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GS Paper: GS1

  • 300th Birth Anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar 

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister paid tributes to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary.

    About Ahilyabai Holkar:

    • Early Life: Born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi village, (in erstwhile Ahilyanagar District) Maharashtra, Ahilyabai belonged to the Shephard community. Her father, a village head, taught her to read and write—rare for girls then.
    • Marriage and Loss: Married to Khande Rao Holkar in 1733, she was widowed in 1754. Her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, saw her potential and stopped her from committing sati.
    • Rise to power: After the deaths of her husband, father-in-law, and son, she became ruler of Malwa in 1765 with support from the Peshwa and her army.
    • Capital and Leadership: She moved the capital to Maheshwar, making it a centre of culture, governance, and trade.
    • Military and Administration: Ahilyabai personally led armies and appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as military commander. She promoted justice, welfare, and agricultural growth.

    Legacy and Contributions:

    • Temple Restoration: Rebuilt presend-day Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780 and renovated shrines across India, including in Somnath, Haridwar, Pushkar, and Rameswaram.
    • Pilgrim Support: Built rest houses, pilgrim shelters, and ghats to support religious travellers.
    • Maheshwari Sari and Weavers: Promoted the handloom industry, empowering local weavers and women economically.
    • Social Reforms: Protected widows’ rights, supported tribal communities, and ran a secular and inclusive administration.
    • Cultural Patronage: Her court welcomed poets and scholars, including Moropant and Khushali Ram, making Maheshwar an intellectual hub.
    • Peaceful Rule: Her 30-year reign was free from war, making Malwa a rare place of peace and prosperity in a chaotic era.
    • Recognition: Jawaharlal Nehru called her an able ruler; British historian John Keay called her “The Philosopher Queen”.
    • Ongoing Honour: A proposal exists to rename Ahmednagar in Maharashtra as Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Nagar in her memory.
    [UPSC 2009] With reference to Stree Shakti Puraskar, for which of the following is ‘Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award’ given?

    Options: (a) Administrative skills (b) Achievements in Scientific Research (c) Achievements in Sports and Games (d) Courage and valour*

     

  • Birth Anniversary of Veer Savarkar

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister paid tributes to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary on May 28th.

    About Veer Savarkar: Life, Contributions, and Legacy

    Details
    Who was Veer Savarkar? • Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra,
    • Founded the Abhinav Bharat Society (1904) with his brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar for armed resistance.
    • Led India House in London (1906) and the Free India Society.
    • Arrested in 1910, sentenced to life imprisonment in Cellular Jail (Kala Pani, Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
    • Became President of the Hindu Mahasabha (1937-1943).
    • Died on February 26, 1966, after fasting till death.
    His Contributions • Advocated armed revolution against British rule.
    • Coined Hindutva (1923), defining Indian identity beyond religion.
    • Opposed Partition, emphasizing Hindu political unity.
    • Championed military nationalism over passive resistance.
    • Writings and ideology influenced Indian nationalist movements.
    Literary Works • The First War of Indian Independence (1909):  Reinterpreted the 1857 Revolt as a nationalist struggle.
    • Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923): Laid the ideological foundation of Hindutva.
    • My Transportation for Life (1950): Memoirs of his imprisonment in Cellular Jail.
    • Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History: Advocated Hindu resistance against foreign invaders.
    Controversies • Gandhi Assassination Case (1948): Arrested but acquitted due to lack of evidence.
    • Mercy Petitions (1911-1924): Wrote clemency petitions for early release from prison, debated as tactical or compromising.
    • Opposition to Quit India Movement (1942): Rejected Gandhi’s call, favoured military strength over civil disobedience.
    • Hindutva Ideology: Critics claim it fostered religious divisions, while supporters see it as reviving Hindu identity.

     

    [UPSC 2008] During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free Indian Legion’?

    Options: (a) Lala Hardayal (b) Rashbehari Bose (c) Subhas Chandra Bose * (d) V.D. Savarkar

     

  • Places in news: Mt. Khangchendzonga

    Why in the News?

    Sikkim’s CM has asked the Centre to ban climbing on Mt. Khangchendzonga, even from the Nepal side, as the mountain is sacred to the Sikkimese and seen as a guardian deity.

    About Mt. Khangchendzonga:

    • Location: Mt. Khangchendzonga is the third-highest mountain in the world at 8,586 metres, located on the India-Nepal border in the eastern Himalayas.
    • Major Glaciers and Rivers: It is surrounded by Zemu, Talung, Yalung, and Kanchenjunga glaciers and bordered by rivers like Tamur, Lhonak, and Teesta.
    • Etymology: Known as the “Five Treasuries of the Great Snow”, due to its five towering peaks, all above 8,000 metres.
    • Geological Age: The mountain rocks are between 445 million to 1 billion years old, from the Neoproterozoic to Ordovician periods.
    • Ecological Zone: Located within Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in altitude diversity and rare species.
    • Wildlife and Ecosystems: Home to snow leopards, red pandas, musk deer, and Asiatic black bears, along with over 220 glacial-fed water bodies.
    • Hydrological Importance: It is the highest point in the Brahmaputra basin, contributing water to both the Ganges and Kosi River systems.
    • Climate: Receives heavy monsoon snowfall and lighter winter snow.

    Religious and Cultural Significance:

    • Spiritual Status: The mountain is sacred in Sikkim and Nepal, embedded in local mythology and Buddhist traditions.
    • Symbolism of the Name: The “5 Treasuries” are believed to hold salt, gold, turquoise, sacred texts, grain, medicine, and other treasures.
    • Guardian Deity: It is considered the home of Dzoe-Nga, the chief protector deity of Sikkim, known as Pho-lha.
    • Mythological Roots: Local guardian deities were blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim.
    • Climbing Ban: The Sikkim government banned climbing on the mountain in 1998 and 2001 under the Sacred Places of Worship Act, 1991, to preserve its sanctity.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following pairs:

    Peak: Mountains

    1. Namcha Barwa — Garhwal Himalaya

    2. Nanda Devi — Kumaon Himalaya

    3. Nokrek — Sikkim Himalaya

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

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

     

  • Bow Echo Storms

    Why in the News?

    New Delhi recently faced a severe thunderstorm with winds up to 100 kmph, forming a bow echo — a crescent-shaped pattern seen on weather radar.

    About Bow Echo:

    • What is it: A bow echo is a storm pattern on radar that looks like a curved bow, similar to an archer’s bow.
    • Storm Type: It forms inside a mesoscale convective system (MCS) — a large group of organised thunderstorms.
    • Origin of Term: The term was first used by Ted Fujita, who also created the Fujita scale for tornadoes.
    • How It Forms:
      • Heavy rain causes cool air to sink and spread out near the ground.
      • This cool air forms a gust front, which pushes warm, moist air upward, creating new storms.
      • A rear inflow jet — strong mid-level winds — pushes the storm forward, bending it into a bow shape.
      • Bookend vortices may form at both ends of the bow, and the northern end can sometimes generate tornadoes.

    Size, Impact, and Dangers:

    • Size and Duration: Bow echoes usually span 20 to 200 km and last 3 to 6 hours.
    • Wind Strength: They often produce straight-line winds over 100 km/h, like those seen in Delhi’s recent storm.
    • Derechos: In severe cases, bow echoes can grow into derechos, which are long-lasting and widespread windstorms.
    • Impacts:
      • Damaging Winds: Knock down trees, power lines, and damage buildings.
      • Brief Tornadoes: May form at the storm’s edges, especially at the northern end.
      • Microbursts and Downbursts: Intense short-lived wind blasts within the storm that cause local destruction.
    [UPSC 2013] During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the-

    1. Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky 2. Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds 3. Violent upward movement of air and water particles.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) None of the above produces the thunder*

     

  • What is Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)?

    Why in the News?

    Mumbai got heavy monsoon rains two weeks early because of a strong Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) — a weather pattern that boosts rainfall in the region.

    About the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):

    • Definition: The MJO is a moving weather system of clouds, wind, rain, and pressure that travels eastward around the tropics.
    • Cycle Time: It takes 30 to 60 days to complete a full loop around the globe.
    • Discovery: It was discovered in the 1970s by Roland Madden and Paul Julian.
    • Two Phases:
      1. The enhanced convective phase brings heavy rain, storms, and clouds.
      2. The suppressed convective phase brings dry, clear weather.
    • Global Pattern: These phases move together — when one area gets rain, another gets dry weather.
    • MJO vs ENSO: Unlike El Niño, which lasts for months, the MJO changes every few weeks and affects short-term weather patterns.
    • Wider Impact: It influences monsoons, cyclones, jet streams, and weather in both tropical and non-tropical regions.
    • Phases: Scientists divide its movement into 8 phases, each showing where rain or dry weather will occur.

    MJO and the Early Monsoon of 2025:

    • Early Monsoon Trigger: The early arrival of the monsoon in May 2025 was largely due to a very active MJO.
    • IMD Observation: The India Meteorological Department noted that the MJO was in Phase 4 with high amplitude, which strongly affects Indian rainfall.
    • Rapid Monsoon Progress: It helped push extra moisture and clouds from the Indian Ocean, making the monsoon move from Kerala to Maharashtra in just two days.
    • Other Contributing Factors:
      • A strong cross-equatorial flow brought warm, moist air from the south.
      • A low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea brought pre-monsoon rains to Mumbai.
    • Record Rainfall: This resulted in Mumbai’s wettest May in over 100 years.
    • Why It Matters: The event showed how a tropical system like the MJO can suddenly change monsoon timing and rainfall patterns in India.
    [UPSC 2017] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.

    2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.

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

     

  • What is Magnetic Flip-Flop?

    Why in the News?

    In 2024, a soundtrack was released inspired by the Laschamps event, a magnetic flip-flop that occurred 41,000 years ago when Earth’s magnetic field weakened to just 5% and the poles briefly reversed.

    What is Magnetic Flip-Flop?

    • Definition: A magnetic flip-flop is when Earth’s magnetic poles reverse, with the north and south poles switching places.
    • Magnetic Field Source: Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core, acting like a giant magnet.
    • Reversal Types:
      • A long-term change is called a geomagnetic reversal.
      • A short-lived, temporary switch is a geomagnetic excursion.
    • Field Behavior: During a reversal, the magnetic field weakens significantly and the direction of field lines flips.
    • Occurrence: These events are irregular and unpredictable.

    Recent Magnetic Reversals and Excursions:

    • Last Major Reversal: The Brunhes–Matuyama reversal occurred about 780,000 years ago.
    • Known Excursions:
      • Norwegian-Greenland Sea event (~64,500 years ago)
      • Laschamps excursion (~41,000 years ago), when field strength dropped to 5% of today’s level
      • Mono Lake excursion (~34,500 years ago)
    • Indian Evidence: Excursions found in Uttarakhand (Bagwalipokar), dated to 15,500–14,700 years and 8,000–2,850 years ago.
    • Pole Movement: Since 1831, the north magnetic pole has shifted 1,100 km toward Siberia and now moves at 35 km/year, while the south pole is more stable.

    Implications of Magnetic Flip-Flop:

    • Radiation Exposure: A weaker magnetic field during flip-flop allows more cosmic radiation, affecting:
      • Satellites and astronauts
      • Navigation and communication systems
      • Power grids and electronics
    • Protective Shield: Earth’s atmosphere still protects against harmful radiation even when the magnetic field is weak.
    • Climate & Ozone Effects: Events like Laschamps may have altered the ozone layer and climate, but no confirmed link to mass extinctions.
    • South Atlantic Anomaly: A current weak-field region affecting spacecraft over South America and South Africa.
    • Monitoring Tools: Scientists use satellites, ice cores, volcanic rocks, and geomagnetic observatories to track field changes.
    • Global Guidance: The World Magnetic Model, updated every 5 years, supports navigation systems worldwide.
    • Prediction Outlook: Though timing of future reversals is uncertain, computer models and cosmic data are improving forecasts.
    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.

    2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.

    3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [26th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The maths of how India’s coastline lengthened without gaining land

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2023] Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

    Linkage: India’s geography and physical features, like its coastlines, are often discussed in terms of resources and natural hazards. This question is relevant as it pertains to India’s coastline and is categorized under the Geography subject in GS1.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: In December 2024, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revised India’s coastline length from 7,516.6 km to 11,098.8 km, not due to any geographical change, but because of the use of advanced cartographic tools and improved measurement techniques. This revision, made nearly 50 years after the original measurement in the 1970s, demonstrates the coastline paradox — the idea that coastline length increases with more detailed measurement scales. The update has significant implications for maritime security, disaster preparedness, and exclusive economic zone delineation, showcasing how technology redefines our geographic understanding.

    Today’s editorial discusses the updated length of India’s coastline and its effects. This information is useful for GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper II (Policy Making), and GS Paper III (Environment & Disaster Management).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs updated India’s coastline length to 11,099 km in its 2023–24 report, increasing it from the earlier measurement of 7,516.6 km.

    What caused the increase in India’s coastline length?

    • Use of High-Resolution Mapping Techniques: Earlier measurements (1970s) used low-resolution maps (1:4,500,000), missing finer features. The updated 2024 figure uses high-resolution charts (1:250,000), capturing detailed coastal geometry. Eg: Narrow tidal creeks and sandbars that were previously omitted are now included.
      • Features like estuaries, tidal flats, coastal ridges, and inlets are now accurately mapped. Eg: Island groups like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, which were inadequately covered earlier, are now comprehensively included.

    Why is it hard to measure coastlines accurately?

    • Coastline Paradox (Dependence on Scale of Measurement): The measured length of a coastline changes based on the size of the measuring unit (“ruler”). Eg: Using a 200-km ruler smooths over small curves, but a 1-km ruler captures every inlet and estuary, increasing total length.
    • Irregular and Dynamic Coastal Features: Coastlines are shaped by natural features like creeks, deltas, estuaries, and shifting sediments, which are not fixed. Eg: River mouths may change shape over time due to erosion or sediment deposition, making boundaries unclear.
    • Influence of Tides and Sea-Level Changes: High and low tides alter visible land boundaries, affecting measurements at different times. Eg: Areas that are exposed during low tide but submerged at high tide (like mudflats) may or may not be counted depending on timing.

    Which tools were used to update the measurement?

    • Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs): Provided detailed and accurate mapping at a finer scale (1:250,000). Eg: These charts helped capture small features like estuaries and creeks which were missed in older maps (1:4,500,000 scale).
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Enabled spatial analysis and integration of various data layers for precise mapping. Eg: GIS combined data from satellites, surveys, and field measurements to create a more accurate coastline outline.
    • LIDAR-GPS and Satellite-Based Imaging: Laser-based LIDAR and GPS were used for high-resolution topographic mapping. Eg: Drones and satellite altimetry helped detect elevation and shoreline changes, especially in island regions like Andaman & Nicobar.

    How does the revised coastline length impact India’s maritime security and disaster preparedness?

    • Enhanced Maritime Surveillance and Border Security: A longer coastline means more area to monitor for smuggling, infiltration, and illegal fishing. Eg: The Indian Coast Guard may need more outposts, vessels, and patrol routes to guard the extended 11,099.8 km coastline.
    • Expansion of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): The increased length helps in demarcating a wider EEZ, enabling better control over marine resources. Eg: India can assert rights over fisheries, oil, and gas exploration in a broader sea area.
    • Improved Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning: Better understanding of coastal geography aids in creating precise models for cyclones, tsunamis, and storm surges. Eg: Coastal States like Odisha and Tamil Nadu can now develop more accurate evacuation and shelter plans.
    • Refined Coastal Regulation and Zoning: Accurate coastline data supports zoning laws to restrict construction in vulnerable areas. Eg: Authorities can update Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to better safeguard ecosystems and infrastructure.
    • Better Climate Resilience and Adaptation Planning: Updated coastline measurements help assess vulnerability to sea-level rise and erosion. Eg: Low-lying areas in Kerala and island regions like Lakshadweep can be prioritized for climate adaptation projects.

    What are the resource potentials of the long coastline of India?

    • Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity: India’s coastline supports a vast fishing industry, providing employment and food security. Eg: States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have thriving marine fishing sectors contributing to exports and coastal livelihoods.
    • Port Infrastructure and Trade: The long coastline facilitates maritime trade through major and minor ports. Eg: Ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam are crucial for imports, exports, and shipping connectivity under the Sagarmala Project.
    • Offshore Energy Resources: Coastal waters have potential for oil, natural gas, and renewable energy like offshore wind and tidal energy. Eg: Mumbai High is a major offshore oil field, while Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are exploring offshore wind energy projects.
    • Tourism and Blue Economy Development: Scenic beaches, islands, and marine ecosystems attract tourism and support the blue economy. Eg: Goa’s coastal tourism and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ ecotourism contribute significantly to local economies.
    • Aquaculture and Coastal Agriculture: Coastal zones are suitable for shrimp farming, seaweed cultivation, and salt production. Eg: Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have developed large-scale shrimp aquaculture for domestic and export markets.

    What is the status of natural hazard preparedness in the coastal Area?

    • Improved Early Warning Systems: India has strengthened early warning capabilities for cyclones and tsunamis through institutions like the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and IMD. Eg: The Odisha government’s timely evacuation during Cyclone Fani (2019) saved thousands of lives.
    • Development of Coastal Infrastructure and Shelters: Construction of cyclone-resistant shelters, embankments, and flood control systems has improved disaster resilience. Eg: The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) has led to the building of multi-purpose cyclone shelters in vulnerable states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
    • Community Awareness and Disaster Drills: Government and NGOs have promoted community-based disaster preparedness, training locals in evacuation procedures and first aid. Eg: Regular mock drills in coastal villages of Tamil Nadu and Kerala help improve response readiness.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Expansion:Strengthen ICZM plans across all coastal states with real-time monitoring, climate-resilient infrastructure, and ecosystem-based approaches. Eg: Expand initiatives like ICZM Phase II to include mangrove restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and coastal erosion control in states like Kerala and Goa.
    • Technology-Driven Risk Mapping and Community-Centric Planning: Deploy AI-powered hazard models, geospatial mapping, and mobile-based alert systems to ensure last-mile connectivity. Eg: Use drone mapping for vulnerable areas in the Sundarbans, and integrate local communities into planning via participatory risk assessments.

  • A Good Monsoon

    Why in the News?

    This May has been unusually wet, with India getting 68.4% more rain than normal. Also, there have been no extreme temperatures or major heatwaves across most parts of the country.

    What caused the wet and cool May in India?

    • Above-Normal Rainfall: India received 68.4% more rainfall than usual for May, making it one of the wettest months in recent times. Eg: 27 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions saw over 20% surplus rain.
    • Frequent Moisture-Laden Winds: Western disturbances from the Mediterranean and incursions from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea brought continuous showers. Eg: These weather systems caused intermittent thunderstorms across northern and eastern India.
    • Suppression of Heatwaves: Each thunderstorm cooled temperatures, preventing the buildup of heatwaves. Eg: No major heatwave was reported across central and north India during May.

    Why is the formation of heat lows over northwest India important for the monsoon?

    • Creates Suction for Moist Winds: Heat lows act like a vacuum, pulling moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Indian Ocean into the Indian subcontinent. Eg: Strong heat lows over Rajasthan help trigger early monsoon onset over central India.
    • Drives Monsoon Circulation: These low-pressure areas initiate and sustain the monsoon trough, which is essential for widespread rainfall. Eg: Absence of heat lows can delay or weaken the monsoon across northwest and central India.
    • Influences Rainfall Intensity and Spread: Proper heat low development ensures uniform and timely rainfall, crucial for agriculture. Eg: Weak heat lows in 2015 contributed to a patchy and deficient monsoon season.

    How do El Niño and IOD affect the monsoon?

    • El Niño Weakens Monsoon Winds: El Niño leads to warmer Pacific Ocean waters, which suppresses the Indian monsoon by weakening the low-pressure system over the subcontinent. Eg: The 2015 El Niño caused a 14% rainfall deficit in India.
    • Positive IOD Strengthens Monsoon: A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) brings warmer waters near Africa and cooler waters near Indonesia, enhancing monsoon winds and rainfall over India. Eg: In 2019, a strong positive IOD offset El Niño’s impact, resulting in above-normal rainfall.

    What would be the impact of monsoon on food inflation? 

    • Good Monsoon Boosts Crop Yields: Adequate rainfall ensures timely sowing and healthy harvests, leading to better food availability and stable prices. Eg: A normal monsoon in 2022 helped moderate cereal price rise.
    • Reduces Dependency on Imports: Sufficient domestic production of staples like wheat and pulses lowers the need for costly imports, helping control food inflation. Eg: In 2024, surplus wheat stock due to good rainfall reduced price pressure.
    • Stabilises Rural Demand and Supply Chains: A healthy monsoon supports rural incomes, improving supply consistency and reducing volatility in food prices. Eg: Strong kharif output in 2021 led to a drop in vegetable prices.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Climate-Responsive Agriculture: Promote drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties and expand irrigation to reduce dependence on erratic monsoons.
    • Enhance Weather Forecasting and Storage Infrastructure: Improve real-time weather alerts and expand warehousing to minimize post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

    Linkage: Understanding the dynamics of food inflation, as required by this question, is essential for appreciating the significant positive economic contribution that a favorable monsoon can make by potentially increasing agricultural output and stabilizing food prices.

  • Rewriting the Keezhadi (Keeladi) Excavations Report

    Why in the News?

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked to resubmit his excavation report on the Keeladi site near Madurai after making necessary corrections.

    ASI’s Concerns with the Report:

    • The ASI asked for better scientific justification for the period of 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE.
    • It said the earliest period could be more accurately dated to pre-300 BCE.
    • The ASI said that depth data alone was not enough — each scientific date should also mention the layer number to allow for stratigraphic consistency.

    About Keezhadi Excavations:

    • Location: Keezhadi is a village in Sivaganga district, located about 12 km southeast of Madurai, along the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
    • Excavations: Excavations began in 2014, led by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, to uncover urban signs from the Sangam Age.
    • Period Link: The site is associated with the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), and findings may push it back to 800 BCE.
    • Civilisation Context: Keezhadi is now seen as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation, with evidence of urbanisation, trade, and early literacy.

    Key Findings from Keezhadi:

    • Period: Charcoal samples dated to around 200 BCE; some artefacts range between the 6th century BCE and 1st century BCE using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating.
    • Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions: Over 120 potsherds with early Tamil Brahmi script indicate literacy during the Sangam period.
    • Pottery and Craftsmanship: Discovery of pottery, gold ornaments, copper tools, shell bangles, and ivory combs show local industry and artistic skill.
    • Trade and Imports: Agate and carnelian beads suggest access to imported materials and long-distance trade.
    • Recreational Items: Dice and game pieces were found, indicating leisure activities in the society.
    • Industrial Activity: Evidence of dyeing units and bead-making points to a flourishing economy.
    • Cultural Continuity: Artefacts show a transition from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period.
    • Possible Indus Link: Some symbols on potsherds resemble Indus Valley signs, hinting at cultural connections, despite a 1,000-year gap.
    [UPSC 2013] Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

    [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

    Options: (a) Kings employing women bodyguards (b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters (c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death*

     

  • INSV Kaundinya

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy has formally inducted a traditional stitched sail ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karwar.

    INSV Kaundinya

    About INSV Kaundinya:

    • Induction: It is a newly inducted, stitched sail ship of the Indian Navy, formally inducted at Karwar Naval Base.
    • Design: The ship is based on a 5th-century design shown in a painting from the Ajanta Caves.
    • Construction Method: Built using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including coconut fibre stitching, wooden joinery, coir ropes, natural resins, and cotton sails.
    • No Modern Additions: It has no metal parts, no modern rudder, and is powered by square sails and steering oars.
    • Cultural Symbols: Features include the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle of the Kadamba dynasty), a Simha Yali on the bow, and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
    • Sail Plan: The vessel has 3 masts — the main mast, mizzen mast, and bowsprit mast.
    • Planned Voyage: A 15-member Indian Navy crew will sail it to Oman by late 2025, retracing ancient maritime trade routes.
    • Project Partners: This heritage revival project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd.

    Legend of Kaundinya and Queen Soma:

    • Kaundinya is regarded as the first known Indian sailor to cross the seas over 2,000 years ago.
    • He is credited with founding the kingdom of Funan (in present-day Cambodia and South Vietnam) through a historic alliance with Queen Soma.
    • Their story is recorded in Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Chinese sources, though not in Indian texts.
    • Future dynasties like the Khmer and Cham traced their origins to this union.
    [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times.

    2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South East Asia and conquered some of the areas.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

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

    https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-inducts-stitched-sail-ship-as-insv-kaundinya/article69601911.ece