In a move that is set to reignite diplomatic tensions, Nepal's central bank officially put into circulation new 100 Rupee currency notes on Thursday, which display a revised national map. This map incorporates the territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura—areas that India consistently maintains are an integral part of its own sovereign land.
Details of the New Currency Note
The new banknote was issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and carries the signature of the previous Governor, Maha Prasad Adhikari. A key detail on the note is the date of issuance, which is marked as 2081 BS, corresponding to the previous year, 2024, in the Gregorian calendar.
An NRB spokesperson provided clarification on Thursday, stating that while a map of Nepal was already present on the old 100 Rupee note, it has now been revised as per the government's decision. He further clarified that among the various denominations of Nepalese banknotes, such as the Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 500, and Rs 1,000, only the Rs 100 note features the country's map.
Design and Historical Context
The design of the new currency is rich with national symbols. The left side of the note features the majestic Mt. Everest, while a watermark of Nepal's national flower, the Rhododendron, is placed on the right. A faint, green-colored map of Nepal forms the central background. Notably, the Ashoka Pillar is printed near the map, accompanied by the text "Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha." The reverse side of the note carries a picture of a horned rhino.
The note also includes advanced security features, such as a security thread and an embossed black dot to assist blind people in identifying the denomination.
This currency update is a direct continuation of a political decision made in May 2020. At that time, the government led by then-Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli unveiled a new political map that formally depicted Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal's territory. This revised map was subsequently endorsed by the Nepalese Parliament, formalizing the claim.
India's Stance and Regional Implications
India had reacted sharply to Nepal's initial cartographic move, labeling it a "unilateral act" that was not based on historical fact or agreement. New Delhi had cautioned Kathmandu that such an "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims would not be acceptable. India's official position remains firm that the regions of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura belong to it.
This development occurs against the backdrop of the extensive over 1850 km long border that Nepal shares with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The issuance of the new banknote is likely to be viewed in New Delhi as a provocative step, potentially complicating ongoing bilateral dialogues aimed at resolving the longstanding boundary issue.
