Taj Mahal on mock-up BRICS currency note sparks outrage, netizens ask 'why not Ram Temple or Ashoka Chakra'
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Oct 24, 2024, 12:47 PM ISTA heated debate has erupted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, following the unveiling of a mock-up BRICS currency note, featuring the iconic Taj Mahal, in Kazan, Russia.
A heated debate has erupted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, following the unveiling of a mock-up BRICS currency note, featuring the iconic Taj Mahal, in Kazan, Russia. The note, displayed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is part of a proposed single BRICS currency aimed at de-dollarizing global trade and solidifying economic cooperation among the alliance’s members.
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The new BRICS currency bill prominently displays the flags of the five member nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—encircling the central denomination of 100. However, it is the depiction of the Taj Mahal on the note that has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among some Indian social media users, who have voiced their disapproval of the monument's symbolic representation.
JUST IN: Russian President Putin has been gifted a mock-up of a "BRICS bill" at BRICS summit in Kazan. pic.twitter.com/gP08KKkRUy
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo)BRICS made a new currency. Apparently, yesterday, 1 BRICS = 17.02 USD, while today, 1 BRICS = 19.60 USD!
No power ever lasts. Everything falls and weakens - EXCEPT ALLAH and Islam. pic.twitter.com/9DTnpwPeWk
Public backlash over Taj Mahal on BRICS currency note
The mock-up BRICS bill has spurred a social media storm as several Indians expressed sharp disagreement over the selection of the Taj Mahal, a grand mausoleum built during the Mughal era, to represent the country. Some users noted that instead of the iconic monument, the newly built Ram Temple in Ayodhya or the national emblem of Ashoka Chakra, would be a more appropriate representation of India on the note.
One user on X wrote, "This is the banknote of a single BRICS currency which will replace the US dollar. It has a picture of the Taj Mahal on it. I have mixed feelings about it. Taj Mahal has been promoted as being synonymous with India for ages, which I don't agree with. But then what else can be put on the note?"
Another user was more direct, stating, "Taj Mahal (a tomb) is not a representative symbol of India. This image should be removed from BRICS currency, and priority should be given to other great monuments of India. We do not hate the Taj Mahal because it is a beautiful monument, but I do not want this tomb to represent India."
A third user argued, "Taj Mahal in this mock-up ‘BRICS BILL’ should remain a mock-up because if it really ends up on any BRICS currency in the future, it’ll be mocking Indian people, culture, and identity. Big time. Instead, Ram Mandir will aptly fill the bill."
"Mock-up designs of a BRICS currency bill are floating around with the Taj Mahal. But if we’re capturing the spirit of New India, why not showcase the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya? It symbolizes revival, unity, and 500 years of patience," said another user.
Another netizen remarked, "President Putin unveiled a banknote for a unified #BRICSCurrency, set to challenge the dominance of the #USDollar. Shouldn't #India consider replacing the Taj Mahal on its currency with a more contemporary symbol while we still can? Maybe #RamMandir."
Here's a look at some of the reactions on X:
ji, if this is not final BRICS currency, think about to change the Taj Mahal image on this currency and should be replaced Hindu icons like temples with Mahadev as Russia image with Jesus and church background in currency. https://t.co/vGformTiYL
— C.B.R (@CBR18590052)Proposed BRICS CURRENCY. Great initiative but why Taj Mahal ji?
We have far superior monuments to showcase instead of this structure of hate pic.twitter.com/Mj3RaXlxvg
If at all there is a BRICS currency in future, Bharat should not be represented by Taj Mahal, please. Can be Madurai Meenakshi, Brihadeshwara, Hampi, Konark wheels, Sanchi stupa, Indus Valley seal, Himalayas, Lotus, Tiger anything.
— 🇮🇳Bongosaurus indica🇺🇸 (@Bongosaur)This currency having Taj Mahal is not yet official & these pics are from 2023
Official currency wont have any TajMahal but Ashok Chakra or some Indian historical symbol.
⚡️Liberals can cry for rest of life😂 pic.twitter.com/Zwk6chjb4d
Taj Mahal (tomb) is not a representative symbol of India. This image should be removed from BRICS currency and priority should be given to other great monuments of India.
We do not hate Taj Mahal because it is a beautiful monument, but I do not want this tomb to represent India.
Taj Mahal in this mock-up ‘BRICS BILL’ should remain a mock-up bcoz if it really ends up on any BRICS Currency in future, it’ll be mocking Indian people, culture & identity, Big Time…
Instead Ram Mandir will aptly fill the BILL 😊 https://t.co/GggaSFBuCL
President Putin unveiled a banknote for a unified , set to challenge the dominance of the .
Shouldn't consider replacing the Taj Mahal on its currency with a more contemporary symbol while we still can? May be .
Your opinion please..… pic.twitter.com/O7u3zGufwU
Taj Mahal doesnt represent India or its ethos. Better to have Srirangam Temple Gopuram or one of the majestic Gopuram of any temple in South.
— Chittukuruvi (@chittukuruvi4)Replace the Taj Mahal with Shri Ram Mandir – a true symbol of our Sanatan roots and cultural pride! The Mughal architecture doesn't represent the real essence of Bharat.
— पवन (@MindfulThinkerr)The Taj Mahal, while a significant monument, doesn’t represent the diversity and essence of India’s rich heritage. We have countless symbols that reflect our civilizational strength—time to choose a more fitting one for the BRICS currency.
— Shubham Kumar (@shubhamViral)Any of the glorious Indian Temples should have been there but Taj!
— Not Lee Kuan Yew! (@LKYMM23)Yes, better to replace Taj Mahal. There are plenty of other Options like:
Tiger, Peacock, Ashoka Chakra, design of any Hindu Temple, Om symbol.
Tajmahal is a wrong representation of India, Meenakshi, Kailash, Dilwara, and Konarak are other options.
— Padmaja 🇮🇳 (@prettypadmaja)Ashoka Emblem should be our symbol.. like if you agree pic.twitter.com/g5RV7i3j5Q
— Prashanth Goundar 🇮🇳 (@m_s_prashanthh)BRICS aiming for de-dollarization
The BRICS currency, set to be backed by 40 percent gold and 60 percent local currencies of member states, is expected to serve as a vital step toward the bloc’s goal of de-dollarization.
On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a historic announcement regarding BRICS' new payment system. “There is an urgent need to reform the international financial architecture,” Jinping said.
“BRICS must play a leading role in promoting a new system that better reflects the profound changes in the international economic balance of power,” he added.
The official commission of the BRICS currency is still a thing of the future, but the creation, done with the aid of blockchain technology, has seen its attractiveness advocated in other ways. The currency is envisaged to work around the SWIFT system and other Western payment systems.
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