How the British Raj was forced to withdraw the ‘pig rupee’
The Hindu
Numismatist recounts the saga of a coin which was withdrawn from circulation after a public furore
A one-rupee coin issued by the erstwhile British Raj over a century ago was met with much ridicule in the country as the design of an elephant on the King’s robes resembled a pig, recollects a well-known numismatist in the city.
“The people of India declined to honour a ₹1 silver coin with a bust of King George V, issued by the erstwhile British Raj in 1911, as they felt that the feet and short tail of the elephant figure resembled a pig, which is considered unclean by Indians. Of the 9 crore coins that were minted, only 7 lakh were issued and the government was forced to withdraw them from circulation,” says G.K. Subrahmanyam, a retired lecturer of Dr. V.S. Krishna Government College and an avid numismatist.
Kerala's political parties continue to marginalize women candidates, highlighting a troubling disconnect between gender demographics and representation.
The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday ordered the issue of a notice to the State government on a PIL petition, which had complained about disturbances caused to people residing in the localities around the National Public School situated in Rajajinagar 5th block due to use of loudspeakers with high volume in the school and parking of school buses in residential areas.
China is extensively mapping ocean floors to enhance submarine warfare capabilities against the U.S. and allies across key oceans.
AIADMK's 2026 manifesto promises free rations, women's benefits, education reforms, and economic growth initiatives for Tamil Nadu.
The vehicle towing drive will soon resume in the city to ease traffic congestion. The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), in coordination with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), is set to relaunch the vehicle towing drive across the city shortly to tackle traffic congestion and illegal parking.
Panic buying, not shortage, is leading to long queues at Hyderabad petrol pumps.
District Collector urges collective action against TB during World TB Day rally, highlighting screening efforts and patient support initiatives.
DMK finalises seat-sharing for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, contesting 175 seats with allies DMDK and VCK.
Collector V. Saravanan and Police Commissioner Kamini promote voter awareness through outreach programs and traditional events in Tiruchi.
Mysuru DC stresses precautionary measures to reduce road accidents, urging officials to identify and address high-risk areas.
Growing influence of Artificial Intelligence highlighted
Telangana MP urges quick approval and funding for Musi River and 7,444 km sewerage projects during AMRUT review meeting.
Former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat, who had launched an indefinite dharna in front of the Udupi Urban Development Authority (UUDA) office on Monday against the Authority’s alleged illegal refusal to grant single site approval for 1.1 acres of his land at Badanidiyur, ended his dharna on Tuesday.