Discover India's Heritage Through Its Banknotes: UNESCO Sites on Indian Currency

Each Indian banknote is more than just currency—it carries a piece of the country’s rich history. This World Heritage Day, we explore the iconic heritage sites featured on Indian rupee notes, their historical significance, and when they were granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

₹500 Note – Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort in Delhi, built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was the residence of the Mughal emperors and later became a symbol of India’s struggle for independence. It was from here that Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous speech on August 15, 1947, marking India’s independence. The Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The RBI introduced the current ₹500 note featuring the Red Fort on November 10, 2016, following the demonetisation of the previous ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes.

₹200 Note – Sanchi Stupa , Madhya Pradesh
The Sanchi Stupa, one of India’s oldest Buddhist monuments, was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its elaborately carved gateways depict Jataka tales and Buddhist teachings. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, Sanchi symbolises India’s Buddhist heritage and commitment to peace. The RBI introduced the ₹200 banknote featuring the Sanchi Stupa on August 25, 2017, as part of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.

₹100 Note – Rani ki Vav , Gujarat
Rani ki Vav, an 11th-century stepwell in Gujarat, was built by Queen Udayamati in memory of King Bhima I. Designed as an inverted temple, it highlights the importance of water conservation and features intricate carvings from the Solanki dynasty. It was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. In July 2018, the RBI launched a new ₹100 note featuring Rani ki Vav as part of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.

₹50 – Hampi ’s Stone Chariot, Karnataka
Karnataka’s historic site Hampi, is home to the famous Stone Chariot within the Vittala Temple complex. Built in the 16th century, it is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The ruins of Hampi were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The RBI introduced the ₹50 note featuring Hampi’s Stone Chariot on August 18, 2017.

₹20 – Ellora Caves , Maharashtra
The Ellora Caves, carved between the 6th and 10th centuries in Maharashtra, showcase a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, representing India’s religious harmony. These caves, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, are known for rock-cut sculptures. Their depiction on the ₹20 note highlights India’s spiritual and artistic diversity. The RBI announced on April 26, 2019 that the new ₹20 note would feature the Ellora Caves.

₹10 – Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
The Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, is a 13th-century architectural wonder built by King Narasimhadeva I. Designed as a massive chariot dedicated to the Sun God, it is famous for its detailed carvings and unique Kalinga-style architecture. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the temple is a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage. On January 5, 2018, the RBI announced that the ₹10 note would feature an image of the Sun Temple on its reverse side.