This is the first reported observation of absorption and emission of glasses with a 4d transition metal ion(rhodium). The optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra, and the lifetimes of rhodium ions in phosphate glasses are interpreted on the basis of strong-field scheme of Sugano-Tanabe diagram. We conclude that rhodium ion is present in its divalent form. $^2 E{ ightarrow}^2 T_1$ and $^2 E{ ightarrow}^2 T_2$ transitions are superimposed and observed at 460 nm. Whereas $^2 T_1{ ightarrow}^2 E$ and $^2 T_1{ ightarrow}^2 E$ transitions are observed at 650 nm and 580 nm, respectively.