Rupees Fifty Banknotes: National Flag & Gandhi Stories

Rupees Fifty banknote was first introduced on 16^th September 1975. The new note depicted the Parliament Building at New Delhi having a bare Flag-pole, i.e., without the National Flag, on the reverse. Governor S. Jagannathan was the first signatory, followed by K.R. Puri, M. Narsimhan, and I. G. Patel.

The Flag omission was rectified in 1980 during the tenure of Governor             I. G. Patel. The National Flag now appears on the Flag-pole over the Parliament House.  The legend Satyameva Jayate, i.e., ‘truth alone shall prevail’, also came to be incorporated under the Ashoka Pillar emblem for the first time. The watermark continued to be the Lion Capital, Ashoka pillar with spinning wheels.

On 14^th March 1997, a new 50 Rs note under the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Series’ was introduced. The National Flag is now bigger in size in its position of honour. The banknotes of this series bear the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi on the obverse with enhanced security features being introduced in phased manner. The watermark has also been changed to depict the Gandhi portrait. Governor Rangarajan was the first signatory of the notes.

 Banknotes issued initially in the ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ series carried the name ‘M. K. Gandhi’ below the portrait of Gandhi.  

The name M. K. Gandhi was subsequently changed to ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ (when Bimal Jalan was the Governor of RBI).

From the year 2005 onward the Mahatma Gandhi series notes have period/date of printing at the bottom of the reverse side.

It may be recalled that in 1996, former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Sheshan, wanted portrait of Gandhi to be debarred from the Banknotes to curb the use of “Gandhian Method” in elections.

Queries under Right to Information Act, 2005 have since been raised as to why RBI has used the word ‘Mahatma’ since the title was never officially conferred on him. (‘Weird Wallet’: Without Reserve / October-December 2013).

In April 2006, RBI introduced ’Star Series’(*) banknotes in the number panel to avoid the cost involved in reprinting of the same serial number notes.

Symbol ‘₹’ for Rs. was introduced for the first time in 2012; Governor D. Subbarao.

Progressive number panel was introduced in 2016; Governor Raghuram G. Rajan.

 The banknotes in this series came to an end in 2017, Governor Urjit Patel was the last signatory.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Flags in Grief: Flags at Half-Mast, Flag Draped Caskets and Funeral Cortege

Flags in Grief: 
Flags at Half-Mast, Flag draped Caskets & Funeral Cortege.

Flag at Half-Mast or Half-Staff

The origin of the custom of lowering a flag at ‘half-mast’ to indicate mourning is a little unclear. Its observance appears to date back to the sixteenth century, as a custom of the sea, which has spread to the land and became universal. A sailors superstition perhaps, the flag of mourning is flown at half-mast to leave space for death’s imaginary flag to be flown above it.  It is a sign that death has conquered, and that the invisible flag of the death is flying over the lowered colours of the vanquished. The half-staff tradition has developed important meaning over time.

The earliest record we have of the lowering of a flag to signify a death was an occasion in 1612, when the Master of the 'Hearts Ease', William Hall, was murdered by Eskimos while taking part in an expedition in search of the North West Passage. On rejoining her consort, the vessel's flag was flown trailing over the stern as a mark of mourning. On her return to London, the 'Hearts Ease' again flew her flag over the stern and it was recognised as an appropriate gesture of mourning.

World's First stamps showing a Flag at Half-Mast: Burma 1948
     Issued to commemorate the anniversary of the assassination of Burma's leaders      in the fight for independence.

In the United States, the earliest reference to half-staff, or half-mast, occurred in 1799. All Navy vessels were ordered by the Navy Department to fly the American flag at half-mast when George Washington died. 

Photo Courtesy: Oded Deutch, Israel

A further sign of mourning is to attach black ribbons tied as a bow to the top of the flag. If mourning is to be observed in a parade or procession, where a flag is carried, two streamers of black crepe are attached to the spearhead, allowing the streamers to fall naturally. The use of black crepe in such a manner shall only be by an order of the government.

Flag Code of India stipulates ‘Half-mast is meant hauling down the Flag to one-half the distance between the top and guy-line and in absence of the guy-line, half of the staff’. To achieve this position the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then slowly lowered to the half-mast position, but before lowering the Flag for the day, it shall be raised again to the peak. 

 Here is a selection of Postage Stamps showing Flags at Half-Mast from across the World.

Flag Draped Caskets

At the time of mourning Flags are draped over the coffins of national heroes. The association of flags with funerals began centuries ago when caskets of Royalty was decorated with symbols of authority.

Guarding Nelson’s Body

Lord Nelson (1758 – 1805) English naval commander who died during the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) in the Napoleonic Wars. 

Perhaps, World's First Stamp Depicting Funeral Scene is on Atahualpa: Peru 1918

Funeral Scene, Timisoara Uprising, Romania 1989.

In the post-independence India, the first National State Mourning was observed when Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation died on January 30, 1948.

New Delhi 31 the most immediate the most immediate His Highness Nawab Balasinor. Government of India regret Mahatma Gandhi was victim of shooting outrage. Gandhiji expired yesterday evening.  Cremation will take place Saturday 4 P.M. Prime minister has broadcast Saturday 31st be observed as day of fasting and prayer suggest offices should close entirely and flags half mast from sunrise =

Funeral Cortege

“cortege” is the procession when the coffin is transported to or from the ceremony - and this is done “in style”, with a elegant hearse (car or horse-wagon) and some cars with the family and guests following (or the guests might also be walking by foot).

In State funerals in the United States, a Caisson (a two-wheeled ammunition wagon), is used in place of a gun-carriage.

Funéral of Charles de Gaulle; November 1, 1970