Besides, a higher opening in the equity market also supported the rupee, forex dealers said.
They, however, said euro's weakness against the US currency overseas on fresh concerns over the eurozone debt crisis, capped the rupee's gains.
The BSE benchmark Sensex recovered by 77.13 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 18,709.30 in early trade today.
The rupee had lost 15 paise to close 53.51 yesterday on fresh demand for the US dollar from importers.