What is Polygon zkEVM (POL)?
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🟢 The simple version
Plain English — no jargon. Start here.
Polygon zkEVM is a zero-knowledge rollup that achieves bytecode-level EVM equivalence — existing Ethereum smart contracts can deploy without modification — using ZK proofs for security, with POL (formerly MATIC) as the ecosystem token.
Bytecode-equivalent ZK rollup
ZK rollups use cryptographic proofs to verify transaction validity. Polygon zkEVM achieves "Type 2" EVM equivalence — Solidity contracts compile and run identically to Ethereum mainnet without changes. This contrasts with earlier ZK approaches that required rewriting contracts in custom languages. Developers get ZK security with full EVM compatibility.
Is POL legal in India?
Yes. POL is a VDA. 30% tax and 1% TDS apply.
🟡 A bit more detail
For when you want to go a little deeper.
MATIC to POL migration
Polygon rebranded its native token from MATIC to POL in 2024 as part of the Polygon 2.0 upgrade. POL serves as the staking and gas token across Polygon's growing chain ecosystem (PoS chain, zkEVM, CDK chains). The Polygon CDK (Chain Development Kit) allows others to launch ZK-powered L2s using Polygon's technology.
🟣 The full technical picture
For the technically curious.
Key facts
- Token: POL (formerly MATIC)
- Type: Type 2 ZK-EVM (bytecode equivalent)
- Security: ZK proofs settling to Ethereum
- Ecosystem: Polygon PoS + zkEVM + CDK chains