In the era of social media, misinformation spreads rapidly, often fuelled by manipulated images and unverified claims. One such rumour currently circulating suggests that the Government of India has decided to feature Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait on the ₹200 currency note. However, a thorough fact-check by FactCheck India confirms that this claim is completely false.
What Is Going Viral?
A widely shared image on social media, particularly Instagram, shows a ₹200 note featuring an image of the revered Maratha warrior king. An Instagram account named fan_bhagat_singh_da_1931 posted the edited note with the caption:
“Big decision by the Government of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s photo will now be printed on the ₹200 note. How do you like this decision?”
The claim quickly gained traction due to the historical and cultural significance of Shivaji Maharaj. However, as with many viral social media posts, a closer examination reveals the truth.
FactCheck India’s Investigation
To verify the claim, FactCheck India conducted a comprehensive review of official sources, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website and government announcements. No such decision or notification has been issued regarding a redesign of ₹200 notes to include Shivaji Maharaj’s image.
Further scrutiny revealed that the viral image originated from a tweet by BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on 26th October 2022. The tweet featured an edited ₹200 note with Shivaji Maharaj’s image. However, this was not an official release but a digitally altered image.
The Context Behind the Viral Image
The edited note was shared in response to AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal for including images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on Indian currency notes. In a satirical move, Nitesh Rane posted the manipulated ₹200 note featuring Shivaji Maharaj.
A Business Today report later debunked the image, confirming that it was not an official design change but merely a reactionary post to spark political discussion.
Conclusion
After thorough verification, FactCheck India confirms that the claim of the Government of India printing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s image on ₹200 notes is false. The viral image is a digitally edited fabrication, with no basis in any official policy or RBI announcement.
This incident highlights the growing menace of fake news on social media. Users are advised to rely on credible sources before believing or sharing such claims, as misinformation can easily mislead the public.