Art and Culture - Chapter: Events and Places in News

Figure 7.1: Significant cultural and heritage sites making headlines across India.

1. Religious Sites and Temple Architecture

AYODHYA RAM TEMPLE

Context: Shri Ram Temple was inaugurated on January 22 by the Prime Minister of India, in Ayodhya.

About the Temple:

• The overall temple covers an expansive 71 acres and has a 3-storey temple, built in the traditional Nagara style, standing tall with pink sandstone from Mirzapur and the hills of Bansi-Paharpur (Rajasthan) and teakwood for the doors.
• The main Garbh Griha holds the idol of Lord Ram, accompanied by multiple mandaps, including Rang Mandap and Nritya Mandap.
• On every Ram Navami at noon, a system of mirrors and lenses will focus the sun's rays on Lord Ram's idol. This unique anointment requires no electricity, utilizing brass instead of iron or steel.
• The idol of five-year-old Lord Ram, crafted by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, stands at 51 inches and was consecrated in a special ceremony.
• No iron has been used in the temple's construction, designed to endure for at least a millennium.
• For protection against ground moisture, a 21ft-high plinth has been constructed using granite.

Knowledge Nugget: About Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

- Region: First developed in North India during the Gupta period in the 5th century AD, this style is popular in Northern, Western and Eastern India (except the Bengal region).
- It flourished during the Gupta dynasty and continued to evolve through various regional kingdoms.
- Foundation: It is built on a simple stone platform with steps leading up to the temple.
- Features:
  ① Shikharas: It is a mountain-like spire, ranging from pyramidal to curvilinear. The garbhagriha is positioned directly beneath the highest Sikhara, with a Kalash (Amalaka) atop the Shikhara.
  ① Garbagriha: Innermost and holiest chamber where the principal deity resides.
  ① Types of Shikaras: Rekha-Prasad or Latina (Sri Jagannath Puri Temple), Shekari (Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadev Temple), Valabhi (Teli ka Mandir), Phamsana (Jagmohan of Konark Temple).
    • Rekha-Prasad or Latina: Simple Shikara with a square base and inward curving walls that have a pointed top. Example: The Sri Jagannath Temple of Odisha.
    • Shekari: Variant of the Latina style, characterized by a central Rekha-Prasad Shikara flanked by smaller steeples, with mini Shikaras at the base and corners. Example: The Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho.
    • Valabhi: Temples are rectangular with barrel-vaulted roofs, often referred to as wagon-vaulted structures. Example: Teli Ka Mandir in Gwalior.
    • Phamsana: Shorter and wider, featuring roofs made of overlapping slabs that gradually slope upwards to a single point, resembling a pyramid. Example: Jagmohan of the Konark Temple.
  ① Pradakshina Patha: It is a circumambulatory path around the garbhagriha. This path allows devotees to walk in a clockwise direction around the deity.
  ① Mandapa: The mandapa, or congregation hall, serves as a communal space for rituals, gatherings, and celebrations.
  ① Antarala: The antarala acts as a transitional space between the garbhagriha and the mandapa.
  ① Ardhamandapa: The entrance porch serves as the threshold between the external world and the sacred interior.
  ① Absence of boundary walls or gateways.
- Sub schools: Odisha School, Chandela School and Solanki School.

TEMPLES VISITED BY THE PRIME MINISTER

Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
- Architecture: Dravidian style
- Deity: Sri Ranganatha Swamy (Vishnu)
- Location: Srirangam (District Tiruchirappalli), Tamil Nadu
- Significance: First among 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.
- Association with Ramayan: Lord Ram gifted Vibhishan a reclining Lord Vishnu idol in a sign of gratitude for helping him during the Lanka. The idol was discovered thousands of years later by a king of the Chola dynasty, who established the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
- Architecture: Dravidian style
- Deity: Sri Ramanathaswamy (Shiva)
- Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
- Significance: One of the Char Dhams and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.
- Association with Ramayana: Installed by Mata Sita for Lord Ram to perform Shivlinga worship to atone for his sin of killing a Brahman (Ravan).

Shree Ramaswami Temple in Thriprayar, Kerala
- Architecture: Dravidian style
- Deity: Thriprayar Ramaswamy (Rama)
- Location: Thrissur, Kerala
- Significance/Mythology: Nalambala Dharshan. Idol worshipped by Lord Krishna in Dwaraka.
- Association with Ramayan: A unique worship done with the bursting of crackers called 'vedi vazhipadu' is performed here to commemorate the return of Hanuman from Lanka after he met Sita. The temple features the performing art 'Chakyar Koothu,' enacting the Ramayana episode 'Anguliyangam,' where Hanuman meets Sita and brings her ornament to Lord Ram.

Guruvayur Temple in Kerala
- Architecture: Kerala-Chola blend
- Deity: Lord Vishnu, Young Krishna
- Location: Guruvayur, Kerala
- Significance: Dwarka of the South, Elephant Festival, Home to captive elephants.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
- Deity: Sri Kothandarama Swamy (Rama with the bow)
- Location: Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
- Association with Ramayan: Lord Ram had broken the 'Ram Setu' -- the bridge built by his Vanar sena to reach Lanka -- using his bow and arrow after the war. It is also believed that Lord Ram conducted the coronation of Vibhishan here.

Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
- Deity: Virabhadra (Shiva)
- Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: Lepakshi, means 'Rise, oh bird' in Telugu. Famous for frescoes, Nandi Bull sculpture.
- Associated with Ramayana: It is believed that the bird Jatayu, fell at the place after being fatally wounded by Ravan.

Kalaram Temple in Nasik, Maharashtra
- Deity: The Kalaram temple derives its name from a black statue of the Lord Kala Ram translated literally to "Black Ram".
- Built: The temple was rebuilt in 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odheka after it was destroyed by the Mughals in 1700.
- Location: It is situated on the banks of River Godavari in the Panchavati area (land of 5 banyan trees) in Maharashtra.
- Association with Ramayan: Lord Ram settled here first with Sita and Laxman and spent much of their time here during their 14-year exile. It is from here that Ravan kidnapped Sita.

2. Heritage Sites and Cultural Events

ANANT SUTRA

Context: The Ministry of Culture showcased the 'Anant Sutra - The Endless Thread' textile installation at Kartavya Path on the Republic Day, 2024.

About Ananta-Sutra:

• It is a visual tribute to the 'saree', India's timeless gift to the fashion world.
• This unique installation will showcase nearly 1,900 sarees and drapes from every corner of the country, mounted at a height with wooden frames along the Kartavya Path.
• Origins and History: Sari-like drapery in Indian history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• The word "sari" evolved from "śāṭikā," mentioned in early Hindu and Buddhist texts as women's attire around the 6th century BCE.
• Saree wasn't just one garment, but a three-piece ensemble:
  • Antariya: The lower garment, resembling a "fishtail"
  • Uttarīya: A shawl-like veil worn over the shoulder or head
  • Stanapatta: A chestband that transformed into the choli, a fitted blouse.

MOH-JUJ: A TRADITIONAL BULL FIGHT

Context: The traditional buffalo and bull fight (Moh-Juj), an integral part of Bihu celebration of Assam, was revived after nine years.

About Moh-Juj:

• Origin: It was introduced to Assamese culture by 30th Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra Singha nearly 200 years ago.
• It holds a significant message of brotherhood and commitment and is organised during Magh Bihu.
• Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghar Domahi, is a significant harvest festival celebrated in the northeastern region of India, particularly in Assam. It occurs in the month of January–February.

Knowledge Nugget: About Wild Buffalo

- Habitat: The wild buffalo is mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys.
- Conservation Status:
  IUCN Red List: Endangered
  Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  CITES: Appendix III

MADHAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

Context: Inscriptions at Sri Madhava Perumal Temple submerged by Bhavanisagar dam in Erode reveal a 1,000-year old trade route.

Key findings:

• Trade route: A trunk road linking Tamil Nadu's Kongu region with southern Karnataka and Kerala, where traders crossed the Bhavani and Moyar rivers to reach Wayanad and southern Karnataka.
• Village discovered: A village named Thuravalur, over 1,000 years old, was discovered with 10 to 15 inscriptions, revealing a temple dedicated to Thondreeshwaramudiayar (Lord Shiva).
• Trade: The inscriptions also mention traders involved in oil, clothes, cattle, and handicrafts, likely traveling on foot or using donkeys or horses for transport.
• Ruling dynasty: The area came under the Hoysala rulers. King Veera Ballala III (1292-1342 AD), the last great king of the Hoysala Empire, ruled the area.
• Background: King Veera Ballala III asked Madhava Perumal Dhandanayaka (general of the army) to rule the region and constructed the Dhandanayaka Fort along the river (later renamed as Danaikan Fort).
• Sri Madhava Perumal Temple: Madhava Perumal Dhandanayaka's son Veera Siddha Keththaya Dhandanayaka constructed the temple inside the fort. An inscription found on a stone describes it as "Nilagiri Sadaranan Kottai", and villages along the fort were called "Oduvanganadu".
• Important Events: The Battle of Sathyamangalam during the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-92) took place near the fort.

KESARIYA STUPA

Context: Bihar government takes an initiative to promote the Kesariya Stupa, as a major tourist attraction worldwide.

About Kesariya Stupa:

• The Kesariya Stupa is a Buddhist monument and pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
• It's known for being the largest and tallest Buddhist stupa in the world.
• Location: Kesariya village, Patna, Bihar
• Construction Period: This Stupa was built in the 3rd century BCE under the Mauryan Empire by the legendary emperor Ashoka.
• Stupa is a burial mound made of dirt and stones. It often keeps religious relics and sacred items of Buddha.

JALLIANWALA BAGH MASSACRE

Context: The Prime Minister recently honoured the victims of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:

• Background: On April 13, 1919, a large peaceful gathering had formed at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on Baisakhi to protest against the Rowlatt Act, 1919.
• General Dyer, a British commander stationed in Punjab, ordered as many as 50 troops in Amritsar to start shooting at civilians, including women and children.
• Protest by Nationalist Leaders:
  • Rabindranath Tagore surrendered his knighthood.
  • Mahatma Gandhi relinquished the title of 'Kaiser-i-Hind,' bestowed by the British.
  • Gandhiji started the non-cooperation movement after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

AHOBILAM TEMPLE

Context: The forest department imposed certain restrictions on pilgrims visiting Ahobilam shrine in Nallamala forest.

About Ahobilam Shrine:

• Location: It is located in the Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh in the Nallamala ranges of the eastern ghats.
• Comprises: The temple consists of nine shrines dedicated to Lord Narasimha located around a 5 km circle.
• Historical Significance: Ahobilam is the place where the Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada.
• Mentioned in: Mahabharatha, Brahmanda Purana, Sthala Purana, Kurma Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana.

Knowledge Nugget: About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR):

- It was declared a tiger reserve in 1983, extending up to 3,727.82 sq km., including the core and buffer areas.
- The Ahobilam National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), constituted as per the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, by the Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, oversees the rare flora and fauna specific to the region.
- Wildlife: The forest area around the Pavana Narasimha temple is home to red sanders, leopards and deer. Five tigers also inhabit the area.

MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE OF MADURAI

Context: The Prime Minister offered prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai.

About Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai:

• Location: Southern bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding deity: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Shakti/Parvati and her consort Lord Shiva in the form of Sundareshwarar.
• Built by: The temple was built by Pandyan Emperor Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I (1190 CE–1205 AD). The temple first came into being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak (1623-55 AD).
• Style of Architecture: It is built in the Dravidian style.
• Notably, the west tower of the temple serves as the model for the Tamil Nadu State Emblem design.

BIHAR'S VISHNUPAD AND MAHABODHI TEMPLES

Context: In the Union Budget of 2024, Corridor Projects were announced for the Vishnupad Temple and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar.

About The Vishnupad Temple:

• Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu.
• Location: It is situated on the banks of the Phalgu River in Gaya district of Bihar.
• Built by: It was built in 1787 on the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar.
• Architecture: The temple is around 100 feet tall and has 44 pillars built of large grey granite blocks (Munger Black stone) joined with iron clamps. The octagonal shrine faces east.
• Myth: As per popular legend, it is a place where Lord Vishnu put his right foot atop the demon Gayasur's head and pinned him to the patal lok underground.
• Dharamshila: A 40cm-long imprint of a foot incised into a block of basalt, known as Dharmasila is believed to mark that spot.

About Mahabodhi Temple:

• Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The temple stands to the east of the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained nirvana.
• Recognition: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Built by: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. and the present temple dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
• Architecture: The temple, standing at 170 feet, is one of the earliest Buddhist structures built entirely in brick, showcasing a significant influence on the development of brick architecture.

3. Archaeological Discoveries and Heritage Projects

BHOJSHALA COMPLEX

Context: The existing structure at the Bhojshala complex was constructed using remains of a temple that existed earlier at the site.

About Bhojshala complex:

• Location: Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh
• Established: The site was established in 1034 AD by Raja Bhoj of the Parmar Dynasty (1000–1055 AD).
• Inscriptions: The ASI report uncovered 13th-century Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions, with one referencing King Naravarman (1094-1133 CE), son of Udayaditya from the Paramara dynasty.
• Features: Bhojshala served as a university with the installation of the statue of Vagdevi (Mata Saraswati).
• Historical Attacks: In 1305 AD, Bhojshala was attacked by Alauddin Khilji. In 1514 AD, Mehmudshah Khilji II attempted to convert Bhojshala into a dargah and encroached on land outside the Saraswati Temple to build the 'Kamal Moulana' Makbara.
• ASI Involvement: In 1952, Bhojshala was transferred to the Archaeological Survey of India by the Central Government.
• Architecture: The complex features a spacious open courtyard, a surrounding verandah with pillars, and a prayer hall with intricately carved pillars and a beautifully adorned ceiling sourced from Bhojshala.

SANGAMESWARA SHRINE

Context: The Sangameswara temple submerged in the backwaters of the Krishna River.

About Sangameswara Temple:

• Location: Kothapalli mandal, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a Neem wood Lingam.
• Legend: According to legend, the wooden Lingam (Sangameshwaram) was installed by Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas, after their visit to the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple.
• Confluence of Seven Rivers: Bhavanasi, Krishna River, and its five tributaries—Veni, Tunga, Bhadra, Bheemarathi, and Malapaharini.
• Built by: The present-day temple was built by Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas in 740 AD.
• Architectural Style: The temple is constructed in the Nagara style on an elevated platform with fortified walls. It features 12 large pillars and a notable relief of a large Nagaraja on the ceiling.

PORT BLAIR RENAMED AS SRI VIJAYA PURAM

Context: The Government has decided to rename the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Port Blair as "Sri Vijaya Puram".

Reasons to rename Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram:

• Colonial Legacy: Port Blair, named after British naval officer Archibald Blair, reflects the colonial past. The renaming is part of efforts to remove colonial imprints.
• Symbolism of Victory: The new name celebrates the victory of India's freedom struggle and acknowledges the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' significant role in it.
• Historical Significance: The name honors the islands as a site of imprisonment for freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, in the infamous Cellular Jail (Kaala Paani).

Historical Connection between Port Blair and the Imperial Cholas:

• The Andaman Islands served as a strategic naval base for the Chola Empire in the 11th century, facilitating their naval campaigns in Southeast Asia.
• This strategic location allowed the Cholas to launch a successful attack on the powerful Srivijaya Empire, showcasing their naval dominance and expanding their empire into the region.

GREAT STUPA OF SANCHI

Context: India's External Affairs minister visited the replica of the East Gate of the Sanchi stupa at the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin, Germany.

About The Sanchi Stupa:

• Historical Importance: Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it is one of India's oldest stone monuments and houses sacred relics of the Buddha, forming part of a group of Buddhist temples and stupas.
• Design: The Stupa, shaped like a dome with a parasol (chhatra) on top, is a key symbol of ancient Buddhist art and architecture.
• Gateways: The Stupa features four intricately carved gateways (toranas), built in the 1st century BCE during the Satavahana dynasty. Each torana has two square pillars supporting three curved beams, adorned with carvings. The final addition, made during the Gupta dynasty (5th century CE), included four shrines at the cardinal entry points.
• Carvings: The gateways are adorned with carvings depicting scenes from the Buddha's life, Jataka Tales, Buddhist symbols and floral designs, with Buddha represented symbolically rather than in human form.

8TH DHARMA-DHAMMA CONFERENCE

Context: The 8th Dharma-Dhamma conference organized by the India Foundation was recently held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

About 8th Dharma-Dhamma Conference:

• Focus: Essential identity between Dharma-Dhamma viewpoints exemplified by the continuity of Hindu and Buddhist civilizations.
• Theme: Cosmology in Dharma and Dhamma.
• Objectives: Focus on building a philosophical framework for the emerging new world order.
• Key Participants: Religious, political, and thought leaders from Dharma-Dhamma traditions.
• Previous Conference: Hosted by the Sanchi University and the Nalanda University in Bihar.

4. Important Temples and Heritage Sites

MAA KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

Context: PM inaugurates and lays foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 11,000 crores in Guwahati, Assam.

About Maa Kamakhya Temple:

• Location and Importance: 7 km from Guwahati, on the Nilachal hills. It is an important pilgrimage center for tantric worshippers and Hindus.
• Historical Background: The original temple was destroyed by Kala Pahar. It was reconstructed in 1565 by Chilarai, the reigning king of the Koch dynasty.
• Structure: The western chamber is rectangular, and the middle chamber is square, with inscriptions and images of Naranarayana. The third chamber, shaped like a cave, contains a yoni-like cleft in the bedrock.
• Mythology: According to legend, the reproductive organ of Sati is believed to have fallen at this location, marking the site of her death as a Shakti peeth. Shakta Peethas are important shrines in Shaktism, dedicated to the worship of the mother goddess in Hinduism.
• Ambubachi Mela: A major annual festival celebrating the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya. It is celebrated from the seventh to the tenth day of the Hindu month of "Asadha".

GEO HERITAGE SITES

Context: Pandavula Gutta was recently officially recognised as Telangana's sole geo-heritage site. Rajasthan Government also designated Ramgarh Crater at Baran District as a Geoheritage site.

About Pandavula Gutta:

• It is a geological marvel older than the Himalayan hills.
• Location: Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, Telangana.
• Discovery: First discovered in 1990.
• Features:
  • Prehistoric Habitation: It exhibits many sites from mesolithic to medieval periods.
  • Rock Art: Prehistoric rock art, found on cave walls, rock shelters, and boulders, features wildlife depictions such as bison, antelope, tigers, and leopards, along with geometric shapes, swastika symbols, and images of weapons, all painted using natural pigments in green, red, yellow, and white.
• Major Attraction: Paleolithic Rock Art Paintings, Eduru Pandavula Guhalu, Rock Climbing, Rappelling and Hiking.

About Ramgarh Crater:

• It is a terrestrial meteorite impact crater formed around 165 million years ago.
• Location: Ramgarh Village, Mangrol Tehsil, Baran district, Rajasthan.
• Discovery: First discovered by the Geological Survey of India in 1869.
• Features: The circular depression, surrounded by hills and forests, provides essential ecosystem services that preserve the ecological balance, biodiversity, and cultural heritage of the region.
• Major Attractions:
  • Bhand Devra Temple, influenced by Chandela dynasty and their temples at Khajuraho, is an example of such interchange.
  • Ramgarh Conservation Reserve (recognised under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972).
  • Pushkar Talab complex (wetland, recognised under Wetland Conservation & Management Rules, 2017) located inside the crater, is a saline and alkaline water source.
• Notable meteorite craters in India: Lonar in Maharashtra and Dhala in Madhya Pradesh.

Knowledge Nugget: About Geological Survey of India

- Geologist D. H. Williams, first Geological Surveyor appointed by the East India Company in 1846.
- John McClelland first used the term Geological Survey of India (GSI) in his report in 1848.
- Established: The GSI, established in 1851 to locate coal deposits for the Railways, focuses on creating and updating national geoscientific data and mineral resource assessment.
- Headquarters: Kolkata
- Ministry: Attached office to the Ministry of Mines.

NALANDA UNIVERSITY

Context: The campus of Nalanda University was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

About Nalanda University:

• Institute of National Importance (INI): The Nalanda University, a central research university was designated as an INI in 2010 by the Parliament of India.
• Revival of Nalanda University: It was first proposed in 2006 by the then President APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2013, the masterplan for the campus, proposed by B V Doshi's Vastu Shilpa Consultants, was selected after an international competition.
• Location: Rajgir in the Nalanda district of Bihar.

Knowledge Nugget: About Nalanda Mahavihara

- "Mahavihara" in Sanskrit/Pali means "great monastery".
- Time period: 5th to 13th century CE.
- Founded by: Kumar Gupta of the Gupta dynasty in Bihar in the early 5th century and it flourished for over 800 years till the end in 12th century CE.
- Hiuen Tsang's Account (7th century Chinese traveller): Provided the most detailed description of ancient Nalanda with estimated 10,000 students, 2,000 teachers, and a large retinue of servants at the monastery. However, multiple scholars dispute Hsuan Tsang's figures based on archaeological evidence.
- Monastic learning establishment: Nalanda was renowned as the world's first residential university. It was a monastic establishment in the sense that it was primarily a place where monks and nuns lived and studied.
- Features: The site includes stupas, shrines, viharas, and art works in stucco, stone, and metal.
- Known for: Nalanda was a leading center of Mahayana Buddhism teaching, but also offered other topics of education.
- Destroyed by: In the 1190s, the institution fell victim to arson by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turko-Afghan military general. The devastating fire raged for three months, destroying what was arguably the most valuable collection of Buddhist wisdom.
- Rediscovered: The university was rediscovered in 1812 by Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and later identified as the ancient university by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1861.
- World Heritage Site: The Nalanda archaeological site got included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites on July 15, 2016.

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

Context: A portion of the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka collapsed due to torrential rains recently.

About Virupaksha Temple:

• Origin and Evolution: The Virupaksha Temple originated in the 7th century AD, making it the oldest and principal temple in Hampi.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva.
• Built by: This temple complex was constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) of the ruler, Paruda Deva Raya II during the Vijayanagara rule. It gained prominence and underwent extensive expansion during the 14th century under the patronage of Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646).
• Location: The temple is located on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra, in Hampi, Vijaynagara district, Karnataka.
• UNESCO Recognition: It belongs to the Group of Monuments at Hampi, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1986).

VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL

Context: The Prime Minister of India, as part of his meditation exercise, performed 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

About Vivekananda Rock Memorial:

• Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The rock is surrounded by the Laccadive sea where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea form a confluence.
• Architectural style(s): Indian rock-cut and Cathedral. The 1970 memorial honors Swami Vivekananda and includes a life-sized bronze statue of him.
• Structures and Features:
  • Vivekananda Mandapam: One of the primary structures of the memorial.
  • Shripada Mandapam: The other main structure of the memorial.
  • Dhyana Mandapam: A meditation hall attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate.
• According to legends, Swami Vivekananda swam across the seashore to the rock, where he meditated for three days and nights, attaining enlightenment. This event is linked to his "Kanyakumari resolve of 1892".

5. Historical Movements and Cultural Celebrations

VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA

Context: Vaikom Satyagraha marked its 100th anniversary on March 30, 2024, as a milestone in the fight against untouchability and caste oppression.

About Vaikom Satyagraha:

• The Vaikom Satyagraha was a non-violent protest against caste discrimination, led by 'Periyar' E.V. Ramaswamy, demanding rights for lower castes, especially the Ezhavas and Pulayas, with the revered Shiva temple in Vaikom as the starting point.
• Motto: One Caste, One God, One Humanity coined by Narayana Guru.
• T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and K. Kelappan were key pioneers of the movement.
• The issue of temple entry was first raised by T.K. Madhavan in a 1917 editorial in Deshabhimani.
• Portuguese traveler Duarte Barbosa documented caste pollution, based on both touch and sight.
• The Indian National Congress (INC) adopted anti-untouchability as a major issue in the 1923 Kakinada session.
• George Joseph led the initial agitation and reached out to Periyar for support.
• Mahatma Gandhi visited Vaikom in 1925, meeting caste leaders and the Maharani of Travancore and C Rajagopalachari came to Vaikom to offer support and lead the protesters.
• The movement culminated in the 1936 Temple Entry Proclamation, which allowed marginalized castes to enter temples in Travancore.
• Factors Influencing the Proclamation: Social reform movements of the time, Influential leadership of Sri Narayana Guru and organizations like the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, Growing public pressure, Efforts of Reformers such as T. K. Madhavan and Mahatma Gandhi, Progressive shift in the ruling elite's mindset.

JAGANNATH PURI TEMPLE

Context: Odisha's government opens all four gates of Puri Jagannath temple.

About Jagannath Temple:

• The Jagannath Temple is one of the four Char Dhams, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (form of Lord Vishnu) along with Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
• The other three Char Dhams are Dwarika, Badrinath, and Rameshwar.
• Only Hindus are allowed inside the shrine to offer prayers to the sibling deities in the sanctum sanctorum.
• The temple is built in Kalinga (Nagara Style) architecture with a curvilinear shape and Ratha (vertical projection).
• Reconstruction of the temple began in the 12th century under King Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• The temple is surrounded by walls named Meghananda Pacheri and Kurma Bheda.
• It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in the Vaishnavite tradition.
• The Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple stores valuable ornaments donated by devotees and kings. It consists of two chambers: the Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber), which has been closed for years, and the Bahara Bhandar (outer chamber), which is opened regularly.

About Jagannath Rath Yatra:

- The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival commemorating the pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra to their birthplace.
- It occurs on the second day of the Odia month Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight).
- The idols are taken to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay until the Bahuda Yatra (return festival).
- The chariot wheels are made from phasi tree logs.

Knowledge Nugget: Features of Kalinga Style of Architecture:

- It resembles Nagara style with a distinctive regional variation, confined to the Kalinga region or present day Odisha.
- The Kalinga style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula (Puri Jagannath), Pidha Deula (Sari-deul temple) and Khakhara Deula (Vaital deul temple).
- The temples consist of Deul (sanctum sanctorum), Jagmohan (prayer hall), nata-mandap (dance hall) and bhoga-mandap (kitchen).

About Chota Char Dham Yatra:
- It is a collective term used for the religious circuit covering the Holy Hindu pilgrimage centers of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri located in the Garhwal Himalayan Ranges (Uttarakhand).

6. Museums, Heritage Complexes, and Cultural Initiatives

INDIA'S FIRST UNESCO 'CITY OF LITERATURE'

Context: Kozhikode, Kerala declared India's first UNESCO 'City of Literature'.

About Kozhikode:

• Also known as Calicut, it is a city in Kerala on the Malabar coast.
• Kozhikode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of Eastern spices.
• Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama dropped anchor at Kozhikode on 20 May 1498, thus opening a trade route between Europe and Malabar.
• On 7 June 2012, Kozhikode was given the tag of "City of Sculptures" (Shilpa Nagaram).

Knowledge Nugget: About UNESCO Creative City Network

- The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
- The UNESCO Creative Cities Network covers 7 creative fields namely, Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
- Indian Cities in this list:
  ① Varanasi: Music
  ① Chennai: Music
  ① Srinagar: Craft and Folk Art
  ① Kozhikode: Literature
  ① Hyderabad: Gastronomy
  ① Jaipur: Craft and Folk Art
  ① Gwalior: Music

NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE COMPLEX (NHMC)

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in two phases in Lothal, Gujarat.

About NHMC:

• Aim: The project aims to showcase India's 4,500-year-old maritime heritage and promote national and international tourism.
• Nodal Authority: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Phase 1A: Over 60% complete, it includes a museum with six galleries, naval artifacts, and a replica of the Lothal township with an open aquatic gallery and jetty walkway. Planned completion by 2025.
• Phase 1B: Features eight additional galleries, the world's tallest Lighthouse Museum, a Bagicha complex with parking for 1,500 cars, a food hall, and medical facilities.
• Phase 2: Will include coastal state pavilions, a maritime-themed eco-resort, a recreated Lothal city, a maritime institute, and four theme-based parks (maritime/naval, climate change, monuments, and adventure/amusement).
• A separate society will be established to oversee the future phases, governed by a council led by the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
• Public-Private Partnership: Phase 2 will involve land subleasing or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for its development.
• Master Plan: The master plan was designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor.
• Beneficiaries: The project will benefit local communities, tourists, researchers, government bodies, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and businesses.

About Lothal:

- It was discovered in 1954 by S.R. Rao, Indian archaeologist.
- It is a port town located along the Bhogava River (tributary of Sabarmati River) near the Gulf of Khambhat.
- It is derived from the Gujarati words "Loth" (dead) and "thal" (mound), meaning "the mound of the dead".
- It was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in April 2014.
- It was a bustling trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments, exporting goods to West Asia and Africa, and its dockyard supported maritime trade with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and beyond.

KARTARPUR SAHIB CORRIDOR

Context: India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Agreement on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for an additional five years.

About Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor:

• The Kartarpur Corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab with Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in the Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province.
• Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Executive Committee (KSCEC): A ten member Committee is constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chief Administrator to coordinate and facilitate day to day functional aspects of Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
• Only Indian passport and OCI holders can visit Kartarpur; foreigners are not permitted.

Knowledge Nugget: About Dera Baba Nanak- Sri Kartarpur Sahib Pilgrimage

- Village Kartarpur is located at the west bank of river Ravi where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the last 18 years of his life.
- Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib falls in district Narowal of Pakistan, about 4.5 km from the international border near the historic town of Dera Baba Nanak, District Gurdaspur, Punjab.

BANJARA VIRASAT MUSEUM

Context: The Indian PM inaugurated the Banjara Virasat Museum in Poharadevi, Maharashtra.

About Banjara Virasat Museum:

• Display at Museum: 13 galleries showcasing the Banjara communities' legacy including portraits, artefacts, and their traditional lifestyle.
• Aims: To safeguard the rich cultural heritage of the Banjara community. To establish Poharadevi as a prominent cultural and religious destination.
• Historical Significance: It is in Poharadevi, near the tomb of Sant Sewalal Maharaj and the shrine of Ramraobapu Maharaj.

The Banjara Community:

- Banjara community, often referred to as Gypsies, has a rich and vibrant history rooted in nomadic traditions.
- Derived from the words "Vanaj" (to trade) and "Jara" (to travel), their nomadic lifestyle played a crucial role in connecting villages and providing essential supply.
- Geographical Spread: With roots in Rajasthan, it is now spread across various states, known by Lambada or Lambadi (Andhra Pradesh), Lambani (Karnataka), Gwar or Gwaraiya (Rajasthan), and more.
- Language: "Gorboli" or "Gor mati Boli" is an Indo-Aryan language.

Knowledge Nugget: About Sant Sevalal Maharaj

- Birth: February 15, 1739, in Surgondankoppa, Karnataka.
- He is revered as a social reformer and spiritual teacher who played a crucial role in uplifting the Banjara community.
- Sant Sevalal Maharaj travelled extensively with his Ladeniya Troupe to serve forest dwellers and nomadic tribes.
- His knowledge of Ayurveda and Naturopathy helped dispel myths and superstitions, leading to reforms in tribal lifestyles.
- The community, influenced by Sant Sevalal Maharaj's teachings, abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and established permanent settlements called Tandas.

About Sant Ramrao Maharaj:

- Lineage: He was a descendant of Sant Sevalal Maharaj, a prominent figure in the Banjara community.
- Ascension: In 1948, he assumed the spiritual leadership at Pohradevi, a significant pilgrimage site in Maharashtra.
- Contributions: Sant Ramrao Maharaj fought superstitions, promoted education, and uplifted the Banjara community by opposing regressive practices like dowry.
- Demise: He passed away on October 31, 2020, at the age of 84, after a prolonged illness.

7. Recent Archaeological Discoveries and Heritage Sites

SAGAR ISLAND

Context: Sagar Island in West Bengal, famed for the Gangasagar Mela, faces climate change threats from rising Bay of Bengal sea levels.

About Sagar Island:

• Also known as Ganga Sagar or Sagardwip, it is situated in the Ganges Delta, on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal.
• Geographical Features: The Muriganga River Batala separates the Sagar and Mahisani Islands. Classified under the sand group category, along with Mahisani and Ghoramara Islands. Part of the Sundarbans but lacks tiger habitation, mangrove forests, and small river tributaries typical of the region.
• Religious Significance: A major Hindu pilgrimage site, it hosts the Gangasagar Mela during Makar Sankranti, the world's second-largest human congregation.

About Kapil Muni:

- Kapil Muni was a Vedic sage and philosopher who lived during the 6th-7th century CE and is considered a divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu in some traditions.
- Philosophy: He is the founder of the Samkhya system of Indian philosophy. Samkhya emphasizes a dualism between matter (Prakriti) and the eternal spirit (Purusha). Liberation, according to Samkhya, is achieved through self-knowledge rather than external agents or influences.
- Teachings: Focused on meditation and criticized Vedic gods and rituals. Rejected Brahmanic doctrines and emphasized a process of liberation through bhakti yoga.
- Cultural Influence: Recognized in both Hinduism and Buddhism. His students founded Kapilavastu, a significant city in religious traditions.

Knowledge Nugget: About Philosophical Schools

School	Objective	Founder
Nyaya	Gaining knowledge and solving doubts using logic and reasoning.	Gautama (Akshapada)
Vaisheshika	Known for its insights in naturalism, a form of atomism in natural philosophy.	Kanada (Uluka)
Samkhya	Finding freedom by knowing the difference between soul and matter.	Kapila
Yoga	Achieving peace and freedom through self-control and meditation.	Patanjali
Mimamsa	Learning how to live rightly by understanding Vedic rituals and teachings.	Jaimini
Vedanta	Realizing the ultimate truth (Brahman) to attain freedom from the cycle of life and death.	Badarayana (Vyasa)

YUGA YUGEEN BHARAT NATIONAL MUSEUM

Context: India and France join hands to build the world's largest museum, the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.

About The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum:

• It is a part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
• It aims to ensure the preservation of its architectural heritage by adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Blocks while also creating a vibrant and efficient cultural space.
• The museum will follow France's Adaptive Reuse approach, inspired by its "Grands Projets" initiative, which transformed buildings like the Louvre into cultural landmarks.
• The museum will come up in an area spanning approximately 1.55 lakh square metre.
• Once completed, the museum will surpass the Louvre in Paris as the world's largest.

KUMHRAR'S 80-PILLAR HALL

Context: The Kumhrar site, associated with Mauryas, is being excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to reveal the 80-pillar assembly hall.

About Kumhrar Site:

• The 80-pillar hall is a key feature of the site. It is believed to have been a Buddhist assembly hall used for the Third Buddhist Council convened by Emperor Ashoka (268 BCE – 232 BCE). The hall was supported by sandstone pillars standing on a wooden floor beneath a wooden ceiling.
• The site of Kumhrar was also home to the Mauryan palace, described in ancient texts as a structure of unparalleled grandeur.
• Greek ambassador Megasthenes compared it to the splendor of Susa and Ecbatana, Persian capitals known for their opulence.
• The palace's wooden construction, combined with intricate designs, showcased the Mauryan mastery of architecture and urban planning.

Knowledge Nugget: About the Mauryan Empire

- Establishment: Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
- Empire: The Empire at its zenith extended from Afghanistan to the Deccan Plateau.
- Capital: Pataliputra (modern-day Patna).
- Key Rulers: Chandragupta Maurya (Founder), Bindusara (Expanded empire), Ashoka the Great (268 BCE to 232 BCE) - known for his conversion to Buddhism and efforts to promote peace and non-violence.
- Art and Culture: Development of monumental architecture, including stupas and pillars. Exquisite stone carvings and sculptures, often depicting Buddhist themes. Flourishing of Sanskrit literature.

LOTHAL

Context: A researcher from IIT Delhi tragically lost her life near the Harappan site of Lothal due to a trench collapse.

About Lothal:

• Etymology: The name "Lothal" translates to the "mound of the dead".
• Discovery: Lothal was discovered by S.R. Rao, an Indian archaeologist, in 1954.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination: April 2014.
• Geographic Significance: Lothal, one of the southernmost Indus Valley Civilization sites, is its only port-town.
• Trade Center: Lothal was a thriving trade hub in ancient times, dealing in beads, gems, and ornaments, with trade links extending to West Asia and Africa.
• Tidal Dockyard: Lothal's most celebrated excavation is its tidal dockyard, which is the oldest known artificial dock in the world. It connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River, aiding maritime trade.
• Architecture: Lothal was divided into two parts: The Citadel or Upper Town, which housed administrative and elite residential structures, and the Lower Town, where common people lived.
• Seals: Lothal has the third-largest number of seals among all IVC sites depicting various animals, including short-horned bulls, mountain goats, tigers, and composite creatures like the elephant-bull.
• Pottery: The most commonly found pottery in Lothal is redware, which was primarily used for daily activities.
• Terracotta Art: Lothal revealed gamesmen resembling modern chess and animal figures with movable heads and wheels, likely toys.

High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 7 Focus)

Q1. With reference to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, consider the following statements:

1. The temple is built in the traditional Nagara style of architecture.
2. No iron has been used in the temple's construction.
3. On every Ram Navami, a system of mirrors and lenses will focus the sun's rays on Lord Ram's idol.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: D. All three statements are correct. The Ayodhya Ram Temple is built in Nagara style, uses no iron in construction, and features a unique mirror-lens system for Ram Navami anointment.

Q2. Consider the following pairs of temples and their locations:

1. Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
2. Ramanathaswamy Temple - Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
3. Veerabhadra Temple - Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: C. All three pairs are correctly matched. Ranganathaswamy Temple is in Srirangam, Ramanathaswamy Temple is in Rameshwaram, and Veerabhadra Temple is in Lepakshi.

Q3. With reference to the Vaikom Satyagraha, consider the following statements:

1. It was a non-violent protest against caste discrimination led by 'Periyar' E.V. Ramaswamy.
2. The movement culminated in the 1936 Temple Entry Proclamation.
3. Mahatma Gandhi visited Vaikom in 1925 to support the movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: D. All three statements are correct. Vaikom Satyagraha was led by Periyar, culminated in the 1936 Temple Entry Proclamation, and Mahatma Gandhi visited Vaikom in 1925.

Q4. Consider the following statements about Lothal:

1. Lothal was discovered by S.R. Rao in 1954.
2. It is the only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
3. Lothal's tidal dockyard is the oldest known artificial dock in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: D. All three statements are correct. Lothal was discovered by S.R. Rao in 1954, is the only port-town of the IVC, and features the oldest known artificial dock.