GS Paper: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Why in the News?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is set to resume after a halt since 2020.

About Kailash Mountain and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Kailash Mountain is situated in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, near India and Nepal, standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet).
• Religious Significance:
  • Hinduism: Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, believed to bring moksha (liberation).
  • Buddhism: Home of Buddha Demchok, symbolizing bliss.
  • Jainism: Lord Rishabhanatha attained Nirvana here.
  • Bon Religion: Center of the universe in Bon faith.
• Mansarovar Yatra is the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake at 4,556 meters (14,950 feet).
• This lake is believed to be created by Lord Brahma, bathing here is believed to cleanse sins.
• The Yatra is managed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Indian pilgrims.

Routes to Kailash Mansarovar

• Lipulekh Pass: Located at 5,115 meters, this route is 200 km of trekking and has been suspended since 2020 due to geopolitical tensions.
• Nathu La Pass: Positioned at 4,310 meters, this 1,500 km motorable route requires 35-40 km of trekking. It has been operational since 2015.
• Nepal Route: Available since 2023, this route is managed by private operators, with challenges related to visa and permit requirements.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister has inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

What is Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra Divas?

• The event is observed annually on April 9 to promote peace, non-violence, and spiritual harmony globally by chanting the Navkar Mantra collectively.
• The mantra venerates the 5 supreme beings:

1. 1. Arihants: Represent those who have attained “Keval Gyan” (perfect knowledge) and guide “Bhavya Jeevas” (souls destined for liberation). They possess twelve divine qualities.
   2. Siddhas: Those who have eradicated all karmas and attained Moksha. They are endowed with eight pure qualities.
   3. Acharyas: The leaders who follow Mahavrat and guide others on the spiritual path. They embody 36 virtues.
   4. Upadhyayas: Scholars who impart knowledge related to the path to Moksha, with 25 virtues.
   5. Sadhus: Renunciants who refine themselves through penance, with 27 significant qualities.

Key Jain Principles Associated:

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The Navkar Mantra embodies the principle of Ahimsa, advocating for peace and harmony by acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life forms, thus promoting Maitri (friendliness) towards all beings.
• Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism) and Syadvada: This principle promotes appreciating diverse perspectives and truths, which was emphasized as a solution to global challenges like terrorism and environmental degradation, reflecting the Jain concept of Syadvada (conditional truth).
• Tapas (Self-Discipline) and Vairagya (Detachment): The mantra is seen as a spiritual tool for self-realization, mental stability, and fostering inner peace, encouraging Tapas and Vairagya as means to achieve spiritual growth.
• Samyak Darshana (Right Faith) and Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): The teachings of the Navkar Mantra were connected to building a developed India rooted in heritage while embracing progress without losing cultural values, emphasizing the importance of Samyak Darshana and Samyak Jnana.
• Svadhyaya (Self-Study) and Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): The mantra encourages self-discipline and truth as guiding principles for personal growth and societal harmony, promoting Svadhyaya and Sadhana as essential practices.

Why in the News?

PM Narendra Modi recently visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

About the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

• The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered the oldest living cultivated plant globally.
• It is believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi Vruksha in Bodhgaya under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • This branch was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitra, eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka and his first wife, Queen Devi.
  • The original tree under which Buddha meditated was reportedly destroyed, possibly by Ashoka’s wife Tishyarakshita in some legends.
• Sanghamitra’s arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is commemorated during the Uduvapa Poya, a festival observed annually on a full moon night in December.

Legend of Sanghamitra’s Journey to Sri Lanka

• Sanghamitra, originally named Ayapali, lived from 282 BC to 203 BC.
• Following the Third Buddhist Council (held in 250 BC in Pataliputra) during Ashoka’s reign, it was decided to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to spread Buddhism.
• The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
• After several royal ladies expressed interest in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda sent for his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
  • Both siblings lived in Anuradhapura for the rest of their lives.
• She played a pivotal role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later spread to other Theravada Buddhist countries like Burma, China, and Thailand.

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has highlighted the release of iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings by Thai Government.

About the Ramakien Murals:

• The murals were first painted in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I, who commissioned the adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana into the Thai version called the Ramakien.
  • The Ramakien holds a vital role in Thai culture, influencing literature, dance, and art, and the murals serve as a visual representation of this national epic.
• The murals are predominantly displayed in the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
• It illustrates episodes from the Ramakien, highlighting the eternal battle between good and evil.
• It is located in the Phra Rabiang gallery, a two-kilometer corridor surrounding the temple, with 178 panels depicting scenes from the epic.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister was presented with ‘The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition’ by his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in a diplomatic exchange.

About Tripitaka

• The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon or Tipitaka, is the primary scripture of Theravada Buddhism, containing the teachings attributed to Buddha.
• It was initially preserved through oral tradition and recited by Buddhist monks after the Buddha’s death.
• It was first written down in the 1st century BCE during the reign of King Vattagamani of Sri Lanka, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
• It is central to Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced mainly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
• It is also regarded as an authoritative collection of the Buddha’s words, influencing the practices of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhists.
• Its teachings cover practical aspects of morality (sila), meditation (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna), guiding followers towards nirvana (enlightenment).
• It is composed of 3 major sections, each known as a “basket” (Pitaka), containing rules, discourses, and doctrinal analyses:

Why in the News?

A set of copper plates from the early 15th Century, dating back to the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty, were recently unveiled by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Key Features of the Copper Plates

• These plates are unique, dating back to the coronation of King Devaraya I of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • The king granted the village of Gudipalli, along with the hamlets Rajendramada and Udayapalli, during his coronation.
  • The village was renamed Devarayapura-agrahara and divided into 61 shares allocated to various Brahmins with expertise in Vedas and Shastras.
• They are written in Sanskrit, Kannada and Nagari characters.
• The seal features an image of Vamana, rather than the usual Varaha (boar), which is the royal insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Historical Significance:

• Dated to Saka 1328 (November 5, 1406 CE), the plates provide insights into the Sangama Dynasty.
• It helps trace the lineage from Chandra, Yadu, and Sangama to the five sons of King Harihara: Harihara, Kampa, Bukka, Mãrapa, and Muddapa.

Why in the News?

Since February 2025, Buddhists across India have been protesting, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949.

About the Mahabodhi Temple:

Why in the News?

On April 1, 2025, tribals in Jharkhand and the larger Chhotanagpur region will celebrate Sarhul, marking both the New Year and the arrival of spring.

About Sarhul Festival

• Sarhul is a significant Adivasi festival celebrated in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region, covering parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar.
• It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, typically three days after the appearance of the new moon.
  • It marks the new year and celebrates the arrival of spring.
• It is celebrated by various tribes, including Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho, each with its own unique customs.
• The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is venerated as the abode of Sarna Maa, the deity who protects the village from natural calamities and misfortunes.
• The festival symbolizes the union of the Sun and Earth.
  • The pahan (male priest) represents the Sun, while his wife, the pahen, symbolizes the Earth. This union is essential for sustaining life, emphasizing the connection between sunlight and soil.
• It also marks the renewal of life.
• After the rituals, Adivasis begin ploughing their fields, sowing crops, or gathering produce from the forest.

Cultural Significance of Sarhul

• Sarhul evolved from a hunting festival to one that celebrates agriculture, reflecting the changing lifestyle of the Adivasi communities.
• Sarhul is a cultural movement to preserve Adivasi heritage amidst urbanization and modernization, helping reinforce tribal identity.
• Over time, Sarhul has become a platform for Adivasi political assertion, with some groups using the festival to demand the recognition of Sarna religion and its inclusion in India’s caste census.
• Sarhul has also become a means for advocating tribal rights and social justice, particularly through the leadership of Baba Karthik Oraon.

Why in the News?

A recent statement by an MP in Parliament labelling Rajput ruler Rana Sanga a “traitor,” has sparked controversy over his role in inviting Babur to invade India.

Who was Rana Sanga?

• Rana Sanga, also known as Maharana Sangram Singh, was a Rajput king who ruled the kingdom of Mewar in present-day Rajasthan from 1509 to 1527.
• He expanded his kingdom significantly, conquering parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Sindh.
• He formed a powerful Rajput confederacy and led a massive army of 80,000 warhorses and 500 elephants.
• He was known for his military campaigns against the Lodi dynasty of Delhi, the Sultanates of Malwa and Gujarat, and even the Mughals.
• His most notable victories include the Battle of Gagron against Sultan Mahmud Khilji of Malwa and the Battle of Dholpur in 1519 against Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi.
• Battle with Babur:
  • Rana Sanga eventually came into conflict with Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire.
  • The two fought in the Battle of Khanwa in 1527, where Babur’s forces defeated Sanga’s Rajput army.
  • This marked the end of Rajput resistance to the Mughals in Northern India.
• Legacy:
  • Despite his defeat at Khanwa, he is remembered as a hero of Rajput resistance and is considered one of the last independent Hindu rulers in Northern India before the rise of Mughal dominance.

Recent Controversy:

• The remarks were made amid growing debates about Medieval Indian history, particularly surrounding Aurangzeb and the role of various historical figures in Indian politics.
• Historians are divided on whether Rana Sanga explicitly invited Babur to invade India.
• Babur’s memoirs, the Baburnama, mention that Rana Sanga offered assistance against Ibrahim Lodi.
• Yet, historians like Satish Chandra propose that Rana Sanga might have viewed Babur as a means to weaken the Lodi Sultanate, possibly underestimating Babur’s intentions to establish his own rule in India.
• Some argue that Rana Sanga might have seen Babur as a useful ally against Ibrahim Lodi, while others believe his role was exaggerated by Babur in his memoir, the Baburnama.

Why in the News?

A decade after the resurgence of Nalanda University, the Government of Bihar is now focusing on the revival of Vikramshila University.

About Vikramshila University

• Vikramshila University was founded by King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty in the 8th-9th century AD in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, near the Ganges River.
• It was established to address the decline in academic standards at Nalanda University.
• The university specialized in Tantric Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Subjects taught included philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and tantras.
• Notable scholars like Atisa Dipankara and Naropa were associated with Vikramshila.
• It housed over 1,000 students and employed more than 100 teachers.
  • The university had 208 monastic cells, where monks studied and meditated.
• Administration was managed by a Kulpati, or Mahasthavir, overseeing both academics and operations.
• Key Features:
  • The university’s iconic cruciform brick stupa stood at 15 meters.
  • It also had a library with a unique cooling system to preserve manuscripts.
  • The architecture included a square layout with gates at four cardinal directions and surrounding votive stupas.
• Decline and Destruction:
  • It thrived for about 400 years before being destroyed by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji in 1193 AD.
  • The decline was due to the rise of Hinduism, the fall of Buddhism, and foreign invasions.

Cultural Significance of Vikramshila University

• Vikramshila was a major centre for Tantric and Vajrayana Buddhism, focusing on esoteric practices and rituals.
• The Cakrasamvara Tantra was developed here, with scholars like Buddhajnanapada contributing to its spread.
• The teachings from Vikramshila spread Buddhism across the Himalayas, Central Asia, and the Far East.
• Vikramshila represented the zenith of Buddhist scholarship in India and contributed significantly to Buddhist texts, some of which survived through Tibetan manuscripts.