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  • U.P., Rajasthan, M.P. top in cases of atrocities on Dalits: report

    Why in the News?

    According to a recent government report, 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in 2022 were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest numbers.

    What are the finding as per report?

    • Concentration of Cases: Approximately 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh having the highest incidents. For Scheduled Tribes (STs), 98.91% of cases were also concentrated in these states.
    • Statistics on Atrocities:
        • For SCs, there were 51,656 reported cases, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 23.78% (12,287 cases).
        • Other significant contributors included Rajasthan (8,651 cases, 16.75%) and Madhya Pradesh (7,732 cases, 14.97%).
        • For STs, a total of 9,735 cases were registered, with Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest at 30.61% (2,979 cases).
    • Investigation and Charge-Sheeting:
      • Among SC-related cases, 60.38% resulted in charge sheets, while 14.78% concluded with final reports due to reasons like false claims or lack of evidence.
      • For ST-related cases, the charge-sheeting rate was slightly higher at 63.32%, with similar conclusions for final reports.
    • Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for atrocities under the Act has declined to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020, indicating a concerning trend in legal outcomes for victims.
    • Special Courts and Infrastructure: Out of 498 districts, only 194 had established special courts to expedite trials related to these cases, highlighting a significant gap in judicial infrastructure.

    What are the protection for SCs in Indian law?

    The Indian legal framework provides several protections for SCs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:

    • Prohibition of Atrocities: The Act defines various forms of atrocities against SC members, including social exclusion, bonded labor, forced manual scavenging, and physical violence.
    • Legal Recourse: Victims can report crimes to the police or the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), which has the authority to investigate complaints and ensure legal protections are enforced.
    • Punishments for Offenders: Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months to five years along with fines for committing atrocities against SC members.

    What are the intiative taken by government to empower SCs in economical and social term?

    • Reservation Policies: The Constitution mandates reservations for SCs in government jobs and educational institutions to enhance their representation and opportunities.
    • Financial Assistance Programs: Various schemes provide financial support for self-employment and skill development among SC communities to improve their economic status. Example is the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
    • Establishment of Protection Cells: SC/ST Protection Cells have been set up across states to address grievances and ensure the enforcement of protective laws.For instance, in Karnataka, these cells have been actively involved in monitoring atrocities against SCs/STs and conducting surveys in atrocity-prone areas
    • Awareness Campaigns and Training Programs: The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate SC communities about their rights and available legal protections. For example,“Bharat ke Sathi” campaign.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Legal and Judicial Mechanisms: Establish more special courts and fast-track mechanisms in all districts to ensure timely justice for victims of atrocities, alongside improving conviction rates through effective investigation and prosecution.
    • Empowering SC Communities Through Socio-Economic Initiatives: Expand skill development, financial assistance programs, and awareness campaigns to improve economic independence and social integration of SC communities, ensuring better enforcement of their rights and protections.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • 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

  • Why Earth will temporarily get a ‘Mini-Moon’ in September?

    Why in the News?

    In a rare celestial event, Earth’s gravitational field will witness a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, creating a “mini-moon” for two months.

    What is Mini-Moon?

    • A mini-moon is a small asteroid temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field, orbiting the planet for a short period before escaping back into space.
    • Unlike Earth’s permanent moon, mini-moons only stay for a few months to a few years before being ejected from orbit.
    • Mini-moons are a rare occurrence because most asteroids either pass by Earth or burn up in the atmosphere rather than being captured by Earth’s gravity.
    • Mini-moons are usually small, often just a few meters in diameter.
      • For example, 2024 PT5 is only about 33 feet (10 meters) in length.
    • They are hard to detect and are usually discovered using advanced telescopic surveys like NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).

    Significance of Mini-Moons

    • Mini-moons offer scientists a unique opportunity to study near-Earth objects, enhancing our understanding of asteroids’ behavior and composition.
    • Mini-moons could contain valuable minerals or water, making them potential targets for future space missions to extract resources.
    • Studying mini-moons helps scientists learn more about Earth’s gravitational influence and how it interacts with space objects.

    PYQ:

    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

  • [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.
  • The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui

    Rapa Nui

    Why in the News?

    The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) has always been mysterious due to its harsh geography and iconic Moai statues.

    About Rapa Nui Island

    Details
    Location • Situated in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui is part of Polynesia and a territory of Chile.
    • One of the most remote islands, about 3,500 km from Chile.
    Size • Covers an area of 160 sq. km.
    Geographical details • The island has a volcanic origin, featuring lava-covered terrain and rocky soil.

    • Notable volcanoes include Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.

    Tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C.

    Rainfall occurs mostly in the winter months.

    Moai Statues • Famous for over 900 moai statues, some as tall as 40 ft and weighing 75 tonnes.
    • These statues were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to honor revered ancestors.
    • Carved from volcanic rock and transported across great distances.
    Discovery • Discovered by European sailors on Easter Sunday, 1722, which gave it the name Easter Island.
    • The island had been settled centuries earlier by Polynesian explorers who navigated thousands of kilometers of ocean.
    Significance of New Findings • Recent studies, including the use of AI analysis of satellite images, have debunked earlier theories of ecological collapse.
    • Genetic studies show Native American ancestry before European contact, indicating earlier interactions with South America.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.

    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.

    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • [14th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Being ‘trans’ is being human

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (UPSC CSE 2014)

    Q The multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (UPSC CSE 2018)

    Prelims:
    In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?
    1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000
    2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000
    3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1 and 4 only

    Mentor’s Comment: Transgender rights are human rights because all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Transgender individuals face high rates of discrimination, violence, and marginalization worldwide, which violate their fundamental human rights.

    Transgender rights in India and around the world have seen significant advancements, but challenges remain. Legal recognition is crucial for ensuring equal rights, yet many transgender individuals still encounter discrimination and social stigma. Continued advocacy and awareness are necessary to improve the lives of transgender people globally.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    There are ongoing global discussions about the legal rights and recognition of transgender individuals.  Recognizing and affirming transgender identities are a part of the broader human condition.

    ‘Transgender’ is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The right to self-determine one’s gender identity is considered a fundamental human right.

    The Evolving Landscape of Transgender Rights:

    • Legal Recognition of Gender Identity: Some countries like Argentina, Denmark, and Malta allow individuals to change their legal gender through self-declaration, without requiring surgery or medical intervention.
      • In 2014, the Indian SC affirmed the rights of transgender people to determine their own gender identity and be recognized as “third gender”.
      • Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 protects transgender people from discrimination in areas like education, employment, and healthcare. 
    • Discrimination and Violence: Transgender people face high rates of discrimination, violence, and marginalization worldwide.
      • For example, in the U.S., some states passed laws in 2022-23, restricting transgender rights, such as limiting access to gender-affirming healthcare or banning transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
    • International Human Rights Frameworks: The Yogyakarta Principles outline how international human rights law applies to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
      • The United Nations has called for the decriminalization of gender identity and the prohibition of discrimination based on gender expression.
    • Present societal attitudes: Public views on transgender issues are complex and evolving, with some arguing progress is too slow while others feel the pace of change is too rapid.
      • Increasing visibility and representation of transgender people in media and culture has helped raise awareness and acceptance.

    Need to understand Gender Identity:

    • Gender vs. Sex: ‘Sex’ refers to biological attributes like chromosomes and reproductive organs. For instance, someone with XY chromosomes is typically assigned male at birth.
      • ‘Gender’ involves how individuals identify and express themselves, which can differ from their assigned sex. For example, a person may be biologically male but identify as non-binary.
      • Hence, Gender identity is the internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. It may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.
    • Gender Expression: This refers to how individuals express their gender through clothing, behavior, and appearance. For example, a person may dress in a way that is traditionally associated with the opposite gender.
    • Recognition and Rights: Some countries allow individuals to change their legal gender easily, while others impose strict requirements, such as surgery or medical evaluations.
      • Some cultures too recognize more than two genders, such as the hijra community in South Asia or Two-Spirit identities among some Indigenous peoples in North America.

    How Science can help us?

    • Bringing awareness: Science fiction can help us examine current societal issues by placing them in unfamiliar contexts. For example, in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Measure of a Man,” a trial questions whether Data, an android, is property or a person.
    • Need for Data Outlook:  The court must decide if data can be dismantled for research without his consent. A key argument is that data should be seen as a person with rights, not just as a machine.
      • The verdict will reflect who we are as a society and could affect personal freedoms for many.

    Conclusion: The real issue lies with those who question the humanity of transgender individuals. To be transgender or gay is a natural part of being human while analyzing their bodies to judge their humanity is a dehumanizing act.

  • 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.

  • Why September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day?

    Saragarhi

    Why in the News?

    127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.

    About the Battle of Saragarhi

    • The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
    • The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
    • Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
    • Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
    • Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.

    Implication of the Battle

    • The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
    • The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
    • The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
    • The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:

    (a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

    (b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

    (c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment

    (d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

  • Who was Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805)?

    On Saturday, September 7, Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi has pledged to replace the statue of Sakthan Thampuran, which was damaged by a state transport bus in June, with a new bronze statue if the Kerala government fails to do so within 14 days.

    Why in the News?

    Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur.

    Who was Sakthan Thampuran?

    • Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
      • He was raised by an aunt who nicknamed him Sakthan, meaning powerful, reflecting his strong personality and leadership.
    • The title Thampuran is derived from the Sanskrit word samrat, meaning emperor.
    • The Cochin kingdom, a part of the Late Chera Empire, spanned regions from Ponnani (Malappuram) to Thottappally (Alappuzha) in modern-day Kerala.
    • At age 18, in 1769, he became heir apparent, advising the king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control of trade in the region.
    • He orchestrated the Mysore invasion of Travancore, which eventually led to the Powney treaty.
    • This treaty freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and formalized its relations with the British East India Company.
    • He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual heads of key temples. He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.

    Sakthan and the Thrissur Pooram Festival

    • Sakthan relocated the capital of his kingdom from Thrippunithura to Thrissur.
      • He developed Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding Swaraj Round, which became the foundation for Thrissur’s infrastructure.
    • He invited merchants from all religions and British officials to settle in Thrissur, and personally managed the kingdom’s finances.
    • In 1797, he started the Thrissur Pooram as an alternative to Arattupuzha Pooram, uniting major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva, the deity at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
      • It is held every year on the Pooram day – the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?​

    1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.​

    2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.​

    3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) 2 and 3 only​

    (d) 3 only ​