The Stories Behind the Monuments Printed on India’s Currency

Jan 28, 2026, 10:00 AM
Photo Credit : X: @desi_thug1

Did you know the history behind these architectural relics from across India that feature on the currency denominations? Have a look.

Konark Sun Temple on the Rs 10 note

Odisha’s Konark Temple’s name derives from two words, kona (corner) and arka (Sun), referencing what was once the temple’s main draw.

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The original temple, built in 1250 CE, had a 227-foot-high facade and was considered one of India’s tallest sacred statues.

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Kailash Mandir on the Rs 20 note

In 760 AD, King Krishna I ordered a structure to be built that would resemble Mt Kailasa.

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So, an army of workmen got to work, boring trenches into a cliffside, attempting to remove 2,00,000 tonnes of rock with only hammers and chisels. Today, the temple spans a large area — twice that of the Parthenon in Athens.

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Hampi Stone Chariot on the Rs 50 note

When King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire (16th century) was in battle in Odisha, his attention was caught by the Konark Sun Temple chariot.

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He decided to build a replica in Karnataka. The locals believe that the world will come to a halt the day the chariot moves from its spot.

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Rani ki Vav on the Rs 100 note

The stepwell is lined by a treasure trove of stone edifices — carved pillars and more than 800 sculptures and geometric patterns.

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A closer look at the architecture will reveal its inverted temple design. Since 2014, it has prided itself as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Sanchi Stupa on Rs 200 note

Built in the third century BC, the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh has a hemispherical dome surrounded by a railing and four gateways whose carvings depict stories from Buddha's life.

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Lal Qila on the Rs 500 note

The Red Fort was not always red.

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It was originally white but was painted red by the British after the white stone began to chip away.

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Mangalyaan on Rs 2000 note

Mangalyaan was ISRO’s first spacecraft bound for Mars. It successfully entered Mars orbit on 23 September 2014, marking India’s dominion in interplanetary exploration.

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