Page 234 - Art and Crafts of Bangladesh

GRAPHIC DESIGN 231

13. Currency
In different eras since ancient times, different kinds of coins were used in Bangladesh,
in other words in the Indian subcontinent. Until now, according to archaeological
evidence, the earliest example of coins within the geographic boundary of Bangladesh
was found from Wari Bateshwar (4th century BC) in the district of Narsingdi, although
its political identity has not been ascertained yet. A large number of coins were found
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from Mahasthangarh in the district of Bogra and other archaeological sites. The design
and shape of coins varied to some extent with the change of political regime. But from
Maurya rule until the Mughal Empire (3rd century BC-17th century AD) in almost two
thousand years, there is a notable similarity among coins used. Usually we find
portraits of rulers and other symbols on the coins which altered with the change of
political power.
Printed-paper currency was introduced in India during the British period. Due to the
direct relationship between the currency system and the ruling structure, the
convention of changes in currency-design with changes in the power structure
continues in Bangladesh as it always has from the British colonial era through the
Pakistani regime. The portrait of Queen Victoria was printed on the currency in the
British colonial era. Mohammad Ali Jinnah took her place during the Pakistani
regime. New currency and new designs were required when independent Bangladesh
was born through the Independence War. New currency in independent Bangladesh
started its journey on 4th of March in 1972 with notes of 1 taka and 10 taka. Later,
paper notes of 5 and 100 taka were introduced. K.G. Mostafa (1943- ) was the first
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designer of the currency of independent Bangladesh. He possessed long experience
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since he had been working in Pakistan Security Press during the Pakistani regime. His
designs created in the light of his previous experience, were printed from two security
presses of England. He designed notes of 1 taka, 5 taka, 10 taka and 100 taka. These
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notes had the map of Bangladesh, portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
(which was removed afterwards), flowering plants, village scenery with river, drying
jute by the river etc. More paper currency was printed later with new designs and
valuation. Lotus, Chitra (or the spotted deer), the national bird Doel (magpie robin), fig. 4.31 Currency,
central Shaheed Minar, peasants harvesting paddy, Kaptai dam, National Parliament courtesy Banglapedia
building, Supreme Court etc. were part
of these designs. 80
K.G. Mostafa also designed some
metal coins of relatively lower
valuation. Some of them had the lotus,
hilsa fish, plough etc. They were made
in East Germany in 1973. However,
most of the coins are now made in
Bangladesh. The design of paper notes
and coins have undergone many