2021-01-04 Mon

Independence Day is observed annually in Myanmar every 4 January. The date celebrates Myanmar's Declaration of Independence from the British rule on 4 January 1948.

The above banknote is one of the first banknotes issued by the Government of Burma. The banknote is a Five Rupees banknote. The banknote depicts the usual illustration of a dancing peacock is at the top centre and a traditional art style depicting a floral arabesque is in light brown colour. Underneath this is a drawing of peacock and floral arabesque, the name of the banknote issuer in Burmese script “bama naing ngan asoya” signifying Government of Burma.

The obverse of the banknote depicts a scene of hills and palm trees are at the centre as background. An artistic drawing of a seated mythical lion (chinze or chinthe) in front of a palm tree is at the right. A watermark panel framed with two dragon’s tails entwined. The reverse of the banknote depicts a young girl in traditional Burmese dress is spinning a cotton wheel in the foreground, and behind her, a lady weaving served as the main illustration. The name of the banknote issuer “Government of Burma” is at bottom centre.

Initially, following independence in 1948, Burma introduced its own rupee currency, consisting of coins and banknotes. The rupee was replaced by the Burmese kyat in 1952.

Image Courtesy: Colnect.com