💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • India is 4th most Equal Society: World Bank

    Why in the News?

    As of 2025, India ranks as the world’s fourth most equal country in terms of income distribution, according to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief.

    India is 4th most Equal Society: World Bank

    About the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief:

    • What It Is: The Poverty and Equity Brief is a biannual publication by the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Global Practice Group.
    • Data Coverage: It includes country-level statistics on poverty, inequality, and shared prosperity using household surveys, national datasets, and income tracking.
    • Comparative Perspective: The brief allows comparison across income groups and regions, helping track Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Spring 2025 Focus: This edition emphasizes post-pandemic recovery, distributional equity, and the effectiveness of welfare policies in developing nations.

    Key Parameters Involved:

    • Gini Index: It measures how equally income is distributed.
      • Score Range: 1 = complete equality; 100 = complete inequality.
      • India’s Score: 25.5 in 2022–23, showing strong income equality.
    • International Poverty Lines:
      • $2.15/day (2017 PPP): Global standard for extreme poverty.
      • $3.00/day: Threshold for lower-middle-income countries like India.
    • Poverty Headcount Ratio: Reflects how many people live below the poverty line.
      • India’s Status: 2.3% below $2.15/day and 5.3% below $3/day in 2022–23.
    • Shared Prosperity Premium:
      • Measures if the bottom 40% of the population are doing better or worse than average.
      • High premium means inclusive growth.

    Key Highlights from the Spring 2025 Report:

    • India’s Gini Score: Among Most Equal
      • With a score of 25.5, India is the 4th most equal country, after Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4).
      • India outperforms China (35.7) and all G7 and G20 nations.
      • Improved from 28.8 in 2011, showing a steady decline in inequality.
    • Major Poverty Reduction Milestone
      • Between 2011 and 2023, 171 million people moved out of extreme poverty.
      • Share of population under $2.15/day fell from 16.2% to 2.3%.
      • Share under $3/day fell to 5.3%, marking a significant decline.
    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The repo rate is the rate at which other banks borrow from the Reserve Bank of India. 2. A value of 1 for Gini Coefficient in a country implies that there is perfectly equal income for everyone in its population.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • In news: Seine River

    Why in the News?

    French authorities have opened up the Seine River to public swimming for the very first time since 1923.

    In news: Seine River

    About the Seine River:

    • Overview: it is a major waterway in northern France, flowing through some of the country’s most important cultural and economic regions.
    • Length and Rank: It is approximately 777 km(483 miles) long, making it the second-longest river in France after the Loire.
    • Source and Elevation: It originates from the Langres Plateau in the Burgundy region, near the town of Source-Seine, at an elevation of about 444–471 meters above sea level.
    • Course Through France: It flows northwest, passing through regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, and Île-de-France, and cities like Troyes, Melun, Corbeil, and Paris.
    • Path Through Paris: In Paris, the Seine winds through the city center for about 13 kilometers, forming the famous islands Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.
    • Tributaries: It is joined by several important tributaries, including the Marne, Yonne, Aube, and Oise rivers.
    • Drainage Basin and Rainfall: Its drainage basin spans 76,000–79,000 square kilometers, receiving moderate rainfall of 650–750 mm annually, and covering much of northern France.
    • Mouth and Termination: The river empties into the English Channel between Le Havre and Honfleur, on the Normandy coast.
    • Economic Role: The Seine supports commercial navigation and shipping, especially through the ports of Rouen and Le Havre, and provides about 50% of Paris’s drinking water.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following pairs: River Flows into

    1. Mekong Andaman Sea 2. Thames Irish Sea 3. Volga Caspian Sea 4. Zambezi Indian Ocean Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

     

  • Who are the Girmitiyas?

    Why in the News?

    PM Narendra Modi, while speaking in Trinidad and Tobago, paid tribute to the Girmitiyas—19th-century indentured Indian labourers who helped shape Indo-Caribbean culture.

    About Girmitiyas:

    • Overview: The word “Girmitiya” comes from “agreement,” which was pronounced as “girmit” by Indian labourers who signed contracts to work abroad.
    • Origin of the Labourers: Most Girmitiyas were recruited from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, especially from areas suffering poverty or famine.
    • Language and Community: These workers primarily spoke Bhojpuri, Awadhi, or Hindi and came from agricultural castes and communities.
    • Role of Recruitment Agents: Agents known as arkatis enticed labourers with promises of good wages while hiding the reality of harsh plantation conditions.
    • Scale and Scope of Migration: Between 1834 and 1920, over 1.2 million Indians were sent to British colonies like Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, South Africa, and Suriname.
    • Cultural Continuity Abroad: Despite minimal belongings, Girmitiyas preserved Indian languages, religious practices, and cultural expressions like Ramleela in the Caribbean.

    Indentured Labour System: A New Form of Slavery:

    • Post-Abolition Labour Need: After slavery ended in 1834, the British created the Indian Indentured Labour System to meet the demand for plantation workers.
    • Contract Terms and Reality: Although the agreement lasted five years, labourers were often deceived, worked in poor conditions, and could not change employers.
    • Criminalisation of Movement: If a labourer was found outside the plantation without documentation, they could be arrested for vagrancy.
    • Punitive Wage Deductions: Tactics like the “double-cut” system—cutting two days’ pay for one day’s absence—made the system exploitative.
    • Wage Withholding: Employers often withheld wages to delay repatriation and trap labourers in economic dependence.
    • Gender Exploitation: Women were underrepresented, often brought for demographic balance, and suffered wage discrimination and sexual abuse, as documented by scholars like Kamala Kempadoo.
    • Critique by Historians: While colonial rulers called it a “Great Experiment,” historian Hugh Tinker famously termed it “a new system of slavery” in his 1974 book.

    Who are the Girmitiyas?

    Gandhiji’s Campaign Against Indenture:

    • Early Opposition: Mahatma Gandhi opposed the system after witnessing its abuse during his legal work in South Africa.
    • Malaviya’s Blocked Attempt: In 1917, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya tried to introduce a bill for abolition but was denied by the British colonial government.
    • Protest Strategy: Gandhi launched an all-India movement, using the press, public meetings, and moral advocacy to gather support.
    • Engagement with British: Gandhi met with Viceroy Lord Chelmsford and united national leaders in opposition to the practice.
    • Finally, Abolition: The mounting public pressure led to the official abolition of indentured labour on July 31, 1917.
    • Moral Significance: Gandhi later wrote in My Experiments with Truth that the victory represented India’s moral and spiritual awakening under nonviolent protest.

     

    [UPSC 2019] With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.

    2. In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.

    3. Consequent to the breaking of the Salt Law by the Indian people, the INC was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • 170th Anniversary of Santhal Revolt 

    Why in the News?

    Jharkhand on observed ‘Hul’ Diwas to commemorate the rebellion’s 170th anniversary of Santhal Revolt which was held on June 30, 1855.

    santhal

    About the Santhal Revolt:

    • Overview: The Santhal Hul (Revolt) began on June 30, 1855, in present-day Jharkhand, and is observed annually as Hul Diwas.
    • The ‘Hul’: It means revolution, symbolising one of India’s earliest organized uprisings against British colonialism, even before the 1857 Revolt.
    • Leaders Associated: It was led by Sidho, Kanho, Chand, Bhairav Murmu, and sisters Phulo and Jhano, and gathered support from 32 different tribal and non-tribal communities.
    • Nature of the Revolt: The Santhal Hul was marked by tribal unity, guerrilla warfare, and was primarily an agrarian uprising, not driven by religion or elite politics.
    • Causes:
      • Exploitation by Landlords: It opposed the British East India Company, the Zamindari system, and moneylenders who exploited tribal communities.
      • Damin-i-Koh Policy: In 1832, the British created Damin-i-Koh in the Rajmahal Hills to resettle Santhals from Bengal and Jharkhand to clear forests and take up agriculture.
      • Alienation: Santhals were subjected to land alienation, forced labor (like kamioti and harwahi), usurious debt traps, and Zamindari-court-police nexus oppression.
    • Suppression measures: The British imposed Martial Law on November 10, 1855, and crushed the uprising by January 3, 1856, using modern firearms and war elephants; Sidho and Kanho were killed in action.
    • Continued resistance: Even after its suppression, tribal uprisings continued during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny in areas like Hazaribagh and Manbhum (now Dhanbad and Purulia).

    Key Outcomes of the Revolt:

    • Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): This law banned land transfers to non-Adivasis, allowed inheritance under tribal customs, and protected Santhal self-governance.
    • Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Inspired by later tribal movements, it restricted sale of tribal and Dalit land, and required Collector’s approval for land transfer within caste and locality.
    • Impact on Tribal Identity: The revolt helped shape tribal consciousness, legal land safeguards, and anti-colonial resistance legacies.
    • Modern Legacy: The Santhals are now India’s third-largest tribal group, living in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, and they use the ‘Ol Chiki’ script to preserve the Santhali language.
    [UPSC 2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

    1. The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
    2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Dalai Lama and His Reincarnation

    Why in the News?

    Turning 90 on July 6, 2025, the 14th Dalai Lama gave his clearest message yet that the Dalai Lama lineage will continue, challenging China’s stance.

    Who is the Dalai Lama?

    • Spiritual Head: The Dalai Lama leads the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school, the most influential tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.
    • Meaning: The title “Dalai Lama” means “Ocean of Wisdom”, first conferred in the 16th century by Mongol ruler Altan Khan.Role: He is considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in human form.

    Tenzin Gyatso: the 14th Dalai Lama:

    • Early Life: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet, and enthroned in 1940 after recognition in 1939.
    • Exile to India: Following China’s occupation of Tibet, he took asylum in India in 1959 and established the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala.
    • Political Transition: In 2011, he relinquished political authority, handing it over to an elected leader of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) but retained his spiritual role.
    • Global Peace Advocate: He received the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for non-violent advocacy and is a prominent promoter of interfaith harmony and secular ethics.

    Key Notes on Tibetan Buddhism:

    • Theology: Tibetan Buddhism blends Mahayana philosophy, Tantric (Vajrayana) rituals, and Bon traditions.
    • Major Schools: It includes four schools—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug—with the Gelug school founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century.
    • Reincarnation System: Leaders like the Panchen Lama and Karmapa are part of the Tulku system, believed to be reincarnated teachers.
    • Textual Foundation: Core texts include the Kangyur (Buddha’s teachings) and Tengyur (commentaries by scholars).
    • Meditation Traditions: Practices like Dzogchen and Mahamudra focus on realizing the true nature of mind.
    • Institutional Legacy: Monasteries such as Drepung, Ganden, and Tashi Lhunpo are vital centers for learning and ritual.
    • Global Influence: Tibetan Buddhism thrives across the Himalayas and is expanding globally, especially in Western countries.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

    Options: (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara (c) Maitreya* (d) Padmapani

     

  • Prada-Kolhapuri Cultural Misappropriation Debate

    Why in the News?

    The Prada incident, involving footwear resembling India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, has reignited debates on cultural respect, equitable benefit sharing, and the need for stronger global enforcement of GI rights.

    prada

    About the Kolhapuri Chappal Controversy:

    • Cultural Origin: They originated in Kolhapur and nearby districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, dating back to the 12th–13th century, once worn by royals.
    • Craftsmanship and Features: These chappals are handmade from vegetable-tanned leather, use no nails or synthetic parts, and feature a T-strap design in natural tones.
    • GI Tag Recognition: They received a GI tag in 2019, covering eight districts across the two states.
    • Allegations Against Prada: Italian luxury brand Prada was accused of unauthorised cultural appropriation for selling similar sandals without acknowledging the traditional origin.
    • Global Enforcement Gap: The controversy highlights the limited international protection for GI-tagged goods and the need for stronger legal safeguards abroad.

    Earlier Cultural Misappropriation Cases:

    • Basmati Rice (1997): The US Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent to Ricetec Inc., claiming new “lines and grains” of basmati rice. After diplomatic and legal pressure, Ricetec was barred from using the term “Basmati.”
    • Turmeric (1995): A U.S. patent was granted for turmeric’s wound-healing properties, a use long documented in Ayurveda. CSIR successfully challenged and had the patent revoked.
    • Neem (2000): The European Patent Office revoked a patent granted to the USDA and W.R. Grace for neem-based antifungal formulations, citing that such usage existed in Indian traditional knowledge.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI) Tags

    • Purpose: A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that certifies a product’s origin from a specific place where its quality or reputation is uniquely linked to that location.
    • Significance: GI tags help preserve cultural heritage, promote rural livelihoods, and enable market access for indigenous communities.
    • Legal Framework in India: In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in force since 2003, and managed by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce.
    • Ownership and Validity: A GI tag is collectively owned by local producers, valid for 10 years, and renewable indefinitely, unlike private trademarks.
    • Examples of GI Goods: India has 658 GI goods, including Darjeeling tea, Madhubani paintings, Pashmina shawls, Chanderi sarees, and Kancheepuram silk.
    • Jurisdiction of Protection: GI protection is territorial, meaning legal misuse can only be challenged within the registered country, unless separately protected abroad.
    • Global Legal Backing: GI rights are supported by international treaties like the Paris Convention (1883) and the TRIPS Agreement (1995).

  • Language of unity Uniformity should not be confused with national unity in language policy

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the three-language rule in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has caused a new dispute in Maharashtra, showing people’s worries about language and political disagreements.

    What are the key features of the three-language policy under NEP 2020?

    • Mandatory Learning of Three Languages: All students must learn three languages during their school education.
    • Flexible Language Choice: States and schools have the autonomy to choose any two Indian languages and one foreign language, removing the compulsion of Hindi.
    • Promotion of Multilingualism: Emphasis on learning regional, national, and global languages, thereby fostering cultural and linguistic diversity.
    • Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction: Preference is given to teaching in the mother tongue or regional language at least up to Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8.
    • No Imposition of Any Language: The policy avoids mandatory imposition of Hindi or any other language across the country.
    • Implementation Based on Demand: A minimum of 20 students must demand a specific third language in a school for it to be introduced.

    Why has the implementation of the three-language policy sparked resistance in States like Maharashtra?

    • Fear of Hindi Imposition: Despite the NEP 2020’s flexibility, there is a strong perception that Hindi is being prioritised as the default second language, especially after Maharashtra’s decision to make Hindi mandatory till Class 5.
    • Threat to Regional Identity: The policy is seen as undermining Marathi linguistic and cultural identity, which has historically been a sensitive issue in the State.
    • Distrust in Government Intentions: The formation of a committee rather than outright scrapping of the decision raised suspicion about hidden agendas, including the promotion of the Right-wing ‘Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan’ ideology.

    How does the perceived imposition of Hindi affect regional linguistic identity and federal harmony?

    • Resentment in Non-Hindi Speaking States: Imposing Hindi is perceived as marginalising regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Malayalam, causing strong backlash. Eg: Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the three-language formula, invoking the “anti-Hindi imposition” movementdating back to the 1960s.
    • Weakening of Linguistic Pluralism and Diversity: Promoting one language risks diluting India’s multilingual fabric, which is essential for preserving cultural identity and inclusiveness. Eg: In North-East India, states like Manipur and Nagaland have expressed concerns over losing native tongues due to Hindi-centric policies.
    • Strain on Federal Relations: Perceived language imposition creates friction between the Centre and States, weakening cooperative federalism and leading to policy resistance. Eg: Several southern states have demanded greater autonomy in education policy, arguing that central language decisions ignore regional aspirations.

    What is the relevance of the three-language policy for academic purposes?

    • Promotes Inclusivity and Communication in Diverse Settings: Multilingual proficiency helps students communicate across regions, fostering national integration and better participation in higher education and jobs. Eg: A student from Kerala who knows Hindi and English can study or work in northern India or abroad more comfortably.
    • Enhances Cognitive and Learning Abilities: Learning multiple languages improves memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, aiding overall academic performance. Eg: Studies show that multilingual students often perform better in tasks requiring attention and multitasking.
    • Improves Access to Knowledge and Resources: Knowing more than one language enables students to access a broader range of textbooks, research, and cultural literature, enriching their academic experience. Eg: A student fluent in English and a regional language can read both international academic content and local history or literature.

    What are the challenges do schools face in offering diverse language options under the policy?

    • Limited Availability of Qualified Language Teachers: Most schools lack trained teachers for non-regional or less commonly spoken languages, making it hard to implement true linguistic diversity. Eg: A school in Bihar may struggle to find teachers for Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam, even if students want to learn them.
    • Low Student Demand for Minority Languages: The policy requires a minimum of 20 students to demand a language for it to be introduced, which excludes smaller linguistic communities. Eg: In many Hindi-speaking regions, languages like Telugu or Bengali are not offered due to insufficient student numbers.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Teacher Training and Language Infrastructure: Invest in recruiting and training teachers for a wider range of Indian languages, and develop teaching materials in collaboration with state language boards.
    • Ensure Flexibility and Regional Autonomy: Allow States and schools to adapt the three-language policy based on local linguistic demographics, ensuring inclusivity without enforcing a one-size-fits-all model.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.

    Linkage: This question is related to “Diversity and pluralism,” which directly talk about the language as a cultural element. The article highlights how language can become a point of contention, with some seeing a uniform language policy as essential for national identity, while others view it as an “imposition” that undermines the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of India.

  • UP’s Salkhan Fossil Park makes it to UNESCO tentative list

    Why in the News?

    Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been recently added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.

    About Salkhan Fossil Park:

    • Location: It is located in Salkhan village, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
    • Fossil Significance: It is renowned for its stromatolite fossils, ancient layered structures formed by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis.
    • Age of Fossils: These fossils are estimated to be up to 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Mesoproterozoic era.
    • Scientific Value: Preserved in Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, the site is one of the world’s richest Proterozoic rock collections.
    • Significance:
      • Evolutionary Insights: The fossils offer key evidence of early microbial life and events like the Great Oxidation Event, helping us understand Earth’s early biosphere.
      • Ecological Context: It lies within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and conservation value.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO’s Tentative List

    • Definition: It is a country’s inventory of sites proposed for future inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
    • Nomination Process: A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before formal nomination.
    • Evaluation Criteria: Sites are assessed for natural, cultural, or mixed heritage value, based on global significance.
    • India’s Status: As of June 2025, India has 63 sites on its Tentative List, spanning ecosystems, monuments, and landscapes.
    • Benefits of Inclusion: While not guaranteeing World Heritage status, inclusion raises awareness, improves funding, and strengthens conservation.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

    1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four

     

  • Puri Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

    Why in the News?

    The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha, has begun today.

    About Rath Yatra:

    • About: Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu chariot festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, in honour of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
    • Legend: The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace.
    • Occurrence: It is held on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha (June–July), according to the Odia calendar.
    • Procession: The deities are placed in three massive wooden chariots and pulled by devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) for about 3 km.
    • Significance: It is one of the four sacred pilgrimages (Char Dham) in Hinduism and allows non-Hindus to have darshan of the deities, unlike entry to the temple.

    Key Events of the Rath Yatra:

    • Pahandi Bije: The ceremonial procession where the deities are carried from the temple to the chariots.
    • Chhera Panhara: A ritual where the Puri King sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and equality.
    • Three Chariot Pulling: Devotees pull the chariots—Nandighosa (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Subhadra)—toward Gundicha Temple.
    • Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the Jagannath Temple, held on the 10th day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha.
    • Poda Pitha Offering: The deities are offered traditional cakes at Mausimaa Temple during their return.
    • Suna Besha: On return, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments on their chariots.
    • Niladri Bije: Final ritual where the deities re-enter the sanctum; marks the end of the Rath Yatra.
    • Rasagola Divas: Devotees offer Rasagola sweets to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her for not being included in the journey.

    Back2Basics: Jagannath Puri Temple

    • The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a major Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna.
    • The current structure was rebuilt starting in the 10th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
    • The temple showcases the Oriya style of architecture, known for sculptural richness and graceful forms.
    • It spans over 400,000 sq. ft., enclosed by the 20-foot-high Meghanada Pacheri.
    • An inner wall, called Kurma Bedha, surrounds the main sanctum.
    • Main Structural Sections:
      1. Deula/Vimana/Garba Griha: Sanctum sanctorum housing the deities on the Ratnavedi, built in Rekha Deula style.
      2. Mukhashala: The frontal porch.
      3. Nata Mandir/Jagamohan: The audience or dancing hall.
      4. Bhoga Mandapa: The hall of offerings.

     

    [UPSC 2009] Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

    Options: (a) Bahubali * (b) Buddha (c) Mahavir (d) Nataraja

     

  • Who was Sree Narayan Guru (1856–1928)?

    Why in the news?

    The Prime Minister recently addressed a commemorative event marking 100 years of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.

    About Sree Narayana Guru:

    • Early Life: Sree Narayana Guru was born on 22 August 1856 in Chempazhanthy, Kerala, into the Ezhava community, considered the so-called ‘avarna’ or outside the caste system.
    • Social Reform: He led a peaceful revolution against caste discrimination and promoted social equality and spiritual upliftment in Kerala.
    • Famous Slogan: Guru gave the powerful message — “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All”, calling for unity beyond caste or creed.
    • Spiritual Philosophy: A follower of Advaita Vedanta, he reinterpreted it to assert that divinity exists in every individual, regardless of caste.
    • Death and Legacy: He passed away on 20 September 1928, and his birth and death anniversaries are now observed as public holidays in Kerala and other states.

    His Contributions:

    • Temple Reform: In 1888, he consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, challenging Brahminical control over temples.
    • Organisational Impact: He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903, with Kumaran Asan as its first general secretary.
    • Social Movements: He supported the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) against untouchability in public spaces.
    • Spiritual Centres: Guru established the Sivagiri Mutt (1904), which became the heart of the Sivagiri Pilgrimage (Theerthadanam).
    • Writings: His works, like Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam, reflect a spiritual and reformist vision.
    • Holistic Upliftment: He promoted education, cleanliness, agriculture, and handicrafts for self-reliance.
    • Against Conversions: Guru opposed religious conversion as a caste solution, favouring internal reform within Hindu society.

    His Conversations with Gandhiji (1925):

    • Historic Meeting: Mahatma Gandhi met Guru on 13 March 1925 at Sivagiri Mutt during the Vaikom Satyagraha.
    • On Scriptures: Guru clarified that Hindu texts do not support untouchability and backed the Vaikom movement fully.
    • On Salvation: He believed that all religions lead to moksha but stressed that material freedom is key to dignity.
    • Inclusive Ashrams: He shared that his ashrams welcomed all castes, with children studying and praying together.
    • View on Caste: While Gandhi defended varna in principle, Guru critiqued caste as rigid, anti-freedom, and regressive.
    • Mutual Respect: Gandhi was deeply moved and later praised Guru as a “holy soul”, calling Sivagiri a model of harmony.
    • Enduring Legacy: The meeting symbolised a blend of spiritual wisdom and social reform, with lasting national impact.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Movement/Organization Leader

    1. All India Anti-Untouchability League Mahatma Gandhi 2. All India Kisan Sabha Swami Sahajanand Saraswati 3. Self-Respect Movement E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3