The rupee on Thursday rose by 22 paise to 54.10 against the dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) market on selling of US currency by exporters and banks.

Forex dealers said strengthening of euro against the US dollar overseas and a higher opening in the domestic equity market also supported the rupee.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex rose by 66.46 points, or 0.34%, to 19,421.72 in early trade on Thursday.

The rupee had lost six paise to close at 54.32 against the dollar in the previous session due to fresh demand for the American currency from importers.