Question 1

When was the first British India 1 Rupee note issued?

Accepted Answer

The first 1 Rupee issue was released on 30 November 1917 during World War I.

Question 2

Why was the 1 Rupee currency note introduced?

Accepted Answer

It was introduced to conserve silver, which was in short supply due to wartime demand.

Question 3

What makes the 1 Rupee note unique?

Accepted Answer

After the Reserve Bank of India was established and began issuing currency in 1938, the 1 Rupee note remained the one denomination still issued by the Government of India rather than the RBI, and it continued to be legally treated as a coin rather than a currency note.

Question 4

Are British India 1 Rupee notes rare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certain varieties — including issuing circle notes, some varieties, key prefixes, and rare serial number types — are genuinely scarce, while other varieties are comparatively more available. Rarity varies significantly across the full range of issues.

Question 5

Under what law were British India 1 Rupee notes made legal tender in Burma?

Accepted Answer

Under the Currency Act, 1940 (Burma Act No. XVI of 1940), which declared Government of India 1 Rupee notes legal tender in British Burma with the same standing as the silver India rupee coin.

Question 6

When did the Reserve Bank of India stop operating in Pakistan?k banknotes used after World War II?

Accepted Answer

The RBI ceased functioning in Pakistan on 30 June 1948. Indian 1 Rupee notes without the Pakistan-specific inscriptions continued to circulate there until 30 September 1948, after which they were withdrawn.