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What is the significance of the iconic colorized picture of Mahatma Gandhi on the Indian currency notes?

The colorized picture of Mahatma Gandhi on the Indian currency notes was introduced in 1996, replacing the black and white portrait.

The colorization was done to make the note more visually appealing and to help the visually impaired differentiate between denominations.

The color chosen for Gandhi's clothing, a reddish-brown, is a nod to the traditional Indian attire of a dhoti and shawl.

The wry smile on Gandhi's face in the picture is a rare representation of his playful side, contrasting with his usual serious demeanor.

The image is a cropped version of a photograph taken by Oxford Photo Company in 1931, during Gandhi's visit to London for the Round Table Conference.

The choice of this particular image was to emphasize the Indian nationalist leader's simplicity, humility, and human qualities.

Gandhi's rounded glasses in the image are often associated with his famous quote, "The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed."

The colorized picture has faced some controversy with critics arguing that it trivializes Gandhi's legacy and reduces it to a mere symbol.

A lighter shade of orange is used for the border of the note, representing the saffron color associated with sacrifice and renunciation in Hinduism.

Despite being a global figure, the currency note only features Gandhi, reflecting his enduring significance in India's freedom struggle.

The 500 and 1,000 rupee notes were demonetized in 2016, and new redesigned notes featured a more prominent and detailed colorized image of Gandhi.

The adoption of a colorized image of Gandhi on currency notes has led to the wider use of colorized historical figures in various countries' currencies.

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