Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a ₹250 commemorative coin on 3 November 2026 to mark the 250th birth anniversary of Carnatic composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. The event was held at Swatantrata Bhavan, IIT-BHU, in Varanasi.
Coin specifications and availability
The limited-edition coin is not intended for general circulation. Weighing 35 grams, it contains 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and 5% zinc. The India Government Mint in Mumbai minted the coin; it was offered for purchase on the Mint’s website for ₹6,985.
Book on Muthuswami Dikshitar
At the event, Sitharaman also unveiled Amara Guruguham Potruvam, a book on Dikshitar’s life, philosophy and musical contributions. He is one of the Carnatic Music Trinity, and his compositions, largely in Sanskrit, combine devotion, Indian philosophy and classical musical traditions.
Important Facts for Exams
- Commemorative coin types: Circulating commemoratives are designed for temporary use in commerce, whereas non-circulating legal-tender coins are intended as collector’s items.
- Asampurna Mela scheme: Dikshitar composed kritis across all 72 Melakarta ragas using the Asampurna Mela scheme, preserving several rare and nearly forgotten ragas.
- Carnatic tala range: Dikshitar’s compositions cover all seven basic talas of the Carnatic system, a breadth noted as distinctive among recorded composers.
- Veena-style melody: Dikshitar’s music is noted for capturing raga character in a veena-like style, particularly through its use of gamakas.
