The UNESCO World Heritage Site on the back of the 200 Rupee Indian Note

Have you seen the images of monuments and temples behind the new currency notes of India? Did you know that all of them with the exception of the 2000 rupee note are all UNESCO World Heritage sites and are some of India’s best heritage gems? One such gem on the back of the 200 rupee Indian note is the Sanchi Stupa, one of India’s oldest stone structures and commissioned by none other than the great emperor Ashoka himself in the 3rd century BCE, about 5000 years ago. While the Sanchi Stupa itself is special, its intricately carved toranas or gateways are breath taking. There are 4 toranas in total and each one is steeped in stunning architecture and umpteen visual stories from the jataka tales and from others. The one at the back of the 200 rupee note is the Western torana view and you can notice by the 4 yakshas supporting the structure. Built in the 1st century BCE, these toranas are mesmerizing and are believed to have been the pioneers of this type of architecture at those times. Mind blowing indeed!



Here is a list of all the UNESCO World heritage sites on the back of the Indian currency notes:

10 Rupee – Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

20 Rupee – Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

50 Rupee – Hampi Vittala Temple, Karnataka

100 rupee – Rani Ki Vav, Gujarat

200 Rupee – Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

500 Rupee – Red Fort, Delhi

How many have you seen up close? Do you have any favorites? To me, each one of them are unique and special in their own way. That is the sheer richness we have in our heritage.