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

  • Who was Rani Durgavati?

    durgavati

    Why in the News?

    Madhya Pradesh CM chaired a meeting in honour of the 16th century tribal queen Rani Durgavati on her 500th birth anniversary.

    Rani Durgavati (1524-1564)

    • Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 in the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
    • She married Dalpat Shah, son of Gond King Sangram Shah of the Garha-Katanga kingdom.
    • After her husband’s death in 1550, she ruled the kingdom as regent for her young son, Bir Narayan.
    • Her role against the Mughals:
      • Rani Durgavati expanded her kingdom and ruled with prosperity, shifting her capital to Chauragarh for strategic advantage.
      • In 1564, the Mughal general Asaf Khan, under Emperor Akbar, attacked her kingdom.
      • She led her forces bravely and initially defeated the Mughals in a strategic battle at Narhi.
      • To avoid capture, she sacrificed her life, becoming a symbol of courage and resistance.

    Her contributions

    • Rani Durgavati is remembered for her bravery, administrative skills, and martyrdom.
    • She carried out public works, including the construction of Ranital, a reservoir near Jabalpur.
    • Celebrated as a symbol of self-determination, especially for tribal communities.
    • She is honored in Indian history as a patriotic ruler who resisted Mughal expansion, with various political and cultural tributes dedicated to her legacy.

  • Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Why in the News?

    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has recently finished copying inscriptions at three temples in Thirukurungudi, located in Tirunelveli district.

    About the 3 temples mentioned:

    Nambi Rayar Temple (Thirukoshtiyur Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirukoshtiyur, near Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu.
    • It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples).
    • It is known for its association with Ramanuja, one of the most important figures in Vaishnavism, who learned the sacred mantra “Ashtakshara” here.
    • The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (temple tower) and is built in Dravidian style.

    Thirumalai Nambi Temple (Thirumaliruncholai Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirumaliruncholai, also known as Azhagar Kovil, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
    • This temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams.
    • Thirumalai Nambi, who was a saint and a scholar, was closely associated with this temple and served as a priest here.
    • The temple is set in a hilly region and has intricate carvings and sculptures in traditional Dravidian architecture.

    Aniliswarar Temple

    • It is a Shaivite temple located in Anilivandhan Kottai, near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
    • The temple architecture is traditional with a smaller gopuram (temple tower) compared to the larger, more well-known temples.

    dravid

    About Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Details
    Flourished 8th century to the 13-14th century AD
    Enclosure Temples are enclosed within a compound wall, unlike Nagara temples.
    Notable Features
    • Gopuram (Entrance Gateway): The front wall has an elaborate gateway tower called Gopuram, which serves as the main entrance to the temple complex.
    • Vimana (Main Tower): Vimana or temple tower has a stepped pyramid-like structure that rises geometrically, unlike the curving shikhara in North Indian temples.
    • Temple Tank: It is common to have a large water reservoir or temple tank enclosed within the temple complex.
    Shapes of Temples
    • Square (Kuta or Caturasra)
    • Rectangular (Shala or Ayatasra)
    • Elliptical (Gaja-prishta or Vrittayata)
    • Circular (Vritta)
    • Octagonal (Ashtasra)
    Notable Temples The Pallavas, early builders of Dravidian temples, started with rock-cut temples and later shifted to structural temples.

    • Mahabalipuram: Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) initiated construction, and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built the Shore Temple.
    • The Shore Temple houses three shrines for Shiva and Vishnu.

    The Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola in 1009 CE, is the largest and tallest of Indian temples. It features large Gopurams with elaborate sculptures.
    Significance Temples were not only religious centers but also key administrative hubs, controlling large areas of land and resources, especially during the 8th-12th centuries.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

  • [pib] Cabinet confers Classical Language Status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved conferring the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

    Classical Languages in India:

    Details
    Objective To recognize and preserve Bharat’s profound cultural heritage embodied in these languages and their literary traditions.
    Criteria for Classical Language Status 2004 (when Tamil was declared a Classical Language):

    1. High Antiquity over a thousand years.
    2. A body of ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Original literary tradition, not borrowed.

    2005 (when Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language):

    1. High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years.
    2. Ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Original literary tradition, not borrowed.
    4. Distinct from modern forms, with possible discontinuity.

    2024 (as recommended by the Linguistic Experts Committee):

    1. High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years.
    2. Ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Includes knowledge texts, prose, inscriptions.
    4. Distinct from current forms or may show discontinuity.
    Previously Conferred Status Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014)
    Implementation Strategy • Establishment of Central Universities for Sanskrit (2020)
    • Promotion of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (Mysuru)
    • National and International awards for Classical Languages
    Impact on Employment • Employment in academia, research, and archiving
    • Jobs in preservation, digitization, translation, and publishing of ancient texts
    States Involved Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (Pali, Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), Assam (Assamese)
    The Eighth Schedule
    • Lists 22 official languages, governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution.
    • Includes Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
    Chronological Additions to the Eighth Schedule • 1950: Initially included 14 languages
    • 1967: Sindhi added (21st Constitutional Amendment)
    • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), Nepali added (71st Constitutional Amendment)
    • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali added (92nd Constitutional Amendment)
    • 2011: “Oriya” replaced with “Odia” (96th Constitutional Amendment)

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    (a) Odia

    (b) Konkani

    (c) Bhojpuri

    (d) Assamese

    [2014] Consider the following languages :

    1. Gujarati

    2. Kannada

    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How India’s Temples are Run?

    Why in the News?

    As the Supreme Court hears petitions about the alleged adulteration of ghee in Lord Venkateswara’s Laddu Prasadam, many religious organizations have renewed their demand to free temples from government control.

    How are Religious Places managed in India?

    • Muslim and Christian places of worship are managed by community-run boards or trusts.
    • Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist temples are often under government control.
      • Hindu temples make up the majority of the 30 lakh places of worship in India (2011 census).
    • Under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, the government can regulate economic, financial, or secular activities associated with religious practices.
      • This allows the state to enact laws concerning the administration of Hindu religious institutions.

    Examples of Government Control:

    • Tamil Nadu: The state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department manages temples.
    • Andhra Pradesh: The state controls the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including the Tirupati Temple.
    • Jammu and Kashmir: Enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, specifically to manage the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu.
    • A portion of the income from offerings and donations is used for:
      • Temple administration
      • Maintenance of smaller temples
      • Welfare activities, including hospitals, schools, orphanages, and secular education.

    Historical Context of Government Control Over Temples

    • Ancient India: Temples have historically received land and wealth donations from kings and nobles, becoming centers of culture and economy. Larger temples often promoted agriculture and irrigation.
    • Medieval Period: Many temples were attacked and pillaged by invaders due to their immense wealth.
    • Colonial Era: Between 1810 and 1817, the East India Company enacted laws in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay to regulate temples and prevent the misuse of temple income and endowments.

    Colonial Laws:

    • Religious Endowments Act, 1863: Gave control of temples to committees, but the government maintained influence through judicial jurisdiction and other laws.
    • Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925: Empowered provincial governments to oversee temple endowments and gave substantial powers to commissioners.

    Post-Independence Laws:

    • After Independence, many states enacted laws based on the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, which gave the government supervision over temples and allowed the appointment of an Executive Officer to manage temple affairs.
    • A similar law was passed in Bihar around the same time.

     

    Demand for Freeing Temples from Government Control

    • 1959: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) passed its first resolution demanding that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple be returned to Hindus.
    • 1988: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS called on state governments to hand over temples to representatives of Hindu devotees, arguing that government control was unfair and aimed at controlling temple funds.
    • 2021: The VHP passed a resolution in Faridabad demanding a central law to free temples from government control.

    Legal Position on Temple Control

    Courts have generally upheld government control over temples, although there have been arguments in favor of freeing temples.

    Key Judgments:

    • 1954 Shirur Mutt Case: The Supreme Court ruled that a law transferring control of religious institutions to another authority violates Article 26(d), which guarantees the right to manage religious property. However, the state can regulate the administration of religious or charitable institutions.
    • Ratilal Panachand Gandhi vs. The State of Bombay (1954): The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to manage religious institutions is fundamental, but the state can regulate trust properties through valid laws.
    • Pannalal Bansilal Pitti vs. State Of Andhra Pradesh (1996): The Supreme Court upheld a law abolishing hereditary rights over temple management and rejected the argument that such laws must apply equally to all religions.

    Recent Case:

    • In 2022, lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay filed a petition in the Supreme Court to free temples from government control. The SC remarked that under the current system, temples cater to broader social needs, and reversing this would return temples to their previous state as centers of wealth. Upadhyay withdrew his petition.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?

    [2016] How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. 

  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Why in the News?

    Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will be conferred with the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

    Mithun Chakraborty to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

    • Mithun Chakraborty has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from a tribal in ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976) to an action hero and a dancing star, becoming one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.
    • His performance in ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) made him an international sensation, with the movie being a massive hit across Asia, then Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other regions after Raj Kapoor.
    • He has worked in more than 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Punjabi, demonstrating his wide-ranging influence.
    • Mithun has won three National Film Awards for his outstanding performances in films like ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976), ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992), and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
    • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
    • As the chairperson of the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU) for three decades, Mithun has been actively involved in improving the welfare of film industry workers.

     

    About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Details
    Organized by
    • Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
    • Presented by the President of India.
    First Presented 1969
    Purpose To honor individuals (filmmakers, actors, singers etc.) for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”
    Named After
    • Dadasaheb (Dhundiraj Govind) Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema”.
    • He directed and produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.
    • This landmark film is considered the starting point of the Indian cinema.
    Notable Recipients Devika Rani (1969), Prithviraj Kapoor (1971), Satyajit Ray (1985), Raj Kapoor (1987), Lata Mangeshkar (1989), Asha Bhosle (2000), Yash Chopra (2001), Rajinikanth (2019), Amitabh Bachchan (2018) , Waheeda Rehman (2021).
    Components of the Award
    • ₹1,000,000 (US$12,000) cash prize;
    • Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl.
    Selection Criteria Awarded to individuals for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”.
    Selection Committee A committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

  • How does the selection works at Oscar Awards?  

    Why in the News?

    India has announced its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy (Oscar) Awards, set to take place early next year.

    About the Film Federation of India (FFI)

    • The FFI is the main body representing the interests of the Indian film industry, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
    • It was established in 1951.
    • The FFI’s primary goal is to promote and protect the Indian film industry, both in India and internationally.
    • It plays a key role in selecting India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscar Awards.

    How does the FFI make the choice?

    • Submission Process: The FFI invites filmmakers to submit their films for consideration. To be eligible, the film must:
      • Be at least 40 minutes long.
      • Have more than 50% of its dialogue in a non-English language.
      • Have had a theatrical release of at least seven days between November 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
    • Jury Selection: The FFI appoints a 13-member jury made up of experienced individuals from the creative field, who evaluate the films and select India’s entry.
      • The jury chairperson is nominated by the FFI and oversees the selection process.
    • Screening and Voting: The jury watches all the submissions and conducts discussions before making a final decision via voting.

    Why has the FFI come under criticism?

    • All-Male Jury: The FFI’s current jury has drawn criticism for being composed entirely of men. This led to public discussions about the absence of women on the jury, especially since India’s official entry for the 97th Oscars focuses on women’s issues.
    • Arbitrary Process: FFI’s selection process can be arbitrary, and there have been calls for greater transparency and inclusiveness in choosing films for international awards like the Oscars.

    PYQ:

    [2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

  • 100 Years of Harappan Civilization

    Why in the News?

    It has been 100 years since the discovery of the Harappan Civilization, announced by John Marshall on September 20, 1924.

    Harappa: Remains of a Civilization

    • The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, with earlier settlements dating back to 3200 BCE.
    • The origins of this civilisation are traced back to Mehrgarh in Balochistan, which dates to 7000 BCE.
    • It is considered one of the three earliest civilizations, alongside Egypt and Mesopotamia.
    • The civilization covered over 1.5 million sq. km, stretching across modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
    • Remains of the civilization include:
      • Well-planned cities with a grid layout, intersecting streets, and fortified structures.
      • Advanced drainage systems with underground sewers and covered drains, showing a strong emphasis on hygiene.
      • Granaries, warehouses, and dockyards, indicating the presence of structured trade and food storage mechanisms.
      • The discovery of seals made of steatite, often engraved with animals and an un-deciphered script, suggesting a sophisticated administrative system.
      • Craftsmanship in pottery, bead-making, terracotta figurines, metal artefacts, and weaving.
      • Water management systems such as reservoirs, wells, and baths, indicating an advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering.

    The Discoverers:

    • Two ASI archaeologists were credited with the discovery:
      • Daya Ram Sahni excavated Harappa in 1921-22, discovering seals, pottery, and beads.
      • Rakhal Das Banerji began excavating Mohenjo-daro in 1922, finding similar items such as seals and copper objects.
    • John Marshall noticed the similarity between the objects found at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, despite the sites being 640 km apart.

    About the Mohenjo-daro Site:

    • Mohenjo-daro is one of the largest cities of the Harappan Civilization, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, discovered in 1922 by Rakhal Das Banerji.
    • The city represents one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning:
      • Great Bath: A large, centrally located structure thought to be used for ritual bathing or religious ceremonies. It is considered one of the earliest public water tanks in history.
      • Granaries: Massive storage facilities near the citadel suggest an organized system of storing food for the community.
      • Citadel and Lower Town: The city was divided into a raised citadel for the ruling elite and a lower town for common people. Both areas had well-planned streets and residential complexes.
      • Drainage Systems: Mohenjo-daro featured covered drainage systems with individual toilets connected to the drainage network, showcasing an impressive public sanitation system.
      • Residential Buildings: Homes were built from uniform mud bricks, with courtyards and bathrooms, and were often multi-storied. The use of standardised brick sizes (ratio 1:2:4) and cubic weights showed their high degree of organisation.
    • Artefacts found at Mohenjo-daro include:
      • Seals with animal motifs and the un-deciphered Harappan script, believed to have been used for administrative or trade purposes.
      • Pottery and tools made of bronze and copper.
      • Terracotta figurines, jewellery, and toys that reflect a highly developed artistic culture.
      • Weights and measures based on a uniform standard, indicating the use of a standardized economic system.
    • The city’s streets were aligned north-south and east-west, cutting at right angles, allowing for efficient transportation, including bullock carts.
    • Mohenjo-daro is believed to have had trade links with Mesopotamia, as suggested by artefacts with Mesopotamian connections.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Valley Civilization?

    1. They possessed great palaces and temples.

    2. They worshipped both male and female deities.

    3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

    Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None of the statements given above is correct

  • [pib] A poem on ‘National War Memorial’ and a chapter on ‘Veer Abdul Hameed’ included in NCERT

    Why in the News?

    A poem on National War Memorial and a chapter about Veer Abdul Hameed (PVC) introduced by the Ministries of Defence and Education has been included in the NCERT Class VI curriculum.

    About National War Memorial

    • The National War Memorial was unveiled on 25th February 2019 to honor Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in conflicts with Pakistan, China, 1961 Goa war and Operation Pawan.
    • The monument is designed in a C-hexagon layout, with names of the fallen soldiers inscribed on its walls.
    • It was designed by Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab.
    • Key features include the Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality) with the ‘Eternal Flame’ symbolizing the nation’s commitment to remembering the soldiers.
    • The Veerta Chakra showcases six bronze murals depicting acts of bravery.
    • The Rakshak Chakra symbolizes protection with trees representing troops safeguarding the nation.
    • Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) features concentric granite walls honoring the soldiers who have died since Independence.
    • The memorial also features busts of 21 soldiers who have received the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.

    Who was Veer Abdul Hameed?

    • Abdul Hamid was a soldier in the 4th Grenadiers of the Indian Army.
    • He fought in the Battle of Asal Uttar during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, which took place near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.
    • On 10th September 1965, he destroyed 3 Pakistani tanks and damaged a 4th near Chima village. He was killed during the battle.
    • For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
    • A war memorial now stands at the site of his death, featuring a captured Pakistani Patton tank as a tribute to his courage.

  • Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.

    On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence struggle:

    • Ross Island renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
    • Neil Island renamed as Shaheed Dweep
    • Havelock Island renamed as Swaraj Dweep

    Historical Importance of Port Blair

    • The city was named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer who served during the early 18th century.
    • The infamous Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Paani, was established in 1906.
    • Many prominent freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were incarcerated here under oppressive circumstances.
    • It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our ‘Tiranga’ by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

    Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

    Behind the new name ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’: Chola History

    • The Chola Empire, under Rajendra Chola I, used the Andaman Islands as a strategic naval base in the 11th century.
      • He launched a naval expedition to attack the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.
    • His victory over Srivijaya resulted in the capture of the king Sangrama Vijayottunggavarman and looting valuable treasures, further cementing the Chola dominance.
    • The Thanjavur inscriptions (1050 CE) refer to the islands as Ma-Nakkavaram (great open land), later evolving into the name Nicobar Islands.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    (a) Andaman and Nicobar

    (b) Nicobar and Sumatra

    (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep

    (d) Sumatra and Java

  • The Great Stupa of Sanchi

    Great Stupa of Sanchi

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin.

    About the Great Stupa of Sanchi

    Details
    Establishment
    • Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Purpose Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist faith.
    Construction
    • Overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, from Vidisha.
    • Stupa is a simple hemispherical structure crowned by a chhatra (parasol), symbolizing high rank.
    • Development of the Sanchi complex was supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha.
    Design
    • Follows a simple hemispherical dome structure.
    • Later, in the 1st century BCE, under the Satavahana dynasty, 4 ornamental gateways (toranas) were added in four cardinal directions.
    Toranas (Gateways) Each torana consists of 2 pillars supporting 3 architraves, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols.
    Artistic Features The toranas are famous for their intricate carvings, depicting elephants, winged lions, peacocks, and shalabhanjikas (fertility symbols).
    Symbolism Upper architrave shows seven Manushi Buddhas (previous Buddhas), the middle depicts the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha, and the lower shows Ashoka’s visit to the Bodhi tree.
    Restoration Rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor and restored by John Marshall (ASI director) in the early 1900s with financial aid from the Begums of Bhopal.
    Replica of East Gate
    • A plaster cast of the East Gate was made in the 1860s by Henry Hardy Cole for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
    • A replica now stands in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following historical places:

    1. Ajanta Caves

    2. Lepakshi Temple

    3. Sanchi Stupa

    Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

    [2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.