Subika Painting

Subika Painting Cultural Significance: An ancient painting style deeply rooted in the Meitei community's cultural history of Manipur. Historical Context: Associated with Puyas (archaic Manipuri manuscripts). Evidence suggests its origins in the 18th or 19th century. Likely existed since the introduction of writing in Manipur. Ma

The Great Stupa of Sanchi

The Great Stupa of Sanchi Recently, a two-day Mahabodhi Mahotsav was held at the Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, drawing attention to this iconic Buddhist monument and its cultural significance. About the Great Stupa of Sanchi The Great Stupa of Sanchi is one of the most prominent and well-preserved examples of Buddhist architecture in India. It holds immense historical, religiou

Miniature Paintings: Cultural Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

Miniature Paintings: Cultural Legacy and Contemporary Relevance Why in News? A recent exhibition in New Delhi celebrated the evolving global significance and interpretations of South Asian miniature paintings, featuring works from 20 artists. The exhibition highlighted the dynamic cultural relevance of this traditional art form, showcasing its continued evolution and impact in the contempora

World’s Oldest Calendar Discovered

Overview: Archaeologists at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site in Turkey, have uncovered the world’s oldest calendar, dating back nearly 13,000 years. This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of early human knowledge and capabilities. Key Details: Göbekli Tepe: Location: Turkey. Historical Significance: Often referred to as the world’s first temple, G&o

National Film Awards Overview

70th National Film Awards (2022) Recent Announcement: The 70th National Film Awards for the year 2022 have been announced. About National Film Awards 1. History and Establishment: Established: 1954. Initial Name: Originally known as the ‘State Awards’. Early Awards: Initially, 2 President’s Gold Medals, 2 Certificates of Merit, and 12 Silver Medals for

Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum

Inauguration of the Sunken Museum Location: The museum is situated within the Humayun’s Tomb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi. Design Inspiration: The museum’s layout is inspired by traditional 'baolis' or stepwells, reflecting medieval Indian water management structures. Exhibition Focus: It features exhibits that recreate the timeline of the 14th-centu

Bavikonda Monastery: A Historical and Cultural Gem

Current Status Maintenance Issues: Due to recent budget constraints, maintenance and repairs at Bavikonda Monastery have been less than optimal. Tourism Circuit: Bavikonda is part of the 'Shalihundam-Thotlakonda-Bavikonda-Bojjanakonda-Amravati-Anupu' Buddhist Circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This scheme, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to develop sustaina

Central Hall – A Historic Venue in Parliament

Introduction Central Hall, situated within the historic Parliament House Complex in New Delhi, is a venue of significant historical and architectural value. It has played a central role in India's democratic journey and continues to be a symbol of the country's governance. About the Parliament House Complex The Parliament House Complex comprises several important buildings:

World Craft City

Srinagar has recently earned the prestigious title of World Craft City from the World Craft Council (WCC), making it the fourth Indian city to receive this recognition. The other Indian cities honored with this title are Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore. This accolade follows Srinagar’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts in 2021. Craftsmanship in Srinagar Srinagar is renow

World Craft City

Srinagar has recently earned the prestigious title of World Craft City from the World Craft Council (WCC), making it the fourth Indian city to receive this recognition. The other Indian cities honored with this title are Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore. This accolade follows Srinagar’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts in 2021. Craftsmanship in Srinagar Srinagar is renow

Subika Painting

Cultural Significance: An ancient painting style deeply rooted in the Meitei community's cultural history of Manipur. Historical Context: Associated with Puyas (archaic Manipuri manuscripts). Evidence suggests its origins in the 18th or 19th century. Likely existed since the introduction of writing in Manipur.   Manuscripts Six surviving manuscripts:

Deepasthambham

Recent Discovery A 390-year-old Deepasthambham (lamp post) was discovered in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, Telangana. The inscription on the pillar dates it to 1635 CE.   Key Features Significance in Architecture: Deepasthambham (lamp posts) are rare in the Deccan region but are common in temples along the west coast of India, including Goa. Typicall

Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor

Why in News? Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone for the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor in Assam, a project aimed at enhancing tourism and improving facilities for devotees. About the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor Objective: Boost tourism by improving access and providing comfort to devotees. Design Inspiration: Modeled after the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (Uttar Pradesh) and

Vikramaditya Vedic Clock

Overview: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, which is mounted on an 85-foot tower within Jantar Mantar in Ujjain. About Vikramaditya Vedic Clock: It is the world’s first 'Vedic Clock', designed to display time according to the ancient Indian traditional Panchang (time calculation system). It has been positioned on an 85-foot tower with

Somnath Temple

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya, 73 years ago; the President of India inaugurated another temple in a grand ceremony. Located in - Prabhas Patan, Veraval, in Gujarat. Significance - It is the holy place of the first Aadi Jyotirling Shree Somnath Mahadev, among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is also the place where Lord Shri Krishna to

Biswanath Ghat

Biswanath Ghat is a village in Assam, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and is known as "Gupta Kashi". The name "Gupta Kashi" is a comparison to Kashi during the Gupta Empire era. The village is named after the ancient Biswanath temple, a prominent religious site for centuries. Biswanath Ghat is also known for its ghat, island, and temple built by t

Veerbhadra Temple

The temple is dedicated to the deity Veerabhadra, the fiery form of Lord Shiva. The temple is closely associated with the Ramayana. Top of Form It was built during the 16th century, the architectural features of the temple are in the Vijayanagara style with profusion of carvings and paintings. The Veerabhadra Swamy temple and the Nandi statue in Lepakshi, India w

Nagara style- RAM MANDIR

The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated on January 22. The complex is in the Nagara style of temple architecture, designed by 81-year-old Chandrakant Sompura and his 51-year-old son Ashish. Nagara style Nagara architecture is a classical architecture of temple design in northern India, contrasted with Dravida architecture in southern India. Nagara temples have a&n

Prehistoric Rock Paintings in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government has planned to declare the entire hillocks of Alampadi, Melvalai, and Sethavarai a protected monument. All 3 sites are located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. Melvalai – A nondescript village whose paintings dates back to 3000 B.C. and majority of etchings was in red ochre. The word, Rattapparai, has become synon

International Purple Fest 2024

The International Purple Fest 2024 is a global celebration of inclusivity and empowerment that is being held in Goa. The festival aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities and create a platform for them to showcase their talents and abilities.

Chandubi Festival

The Chandubi Festival takes place near the Chandubi Lake in Kamrup district, Assam. The festival celebrates Assamese culture and traditions, and aims to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the area's tribal communities. The Chandubi Festival is organized by the people of Rajapara village in the Kamrup district, under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC).

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival

The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF), a state festival of Arunachal Pradesh, will take place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024. Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival The first-ever PPHF was held in 2015. The aim was to recognise the role played by the Nyishi tribal group in conserving hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR). O

Moradabad brass

Moradabad brass is a small-scale, low-technology industry that has been growing since the early 19th century. Moradabad city is known as the "City of Brass" or Pital Nagri for its large-scale brass works. It was established in 1600 by Murad, the son of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, as a result the city came to known as Moradabad. The British took the art t

Jalikattu

Context: Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport, kicked off the year in Tamil Nadu with an event in Thachankurichi village featuring 500 bulls and heavy security. About: Jallikattu is a traditional sport deeply rooted in the culture of Tamil Nadu, India. Celebrated during the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal, in January, the event involves releasing a wild bull into a crowd. Pa

Saqqara

It is part of the necropolis (burial place) of the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. It is located on the western bank of the Nile, 40 kilometers south of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Saqqara’s name derives from the name of the burial god Sokar. It was an active burial ground for more than 3500 years and is Egypt’s largest archaeological

Bobbili Veena

The Bobbili veena is a large plucked string instrument used in Carnatic classical music, also known as the Saraswati veena and is named after the town of Bobbili, where it was invented. In 2011, the Government of India gave the instrument a Geographical Indication tag. The Bobbili veena is known for its distinctive notes and fine tune which is made from a single pie

Kalaram Temple

Recently, Prime Minister of India took part in cleaning the Kalaram temple premises under the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign. Built in – 1792, with the efforts of one Sardar Rangarao Odhekar. Name – It derives its name from a black statue of the Lord Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram.” Location – On

Warli painting

Context: Warli Whisperers, an exhibition by the Inherited Arts Forum, traces the artistic journey of the celebrated Mashe family from Maharashtra About: Origin: Warli art, until the 1970s, focused on representing the joy and happiness of the Warli Tribes' lives. Traditionally, women practiced this art form. Method: Cow dung layers serve as the canvas, painted in mud brown for the ba

Gol Gumbaz

Bomb threat e-mail to Gol Gumbaz museum turns out to be hoax. It is the located in the state of Karnataka, built in Indo-Islamic style of architecture.It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627–1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound i

DIVYA KALA MELA-2023

Context: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities through National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC, an apex corporation under (DEPwD) is organizing a unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country, ‘Divya Kala Mela’ from 29th December 2023 – 7th January 2024 in Sur

Thanjavur Doll

Makers of the famed bobble-head and roly-poly dolls are facing stiff competition from electronic toys and e-commerce platforms, besides a severe labour crunch and shortage of clay. Introduced by - The craft was brought to Thanjavur by Maratha ruler Raja Serfoji in the early 19th Century. Types - Thanjavur dolls are primarily of two kinds, one is the bobble-head version, and the

CHAMUNDI THEYYAM

It is a Hindu ritual practiced in northern Kerala and some parts of Karnataka.  A Theyyam, also known as Kaliyattam or Tira is a ritualistic performance where pantheistic deities — goddesses in most part — are summoned to the body of the performing man. The form as well as the performance are known as Theyyam. The Chamundi Theyyam is performed by the Pulaya

Protecting protected monuments

Protecting protected monuments   Why in the News? A parliamentary committee headed by Rajya Sabha MP V Vijaisai Reddy has recommended that the list of centrally protected monuments (CPM) should be “rationalised” as 3,691 of CPM in India are “minor” monuments. The CPMs have to be categorised on the basis of their national significance, unique

Manaskhand Temple Circuit

Manaskhand Temple Circuit     It connects Uttarakhand to tourist destinations the Kumaon region. It shall connect ancient and revered temples across various districts to provide a rich spiritual heritage of the region. The project will connect Jageshwar temple, Kainchi Dham, Mukteshwar, Purnagiri temple, and Golu Devta temple. The temple circuit c

Fort Kochi-Vypeen undersea tunnel is a National asset

Fort Kochi-Vypeen undersea tunnel is a National asset   Why in the News? The Kerala government’s ambitious project of constructing a coastal highway from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode is underway. The proposed Highway: It is a coastal highway running over a distance of about 623 km at a cost of ₹6,500 crore from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode&n

Alai Darwaza

Alai Darwaza     Alai Darwaza, one of the four gates to the Qutub complex housing Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was built by Alauddin Khilji in 1311 AD. The other three gates were not completed because of Alauddin’s death. The mosque was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and partly expanded by Shamsuddin Altamash later. They were expanded further under the

Seethakali Folk art

Seethakali Folk art     A Dravidian dance drama primarily performed by Dalit artists belonging to the Veda and Pulaya communities of Kerala, first performed some 150 years back. It presents minuscule episodes of the Ramayana at every homestead, portions from vanayatra (exile to the forest) to Sita’s andardhanam (descend into the earth).&nbs

Chapter 2 : Central Vista Redevelopment Project

Introduction •    As part of the Central Vista Renovation Project, the three-kilometer Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate will be renovated, a triangular-shaped Parliament building will be built adjacent to the current one, and the Common Central Secretariat will be built. •    It also covers the creation of Central Vista Avenue and the transf

Chapter 3: Development of Historic City Centres

Introduction India is proud to have a long history of architecture and a vibrant culture that is reflected in its ancient architectural crafts. It may be time to consider a truly Indian strategy to conservation in the twenty-first century, one that enables using our historical riches to better the socioeconomic circumstances of people of our historic cities. The monuments of India are pric

Chapter 5: Revisiting ‘Brutalist’ Architecture

Brutalist architecture was the offspring of a school of thought that, in accordance with its own interpretation, sought to rid structures of their pointless intricacies, embellishments, extraneous decorations, and coverings by using a variety of concealing materials and finishes that hid the building's fundamental structure and character. This is acknowledged as a distinct branch of modern

Chapter 6 : Statue of Unity

Introduction •    The Statue of Unity honours the life of Sardar Patel, a symbol of cooperation and statesmanship. The world's tallest statue is situated 3.2 kilometres distant, opposite the Sardar Sarovar Dam, in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. •    This enormous statue is located on the isle of Sadhu-Bet in the River Narmada in the Indian state

Chapter 2 :  Geoscientific  Explorations

Introduction •    The leading geoscience organisation engaged in mineral exploration in India since its founding in 1851 is the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The GSI's baseline geoscience data collection serves as the foundation for further mineral exploration, which results in mineral discoveries. •    The development of the mining sector is clo