launched soon. Only last week, the RBI released the design to the public. The new note is a bright fluorescent blue.

What's interesting about this new note is that the reverse side will have an image of Hampi instead of the Parliament. The RBI has also made it clear that the old notes will not be withdrawn from the market once the new ones are launched.

Obverse

• On the obverse side, on the left, the Devanagari script will says 50.
• In micro letters, it will also say ‘RBI’, ‘भारत’, ‘INDIA’ and ‘50’.
• The metal security tape will have India and RBI written on it.
• On the right, at the bottom, will be the Ashokan Pillar.

Reverse

• On the left will be the year of printing.
• The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo and slogan.
• Language panel.
• Image of Hampi along with a chariot.
• ‘Rs 50’ in Devanagri

Also Read: Inside Hampi: Ruins that Inspired the New Rs 50 Note

Rs 500 in a New Avatar

After the surprise announcement of demonetisation on 8 November 2016, the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were withdrawn from the economy overnight, in place of which, a new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes were issued. The new Rs 500 has marked differences from the old one.

While the old one was yellow in colour, the new one is stone grey. The theme of the new note is the capital's Red Fort, and it also bears the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo.

A New Pink/Magenta Rs 2,000

As of now, the highest denomination is Rs 2,000. The base colour is magenta or pink. One significant detail is that the reverse side has an image of the Mangalyaan. There's a photo of Mahatma Gandhi in the centre.

Obverse

• If one puts the note against a light, one can see Rs 2,000 written in watermark.
• If one puts the note at a 45 degree angle, one can see Rs 2,000 written in watermark.
• Rs 2,000 written in Devanagri on the left
• Mahatma Gandhi’s photograph in the centre.
• ‘RBI’ and Rs 2,000 in small letters.
• ‘RBI’ and Rs 2,000 is written on the security tape. If one turns the note slightly, the colour of the thread turns from green to blue.

Reverse

• The year of printing.
• The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo and slogan.
• The language panel near the centre.
• The Mangalyaan image.

(This article has been translated from Hindi by Suhasini Krishnan. It was first published on QuintHindi.)

(#TalkingStalking: Have you ever been stalked? Share your experience with The Quintand inspire others to shatter the silence surrounding stalking. Send your stories to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])