Mahatma Gandhi series was introduced in 1996, less than 20 years ago. However the first note with Mahatma Gandhi on it was introduced in 1987. The existing series (introduced in 1976) did not include 500Rs Notes. A different design of 10 rs notes was introduced in 1992, though it did not belong to any series and neither did it feature Mahatma Gandhiji on it. Prior to that in 1969 commemorative notes featuring Mahatma Gandhiji (1969 was Birth Centenary of Gandhiji) were introduced in denominations of Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10 and Rs 100. But these were commemorative notes and not the normal series. Only the reverse of the then existing series (Ashoka Column - second issue) was changed to incorporate Mahatma Gandhiji in the design. But since you asked for the Notes before Mahatma Gandhi (series), here they are: What did Indian currency (notes) look like before Mahatma Gandhi? Mahatma Gandhi series was introduced in 1996, less than 20 years ago. However the first note with Mahatma Gandhi on it wa