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

  • 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.

  • Ancient India Temple Music: Haveli Sangeet

    Why in the News?

    Haveli Sangeet is a unique form of classical music rooted in ancient temple traditions in India.

    About Haveli Sangeet:

    Details
    Origin Linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the Vaishnava Tradition; rooted in ancient temple music traditions.
    Historical Background Revived during the Bhakti movement; declined during the medieval period due to socio-political changes.
    Founder Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, 16th century, founder of Pushti Marg and proponent of devotional worship (Bhakti).
    Key Elements Involves Raga (melody), Bhog (offering), and Shringar (adornment) as part of sewa (service) in temples.
    Musical Styles Includes Prabandh, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan; not limited to Dhrupad style alone.
    Languages Used Songs are performed in Brij Bhasha, Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Marwari.
    Significant Figures Vallabhacharya, Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusaiji), Astachaps poets (e.g., Kumbhandas, Surdas), Pandit Jasraj.
    Role in Vaishnavism Serves as a vehicle for Kirtan Bhakti, focusing on collective singing and emotional devotion to Lord Krishna.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their:

    (a) Martial arts in North-East India

    (b) Musical tradition in North-West India

    (c) Classical vocal music in South India

    (d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India

  • World Heritage City of Jaipur

    Why in the News?

    The Walled City of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, is set for heritage conservation and development with a budget of ₹100 crore.

    About the World Heritage City of Jaipur:

    • Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was designed as a commercial capital with a grid layout that reflects Vedic architectural principles. 
    • Unlike many other Indian cities built in hilly terrains, Jaipur was established on a plain, allowing for a systematic urban design characterized by wide streets and public squares known as chaupars.

    Architectural Significance

    • Jaipur’s urban planning is notable for its geometric structure, which integrates traditional Hindu concepts with modern Western influences.
    • The city is divided into nine blocks, with two reserved for state buildings and the remaining for public use. Known for its distinctive pink-colored buildings, which give it the nickname “Pink City.”
    • The architecture features uniform facades along the main streets. Key monuments include:
      • Hawa Mahal: A palace known for its intricate façade and numerous windows.
      • City Palace: A royal residence that blends Mughal and Rajput architecture.
      • Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II.
      • Govind Dev Temple: A significant religious site reflecting the city’s cultural heritage.

    Jaipur’s (Pink City) Criteria for UNESCO Recognition

    • Criterion (ii): Exhibiting an important interchange of human values in architecture and urban planning.
    • Criterion (iv): Representing a significant example of a planned city that reflects the cultural traditions of its time.
    • Criterion (vi): Being directly associated with events or living traditions of universal significance, particularly in the context of its festivals and cultural practices.

     

    Other Important Places Contributing to World Heritage Status

    Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
    • A majestic fort known for its artistic Hindu and Mughal architectural style, located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake.
    • Famous for its intricate carvings, mirror work, and expansive courtyards.
    City Palace
    • A complex of palaces, courtyards, and museums in the heart of Jaipur, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
    • Combines Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, showcasing royal artifacts, costumes, and weapons.
    Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
    • A five-story palace with 953 small windows (jharokhas), designed to allow royal women to observe street activities while remaining unseen.
    • An iconic example of Rajput architecture with intricate latticework and unique design.
    Jantar Mantar
    • An astronomical observatory with 19 large instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
    • A separate UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the scientific achievements of the 18th century.
    Nahargarh Fort
    • Built in 1734, located on the Aravalli Hills, offering panoramic views of Jaipur city.
    • Served as a retreat and defensive structure for the royal family, showcasing the military architecture of the period.

  • Study confirms the existence of a Dockyard at Lothal

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has presented new evidence supporting the presence of a dockyard (222 x 37 metres) at Lothal, which was earlier debated.

    Evidence of Lothal’s Dockyard

    • The discovery of Lothal, located in the Bhal region of Gujarat during the 1950s, initiated debates among archaeologists about the existence of a dockyard.
    • The IITGn study reveals that the Sabarmati River once flowed close to Lothal during the Harappan period, contrasting its current course, which is 20 km away.
    • The study suggests a trade route linking Ahmedabad, through Lothal, Nal Sarovar, and the Little Rann, to Dholavira, another prominent Harappan site.
    • Satellite imagery and multi-sensor data analysis have uncovered the ancient channels of the Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location on a significant riverine route.
    • The study also suggests that traders might have arrived in Gujarat via the Gulf of Khambhat, collected materials from Ratanpura, and transported them to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

    About Lothal:

    Details
    Location Bhal region, Gujarat, India
    Historical Significance Built around 2200 BC; major trade centre for beads, gems, and ornaments
    Name Meaning “Lothal” means “the mound of the dead” in Gujarati (Similar to Mohenjodaro)
    Discovery Discovered by S.R. Rao; excavated from 1955 to 1960
    Port City Evidence Earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River
    Key Features Tidal dockyard, marine microfossils, and a basin for sailing boats
    Heritage Status Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?

    (a) Dholavira

    (b) Kalibangan

    (c) Rakhigarhi

    (d) Ropar

  • In news: Thanjavur Veena

    Why in the News?

    Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is renowned for making the Veena, the first musical instrument in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    About Thanjavur Veena:

    Details
    Type Saraswati Veena (a classical stringed musical instrument)
    GI Tag Received in 2012.
    Crafting Materials Jackfruit wood, known for its resonance and tonal quality.
    Production Process – Wood is cut, carved, shaped, and assembled.
    – Takes 15-20 days to complete.
    – Involves three parts: resonator (kudam), neck (dandi), and tuning box.
    Other Types of Veena – Saraswati Veena (used in Carnatic classical music)
    – Rudra Veena and Vichitra Veena (used in Hindustani classical music)
    – Chitra Veena (used in Carnatic classical music)

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to​:

    (a) Dance forms of Northwest India​

    (b) Musical instruments​

    (c) Pre-historic cave paintings​

    (d) Tribal languages​

  • Classical Language Centres ask for autonomy

    Why in the News?

    Classical Language Centres in India are seeking more autonomy to improve their effectiveness and address operational challenges.

    Classical Language Centres in India

    • India has designated 6 languages as classical: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
    • Special centres have been established to promote these languages.
    • Only the Centre for Tamil functions autonomously.
    • The centres for Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia operate under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysuru.

    About Classical Languages in India

    Aspect Details
    Recognized Classical Languages Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014).
    Additional Languages for Preservation Pali, Persian, Prakrit, and Farsi (Persian) as per the National Education Policy-2020.
    Criteria for Classical Language Status – High Antiquity: Recorded history of 1500-2000 years.
    – Valuable Heritage: Possesses ancient literature and texts.
    – Originality: Unique literary tradition, not borrowed from other languages.
    – Distinctness: Language and literature distinct from modern forms.
    Promotion of Classical Languages – International Awards: Two major awards for scholars in classical Indian languages.
    – Centre of Excellence: For studies in classical languages.
    – Professional Chairs: UGC requested to create chairs in Central Universities.
    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