Nepal Unveils New Rs. 100 BankNote Featured Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura Map in Historic Design

(Why is this new 100 Rupee note so significant for Nepal? We break down the history and meaning of the Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura design.)

Nepal Rastra Bank has officially launched a brand-new Rs. 100 banknote into circulation from today (Mangsir 11). The note carries the signature of former Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari and comes with upgraded design elements, high-security features, and an important national message. According to the central bank, the fresh banknotes will be circulated with serial numbers ranging from 20 Ka 000001 to 40 Gha 999999.

Photo Credit : Nepal Rastra Bank

A Stylish Look at the New Rs. 100 Note: Front and Back Design Explained

Front Side of the Note — A Blend of Nature, Culture & Security

Mount Everest A beautiful illustration of Mount Everest appears on the left side, reflecting Nepal’s pride as home to the world’s highest peak.
Rhododendron Watermark Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron (Laliguras), appears as a watermark on the right.
Map of Nepal (Including Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura) At the center is a clearly marked map of Nepal, including the historically significant Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura region.
Ashoka Pillar & Mayadevi Image In the middle sits the Ashoka Pillar, accompanied by the inscription: “LUMBINI THE BIRTH PLACE OF LORD BUDDHA” Next to it is a black tactile dot for the visually impaired and a silver metallic portrait of Mayadevi inside an oval frame.
2 mm Color-Shifting Security Thread This thread appears red when viewed straight and green when tilted, adding a strong anti-counterfeit feature.
Signature of Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari The official signature appears in its designated location. Nepali Year “B.S. 2081” The series year is printed in Nepali at the bottom border.

Back Side of the Note — Nature, Heritage & Official Identity

“NEPAL RASTRA BANK” Written boldly in English across the top-middle portion.
One-Horned Rhinoceros and Calf A mother rhinoceros and her calf — symbolic of Nepal’s wildlife conservation success — appear prominently in the center.
“RUPEES ONE HUNDRED” Printed at the lower border in English.
English Year “2024 A.D.” The AD series year is clearly written on the bottom border.

“Nepal Rastra Bank releases a new Rs. 100 banknote featuring Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura on the national map. Explore design features, history, security elements, and why the new note makes a strong sovereignty statement. Full details inside.”

The History Behind Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura Lipulekh

Limpiyadhura, and the Kalapani region have long been points of national attention due to their historical, geographical, and political significance.

The Sugauli Treaty (1815–1816)

After the Anglo-Nepalese War, the Sugauli Treaty defined Nepal’s western border using the Mahakali River as the boundary. Historical records — including many British-era maps — identify the river’s origin at Limpiyadhura, placing the Lipulekh–Kalapani region within Nepal.

Shifts in Map Interpretations

Over the decades, different map interpretations emerged, identifying alternate sources of the river. These shifting interpretations became the root cause of the border dispute and competing territorial claims.

Strategic & Cultural Importance

Lipulekh is an ancient trade passage and a pilgrimage route for travelers heading toward Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, making it a geopolitically sensitive location.

Nepal’s Reassertion of Claim

In 2020, Nepal introduced a new official political map — constitutionally adopted — clearly marking Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh as Nepali territory. This move was seen as a response to escalating border disagreements and external agreements made without Nepal’s acknowledgment.

Why This History Matters for the New Banknote

By featuring the map of Nepal — including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura — on the new Rs. 100 note, the issuing authority isn’t just updating the currency design. It is making a strong symbolic and political statement:

It reaffirms Nepal’s historical and legal claim over territories whose status has long been debated.
It signals to both domestic and international observers that Nepal officially recognizes Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura as part of its sovereign territory.
Amid ongoing diplomatic discussions and border negotiations, the banknote becomes more than currency — it becomes a visual assertion of national identity, unity, and sovereignty.

This makes the new Rs. 100 note not only a medium of exchange but also a powerful reminder of Nepal's territorial integrity and historical rights.