Reserve Bank of India – Haj Pilgrim issue, 10 rupees on Legacy-collections Sphere from

Hajj banknotes were produced by both Pakistan and India after independence in 1947. This note bears the signature of H.V.R Iyengar (Governor, Reserve Bank of India). Indian currency was not allowed to be taken on Hajj; instead these notes, stamped with the word ‘haj’, were used much like a bank draft when the pilgrim arrived in Mecca. These notes were not legal tender in India and could only be converted back at Bombay into Indian rupees or Pound Sterling. This was a means of controlling the export of Indian rupees via Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season, following foreign exchange difficulties. The Indian notes were issued in 100 rupee or 10 rupee denominations. Not many exist due to the limited numbers produced.