An Overview of Nepalese Paper Money

Though the history of Nepalese paper currency is not so long, it is certainly interesting, rewarding as well as informative for the collectors especially for different varieties, sizes and colours of the various denominations issued from time to time. Co-authored by Jaya Hari Jha, Deepak Raj Pandey and Bineet Chandra Jha, the book ‘An Overview of Nepalese Paper Money’, a pioneering work in the field of Nepalese currency, provides an in-depth knowledge on paper notes from the beginning to date.

Jaya Hari Jha, inspired by a German bill collector named Hans Wittman, has presented details of the currency notes of Nepal, the first book of its kind. The book published by Manjeeta Jha is well-documented work that provides all necessary data and relevant facts with illustrations. It gives a comprehensive picture of Nepalese paper notes of all denominations, presented in chronological order and at the same time highlighting their distinct merit of identity.

This book is a product of sixteen years’ research on the subject by the author Jaya Hari Jha. It is stated in the book that the first Nepalese paper currency was issued in the year 2002 BS (1945 AD) in three denominations of rupees two, five and hundred by Sadar Mulukikhana.

The book has made attempts to quench a long-awaited desire of the collectors of Nepalese paper notes. It has 15 units in 112 pages with coloured illustrations of the paper notes.

The book also contains some interesting facts about the Nepalese paper notes. Though the book is printed in glossy paper, its price which is tagged at Rs. 900, has almost made it unaffordable to the general Nepalese readers. With diminishing value of the money in the market, the printing of one rupee note has been discontinued and the printing of two rupees note will also be stopped in the near future. Moreover, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is also planning to discontinue with printing paper note of five rupees denomination. Against this backdrop, the book could be a valuable collection for aspirant readers and collectors. It can be said that this book contains all the documentary literature of the Nepalese paper money. The exquisite Nepalese arts and craftsmanship, bewitching beauties in the lap of nature and lively wildlife of Nepal are also remarkable features of this book. The publication provides an interesting documentation of the monetary systems and practice showing the face value and true identity of Nepalese paper notes. However, thematic collection is not sufficient in this book. It would have been better if the authors could have avoided solecism. It may be of great use to all those who are interested and involved in research on Nepalese paper money. Readers can find an honest evaluation of the characteristics of each and every individual currency notes printed so far.

HEADLINE | SECOND-PAGE