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Rupee

3 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means The basic unit of currency in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and several other countries.

Where does the word "rupee" come from? It comes from Sanskrit rupya, passing through Hindi before entering English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
rupya
Sanskrit · ancient
"wrought silver; a coin"
meant 'wrought silver', from rupa 'shape, image'
2
Stage 2 of 3
rupiya
Hindi · 1540s
"a silver coin"
named the silver coin introduced by ruler Sher Shah Suri
3
Stage 3 of 3
rupee
English · 1610s
"the basic monetary unit of India and neighboring countries"
English traders adopted the term for the Indian currency
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