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

What is the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989?

• The NLTP Act is a law enacted by the Government of Nagaland that prohibits the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state.
• The Act is one of the most stringent liquor prohibition laws in India, and its core features are as follows:
• Key Features of NLTP Act 1989:

• • Complete Ban on Alcohol: The NLTP Act bans the production, sale, and consumption of all forms of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. This includes both local (like rice beer) and commercial alcohol.
  • Exceptions: There are some exceptions under the law, such as alcohol being allowed for medical or scientific purposes and in certain regulated settings, like special licenses for non-local tourists during specific events (e.g., the Hornbill Festival).
  • Support from Religious Groups: The Act has received strong support from Christian church bodies, which constitute a majority in the state, as they view alcohol consumption as morally unacceptable and harmful to community life.

Role of Alcohol in the Hornbill Festival:

• The Hornbill Festival is often seen as an exception to the state’s liquor prohibition.
• Thutse (local rice beer) is traditionally consumed during the festival, and according to academic Theyiesinuo Keditsu, the Hornbill Festival is the only time in the year when the state permits the open sale and consumption of alcohol, including Thutse.

PYQ:

[2016] In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

(a) Sand deserts of northwest India

(b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

(c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

(d) Western Ghats

Key Components:

1. National Virtual Library of India (NVLI): Digital resources, census of libraries, and reading habit studies.
2. Model Libraries: 6 Ministry libraries, 35 state central libraries, 35 district libraries, and 629 district libraries with network connectivity.
3. Library Survey: A survey of 5,000 libraries for infrastructure, resources, and usage data.
4. Capacity Building: Training programs for improving skills and knowledge of library staff.

PYQ:

[2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open source licensing.

• Launched by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Implemented by: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

• Document India’s cultural heritage, including art forms, artists, crafts, and performing arts.
• Mapping of 6.5 lakh villages across India; Initial stages will focus on Bihar.
• IT-enabled platform to store and manage cultural data. Web portal and mobile app (Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar).

• Raise awareness about cultural heritage’s role in economic development and national unity.
• Create National Register of Artists and Art Practices.

PYQ:

[2018] Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

Types of Kumbh Mela:

1. 1. Kumbh Mela: Regular festival, celebrated every 12 years at one of the four locations.
   2. Maha Kumbh Mela: The largest, celebrated once every 12 years at Prayagraj (confluence of Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati).
   3. Ardh Kumbh Mela: Held every 6 years in Prayagraj (half of the full Kumbh Mela).

• Purna Kumbh Mela: Held when a complete 12-year cycle is completed.

Locations:  Kumbh Mela rotates between four cities:

1. 1. Haridwar (on the banks of the Ganges),
   2. Prayagraj (confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river),
   3. Ujjain (on the banks of the Shipra River),

• Nashik (on the banks of the Godavari River).

Key Rituals:

• Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) – A ritual where pilgrims in Akharas (processions) bathe in the holy river.
• Worship and Prayers – Pilgrims offer prayers along riverbanks, attend spiritual discourses, and perform fire rituals.
• Religious Processions – Several religious processions involving saints, gurus, and devotees take place.
• Community Prayers and Spiritual Discourses – Saints and religious leaders conduct spiritual teachings for the devotees.

• Spiritual Significance: Considered a sacred event for Hindus, aimed at spiritual cleansing, salvation, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Moksha).
• Cultural Unity: It is a remarkable event showcasing India’s unity and diversity, where millions of people from across the world come together.
• Mass Gathering: It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest peaceful gathering, with millions of pilgrims attending the event. In 2019, Kumbh Mela witnessed the largest peaceful public gathering ever recorded, with around 120 million people.
• Pilgrimage Tourism – The Kumbh Mela also significantly boosts local tourism, with a major influx of national and international pilgrims, contributing to local and national economies.

UNESCO Recognition – Kumbh Mela was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2017.

[2015] With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri