Burma State Bank Peacock Banknotes: WWII Paper Money

Delve into the fascinating history of Burma State Bank Peacock Banknotes, a significant form of WWII paper money from Burma (now Myanmar). These iconic 'Peacock Issues,' comprising 1, 5, 10, and 100 Kyat denominations, were printed during a tumultuous period of Japanese occupation and Burma's declared independence under Japanese auspices. Following the introduction of Japanese Invasion Money (JIM), these Burma State Bank banknotes emerged as crucial currency. This article explores their unique designs, rich historical context, and enduring cultural significance in Burma's numismatic narrative.

Japanese Occupation of Burma

Burma's strategic location and rich natural resources made it a focal point during World War II. The Japanese invasion began in December 1941, and by March 1942, they had captured Rangoon (Yangon) and by May 1942, they had captured Mandalay, leading to the collapse of the British administration. The Japanese sought to present themselves as liberators, leveraging anti-British sentiments and promising independence to gain the support of Burmese nationalists.

On 1 August 1942, to gain more support from Burmese nationalists, the Japanese issued a military order called “The Organization of the Government.” A Burmese government was established by the order to operate under the general auspices of the Japanese military regime. General Shojiro Iida was the Japanese Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Ba Maw was made Burmese Head of Government, while, General Aung San was the Commander-in-Chief of the Burma Defense Army. This order was a starting point for what was to follow a year later.

In March 1943, the Burmese delegation comprising Ba Maw and Aung San, Thakin Mya, and Thein Muang, visited Japan. They were given an official document containing an imperial assent mentioning that Burma would be a fully independent state and closely cooperate with Japan as a member of Dai Toa Kyoeiken (Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere). Upon their return to Burma in April 1943, they started preparing for the inauguration of Burmese independence.

State of Burma

In an effort for the Japanese to legitimize their occupation and win local support, on 1 August 1943 at 11.20 am, Burma was declared to be an independent and sovereign state, promulgated the new constitution, and formally announced Ba Maw as the Naingandaw Adipadi, or Head of State. Interestingly, Subhas Chandra Bose, later the lead of the Azad Hind Movement, was also present on the occasion.

In addition to his role as head of state, Ba Maw was the Prime Minister of the first cabinet. Major General Aung San was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. U Nu was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Colonel Ne Win was appointed by Ba Maw, also the Supreme Commander of the Burmese Forces, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese army. Various reports made by the British would refer to this government as the "Puppet Government."

The Japanese Military Administration was formally withdrawn, although Japanese troops remained to ensure Burma's alignment with Japanese war efforts. The State of Burma notified the Axis powers and other allied nations of its independence and also officially declared war on Britain and America. A Treaty of Alliance between Japan and Burma was also signed.

To further persuade the Burmese nationalists to side with them, the Japanese adopted national symbols of Burma as the State's symbols, including:
- adopting the Burmese tricolor of yellow, green, and red with a peacock in the center as the State's flag,
- adopting the anti-British anthem (Dobama anthem) as the State's anthem, and
- adopting Burmese as the State's official language.

Despite declaring Burma as an independent and adopting national symbols, the State of Burma, a wartime independent state, was deemed as a puppet state under Japanese control, with limited sovereignty. The Japanese maintained significant influence over the administration, military, and economy, directing Burma's resources to support their war effort.

Burma State Bank

Before the Japanese Occupation, Burma's financial system was closely integrated into the colonial framework. The Japanese invasion in 1942 disrupted this setup, leading to the establishment of new institutions to manage the occupied territories. After the formation of the State of Burma, it was felt that a new entity was required to facilitate the economic policies of the occupying forces while ostensibly serving the needs of the local population.

The Burma State Bank was established on 15 January 1944. This institution was a crucial part of the Japanese strategy to stabilize and control the economy of wartime Burma. The bank was responsible for issuing currency, managing financial transactions, and supporting the economic policies of the occupying forces while ostensibly serving the needs of the local population.

Issuance of the Peacock Issues

The first issue of banknotes by the Burma State Bank is widely referred to as the "Peacock Issues" due to the prominent depiction of the peacock on all denominations. These notes featured four denominations: 1 Kyat, 5 Kyat, 10 Kyat, and 100 Kyat. The design and issuance of these notes were integral to the broader efforts to establish a sense of national identity and economic stability during a period of foreign occupation and war.

Key Common Features

The Peacock Issues banknotes shared several key features that underscored their cultural and national significance:

Name of Issuer

The name of the issuer, "bama naing ngan daw" (the Burma State), is prominently displayed in the Burmese script at the top center of each banknote. This reinforced the national identity and sovereignty of Burma, even under Japanese occupation.

Dancing Peacock with Spread Feathers

A stylized peacock, symbolizing grace, beauty, and sovereignty, is prominently featured on the obverse side of each banknote. The dancing peacock with spread feathers is a potent symbol of Burmese culture and national identity. The peacock, known for its beauty and grace, represents the resilience and pride of the Burmese people. Its depiction on the banknotes served to reinforce national pride and cultural continuity during a period of foreign occupation.

Sunrise over Mandalay Landscape

The obverse side of each banknote also features a depiction of the sunrise over the Mandalay landscape. The sunrise over the Mandalay landscape symbolizes hope and renewal. Mandalay, the last royal capital of Burma, holds great historical and cultural significance. The depiction of the sunrise over this landscape on the banknotes symbolizes hope, renewal, and the dawning of a new era, thus conveying a message of optimism and the promise of a new era for Burma.

Mandalay Palace with Moat

The reverse side of each banknote showcases the Mandalay Palace and its surrounding moat. The Mandalay Palace, with its majestic architecture and rich cultural heritage, is a symbol of Burmese royalty and historical significance. Its depiction on the banknotes reinforced the importance of national identity and cultural heritage. The inclusion of the palace and its surrounding moat highlighted the enduring legacy of Burmese sovereignty.

Watermark

Each banknote features a watermark in Burmese script meaning "Burma." This security feature enhanced the authenticity of the notes and underscored their national significance. This is the first time that Burmese letters are used as a watermark on Burmese banknotes.

Absence of English Letters

Notably, the Peacock Issues banknotes do not feature any English letters. The deliberate omission of English letters from the Peacock Issues banknotes emphasized Burmese national identity and independence from colonial influence. This choice reinforced the cultural and political message of the banknotes, highlighting the importance of national pride and self-determination.

Denomination

The denomination of each note is shown in both Burmese and Roman numerals on both the obverse and reverse sides. This made the notes easily identifiable and facilitated their use in everyday transactions.

No Serial Number

None of the banknotes has any serial number. Each note only has a series or block number.

The key common features can be summarized as follows:

Issuer: Burma State Bank
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: None
Obverse Design: Dancing peacock; Sunrise over Mandalay landscape
Reverse Design: Mandalay Palace with moat
Printer: Greater Japan Imperial Government
Watermark: Three Burmese characters signifying Burma

1 Kyat Banknote

The main distinctive features of the 1-kyat note are as follows:

Denomination: 1 Kyat
Size: 109 x 63 mm
Color: Blue, pink, and purple
Known Series / Blocks: 0, 1, 3, 17, 21, 22, 26, and 29
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B401; Pick 18

5 Kyat Banknote

The main distinctive features of the 5-kyat note are as follows:

Denomination: 5 Kyat
Size: 130 x 72 mm
Color: Red, purple, and green
Known Series / Blocks: 0
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B402; Pick 19

10 Kyat Banknote

The main distinctive features of the 10-kyat note are as follows:

Denomination: 10 Kyat
Size: 146 x 84 mm
Color: Green, orange, and violet
Known Series / Blocks: 0, 1, 23, and 24
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B403; Pick 20

100 Kyat Banknote

The main distinctive features of the 100-kyat note are as follows:

Denomination: 100 Kyat
Size: 160 x 90 mm
Color: Orange, green and blue
Known Series / Blocks: 0, and 1
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B404; Pick 21

Conclusion

The Peacock Issues of the Burma State Bank is a compelling artifact of Burmese history, reflecting the interplay between culture, politics, and art during a period of foreign occupation and national upheaval. The intricate design features, including the prominent depiction of the dancing peacock, sunrise over the Mandalay landscape, and the Mandalay Palace, underscore the importance of traditional symbols in legitimizing the wartime government and unifying the population.

As the peacock notes were printed in Japan toward the end of World War II, the Japanese could not adequately supply the Burma State Bank with the required notes. In desperation, the Ba Maw Government ordered the printing press in Rangoon to produce new banknotes featuring Ba Maw himself. This transition set the stage for the next chapter in Burma's monetary history. The Peacock Issues remain a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of the Burmese people during a tumultuous period in their history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Burma State Bank "Peacock Issues" banknotes?

A: The "Peacock Issues" are banknotes (1, 5, 10, and 100 Kyat denominations) issued by the Burma State Bank, established on January 15, 1944, during the Japanese occupation of Burma in World War II. They are named for the prominent dancing peacock depicted on all denominations, reflecting Burmese national identity.

Q: Why were the "Peacock Issues" created during Japanese occupation?

A: These banknotes were issued as part of the Japanese strategy to legitimize their occupation and win local support by establishing the State of Burma (declared independent on August 1, 1943). The Burma State Bank and its currency were intended to stabilize the economy and foster a sense of national identity under Japanese auspices.

Q: What unique design features do the "Peacock Issues" banknotes possess?

A: All "Peacock Issues" feature a prominent dancing peacock with spread feathers and a sunrise over the Mandalay landscape on the obverse. The reverse showcases the Mandalay Palace with its moat. Notably, they contain a "Burma" watermark in Burmese script and deliberately omit all English letters, emphasizing national identity.

Q: What denominations were included in the "Peacock Issues" series?

The Burma State Bank "Peacock Issues" comprised four denominations: 1 Kyat, 5 Kyat, 10 Kyat, and 100 Kyat.

Q: Were there serial numbers on the "Peacock Issues" banknotes?

A: No, none of the "Peacock Issues" banknotes have individual serial numbers. Each note only carries a series or block number.