The decimal system of Indian currency was started in

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The decimal system of Indian currency was started in the year?

  1. 1950
  2. 1955
  3. 1957
  4. 1947

Answer: 1957

India changed from the rupee, anna, pie system to decimal currency on 1 April 1957.

India became independent on 15 August 1947 and was left with a legacy of non-decimal coinage. One rupee was divided into 16 annas. An anna was subdivided into four (old) Paisa or twelve pies (thus there were 192 pies in a rupee).

Indian Currency 1 Anna
Anna Copper-Nickel coin in the name of George V (1936) [Image Credit: Wikipedia]
In 1957, India shifted to the decimal system, but for a short period both decimal and non-decimal coins were in circulation. To distinguish between the two paisa, the coins minted between 1957 and 1964 have the legend “Naya Paisa” (“new” paisa). The denominations in circulation were 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 (naya paise and one rupee which remained as the same pre-decimal value. Therefore pre-decimal coins of one, half and quarter rupees could remain in circulation after decimalisation. The rupee remained unchanged in value and nomenclature. It, however, was now divided into 100 ‘paisa’ instead of 16 annas. For public recognition, the new decimal paisa was termed ‘Naya Paisa’ till 1 June 1964 when the term ‘Naya’ was dropped.


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