The Indian Rupees in the History of Lanna

Abstract

The Indian Rupee (INR) was used in Lanna by the British. It was due to the teakwood trade in Lanna by the British companies and the free trade at Lanna-British Burma (Myanmar) border. So the Indian Rupee became the accepted currency and was linked to the economy of Lanna for a century. This pushed Lanna into the world economy for both import and export. The result of the Indian Rupee in Lanna was highly influential to the government of Siam (Thailand) which adjusted and worked for its development and modernization. The Indian Rupee popularity was so much that it affected the socio-economic situation of Lanna. It also created flutter between Lanna, other Thai ethnic groups, British in the region and British India too. The value of silver in the Indian currency attracted people from so many races. We can also say that the wave of immigration was caused by the Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee was in silver, therefore, the Lanna people liked preserve it in any form as saving. And the tribes on highland liked to adorn the coin as their wearings. Nowadays, the Indian Rupee in Lanna is a part of history. But in India, the Indian Rupee is an important and integral part of India economy.