Aurangabad (Maharashtra) [India], Nov. 23 : Paintings of Ajanta Caves No. one, two and 17 appearing on the Rs.2000 currency note are being considered as 'acknowledgement' of Arthkranti launched by Aurangabad economist Anil Bokil during the World Heritage Week Special which lasts from November 19 to November 25.

Aurangabad residents see this development as a matter of great pride and honour.

The currency note has a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi; Father of the Nation, on the front, a motif of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) on the reverse, a language panel and a panel of Ajanta paintings at the bottom. It comprises of animal motifs, including an elephant, a swan and a stem with three blooms of the Lotus, India's national flower.

Retired assistant director of tourism D.M. Yadav said, "It is a matter of pride for Aurangabad, which is the tourism capital of Maharashtra. The white elephant of the Ajanta Caves is already being used as an emblem of India Tourism. I was delighted on seeing the panel of paintings comprising an elephant, a beautiful swan and Lotus of Ajanta Caves."

It may be noted that the Department of Posts (DoP) had come out with a stamp on Ajanta panel paintings in 1949, which was of three paise. Moreover, there are stories of Hamsa (swan) and elephant in Jataka Tales at Ajanta. It replicates the birth of Lord Buddha. The beautiful decorative paintings are in the ceiling of Caves No. one, two and 17.(ANI)