In the world of finance, currency symbols play a vital role in representing a country’s monetary identity. One such emblem is the Indian Currency Symbol, a unique and significant symbol that represents the Indian Rupee. In this article, we will delve into the history, design, and cultural significance of the Indian Currency Symbol, exploring how it became an integral part of India’s economic landscape.
Understanding the Need for a Distinct Currency Symbol
Historical Context of the Indian Rupee
The Indian Rupee has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was first introduced in the 6th century BCE during the reign of the Mahajanapadas, and its evolution continued over the centuries.
However, it lacked a distinct identity in the international market, as it was often denoted by the abbreviation “Rs” or “Re” – a common practice among many countries.
The Birth of the Indian Currency Symbol
The Indian Rupee symbol was invented by a designer named Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam. In 2009, the Government of India organized a nationwide competition to create a symbol that would uniquely represent the Indian Rupee.
Udaya Kumar’s design, which combined the Devanagari script “र” (ra) and the Roman letter “R,” along with two horizontal lines, was selected as the winning entry. The Indian Cabinet approved the symbol on 15th July 2010, and since then, it has been used to denote the Indian Rupee in various economic and financial contexts.
Udaya Kumar’s creation brought a distinct identity to the Indian currency, symbolizing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and its growing influence in the global economy.
To address the need for a unique identity for the Indian Rupee, the Indian government launched a nationwide competition in 2009.
This initiative aimed to create a symbol that would be easily recognizable and represent the nation’s rich heritage. The winning design was selected from thousands of entries, leading to the birth of the Indian Currency Symbol on 15th July 2010.
The Design and Symbolism of the Indian Currency Symbol
The Indian Currency Symbol was carefully crafted to embody the spirit of India’s cultural and economic diversity. The symbol features a blend of both modernity and tradition, making it visually appealing and easy to incorporate into digital and print mediums.
The symbol consists of three essential elements:
- The Devanagari Script: At the core of the symbol lies the Devanagari letter “र” (ra), which represents the initial sound of the word “Rupee” in Hindi, the official language of India. This inclusion adds a touch of Indian script to the design.
- The Roman Numeral: Incorporated within the Devanagari script is a horizontal line, which represents a Roman numeral “1.” This denotes the base value of one Rupee.
- The Two Horizontal Lines: Adjacent to the Roman numeral is a pair of horizontal lines that symbolize the equal sign. This signifies the equal value of the Indian Rupee to other major currencies in the global financial market.
Indian Currency Symbol (₹) on different operating systems:
| Operating System | Method to Write Indian Currency Symbol |
|---|---|
| Windows | Press “Alt + 8377” (using the numeric keypad) or use the shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + 4” |
| macOS | Press “Option + 4” |
| Linux (Ubuntu) | Press “Ctrl + Shift + u” followed by “20B9” and then press “Enter” |
| Android (Gboard) | Long-press the “$” symbol and select “₹” from the pop-up menu |
| iOS (iPhone/iPad) | Long-press the “$” symbol and select “₹” from the pop-up menu |
| Google Docs | Use the “Insert” menu and select “Special Characters.” Then search for “Rupee” and choose the ₹ symbol |
| Microsoft Word | Use the “Insert” menu and select “Symbol.” Then locate and insert the ₹ symbol from the list |
Please note that the methods might vary slightly depending on the version and settings of the operating system or software you are using. The table provides the common methods to input the Indian Currency Symbol across different platforms.
Download Indian Currency Symbol
Here is the India Currency Symbol you can directly download to your PC/phone. The image is copyright free so you can use it the way you want to use.
Rupee Symbol Code
| UNICODE | U+020B9 |
| HEX CODE | ₹ |
| HTML CODE | ₹ |
| HTML ENTITY | ₹₹ |
| CSS CODE | \20B9 |
| // html example | <span>₹</span> |
| // css example | span { content: “\20B9”; } |
| UTF-8 Encoding | 0xE2 0x82 0xB9 |
| UTF-16 Encoding | 0x20B9 |
| UTF-32 Encoding | 0x000020B9 |
The Cultural Significance and Acceptance
The Indian Currency Symbol swiftly gained acceptance and recognition both domestically and internationally. Its adoption by the Unicode Consortium and subsequent inclusion in computer systems worldwide further solidified its place as a standard currency symbol.
Embracing Cultural Identity
Beyond its monetary role, the Indian Currency Symbol holds immense cultural significance. It serves as a reminder of India’s vibrant heritage and its contribution to the world economy throughout history. By embracing its own distinct currency symbol, India showcased its cultural pride on a global platform.
FAQs About the Indian Currency Symbol
No, the Indian Currency Symbol is recognized and used internationally to denote the Indian Rupee.
Yes, businesses and individuals can use the Indian Currency Symbol to denote transactions involving the Indian Rupee.
A panel of experts, including prominent artists, designers, and economists, evaluated the entries and selected the most suitable design.
The Indian Currency Symbol design was well-received overall, but there were some initial debates about its representation and aesthetics.
The Indian Currency Symbol does not have specific security features, as it is primarily used for denoting the currency in written or digital form.
Typing Indian Rupee in Windows
Hold alt key and type 8377 using numeric keypad to make Indian rupee symbol like ₹. If you don’t have a numeric keypad, type 20B9 using normal number keys and then press alt + x keys.
The Indian rupee is the currency of India; INR is its currency code, and the currency symbol is ₹.
The rupee symbol generally comes before the number, and there’s no space in between. So when you’re writing a sum of money such as 1000 rupees, you’d write it like this: ₹1000.
Conclusion
The Indian Currency Symbol stands as an emblem of India’s economic growth, cultural heritage, and identity in the global financial arena. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Indian Rupee and proudly represents the nation on international platforms.
With its incorporation into the world of finance, the Indian Currency Symbol serves as a testament to India’s financial prowess and its place among the leading economies of the world.