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GS Paper: GS1

  • Srinagar vies for World Craft City Tag 

    Why in the news?

    • The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) has identified Srinagar as a potential candidate for the prestigious World Craft City (WCC) designation from India.
    • Artisans in Srinagar have uniquely preserved their traditional crafts such as Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mâché.

    Craft Sector Statistics in Kashmir

    • The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-K) is working with the J&K Handicrafts department to map Srinagar’s craft sector in preparation for the final nomination.
    • Srinagar boasts a rich artisanal heritage, with over 20,000 registered craftsmen engaged in various disciplines such as papier mâché, walnut wood carving, hand-knotted carpets, and more.
    • Handicrafts contribute significantly to the local economy, with approximately 2.64% of J&K’s overall economic output attributed to the sector by 2016-17.

     

    About World Craft Council (WCC International)

    Details
    What is it? Non-profit, Non-governmental organization
    Working
    • Establishment in 1964;
    • Registered in Belgium as an international association without lucrative purpose (AISBL).
    • Affiliated to the UNESCO
    Founders Kamaladevi Chattopadhay and Aileen Osborn Webb
    Purpose To promote fellowship among craftspersons worldwide, foster economic development through craft-related activities, organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions, and offer encouragement and advice to artisans.
    Legal Status
    • Registered in Belgium as an international association without lucrative purpose (AISBL)
    • WCC is organized into five regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
    Meetings
    • European branch meets annually;
    • General Assembly occurs every four years (took place in Chennai in 2012).

    What is World Craft City (WCC) Designation?

    • The WCC initiative was launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International).
    • It recognizes the pivotal role local authorities, craftspeople, and communities play in cultural, economic, and social development worldwide.
    • India has only 3 cities designated as World Craft City:
    1. Jaipur (Kundan Jadai (Gem setting), Meenakari Jewellery, Lac based craft, Gotta Patti Work etc. )
    2. Mysuru (Kinnal paintings, Sandalwood carvings, Rosewood Inlay etc. )
    3. Mamallapuram (Stone Carving continuing since Pallava dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE))

    With inputs from: https://www.wccinternational.org/craft-cities/craft-cities-asia-pacific

    PYQ:

    Consider the following pairs:

    1. Puthukkuli Shawls — Tamil Nadu
    2. Sujni Embroidery — Maharashtra
    3. Uppada Jamdani Saris — Karnataka

    Craft Heritage of which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 2 and 3

  • Iron Age Megalithic Sites discovered in Telangana

    Why in the news?

    • Archaeologists in Telangana have found Iron Age megalithic sites, including various structures such as large stone monuments and places with rock paintings.
    • These discoveries provide important information about the ancient civilizations that once lived in the area.

    Iron Age in India

    • India’s Iron Age ranged from approximately 1200 BCE to 200 BCE.
    • It was marked by the emergence of new archaeological cultures, including the megalithic cultures, Painted Grey Ware culture (1300–300 BCE), and the Northern Black Polished Ware (700–200 BCE).
    • This period corresponds to the transition from the Janapadas (principalities) of the Vedic period to the 16 Mahajanapadas (region-states) of the early historic period.
    • This transition culminated in the emergence of the Maurya Empire toward the end of the Iron Age.
    • Ironworking was prevalent in the Central Ganga Plain and the Eastern Vindhyas from the early second millennium BCE.
    • Sites:
    1. North India: Malhar, Dadupur, Raja Nala Ka Tila, Lahuradewa, Kosambi and Jhusi, Allahabad in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
    2. South India: Earliest Iron Age sites include Hallur in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu, dating to around 1000 BCE. Mahurjhari near Nagpur was a significant site for bead manufacturing.
    • The Indian Iron Age ended coinciding with other significant events such as the decline of the Mauryan Empire and the spread of Buddhism.

     

    About the Ooragutta Megalithic Site

    • The site boasts over 200 megalithic monuments, although the exact count remains uncertain due to the dense forest and hilly terrain.
    • They are characterized by squarish or rectangular shapes, the structures at Ooragutta exhibit unique features.

    Dolmenoid Cists

    • The newly discovered monuments, termed “Dolmenoid Cists,” feature side slabs arranged to mirror the shape of the cap-stone, resulting in each cist having a distinct shape dictated by the cap-stone.
    • These monuments are estimated to date back to around 1,000 BCE.

    Rock Art Sites at Damaratogu

    • Two new rock art sites have been discovered at Damaratogu in Gundala mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
    • One of these sites, known as ‘Devarlabanda Mula‘, exclusively depicts animals and NO humans, in a rock painting.
    • It suggests a cultural significance possibly related to hunting or animal worship.
    • The absence of weapons or domestic animals in the paintings indicates that these artworks may belong to the Mesolithic age, dating anywhere between 8000 – 3000 BCE.

    Significance of Discoveries

    • These monuments resemble to “Passage Chambers” found in Europe.
    • This discovery sheds light on previously unknown architectural styles in the region and offers insights into the evolution of megalithic practices.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following pairs: ​

    (Historical place) (Well-known for)​

    1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines​
    2. Chandraketugarh : Terracotta art​
    3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts​

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

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 2 and 3 only

  • Mount Ruang in Indonesia Erupts

    Why in the news?

    Indonesia witnessed a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano located in North Sulawesi Province.

    About Mount Ruang 

    • Ruang is situated in the Sangihe Islands arc, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    • It comprises an island that is 4 by 5 kilometers wide, with a summit containing a partial lava dome reaching an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 ft).
    • From its summit, peaks such as Klabat, Siau, and Ternate can be observed in the south, north, and east, respectively.
    • The volcano’s first recorded eruption was in 1808.

    Why so many volcanic eruptions in Indonesia this year?

    • Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes.
    • It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

    What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?

    • The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
    • Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
    • It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
    • Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.

    Its spread

    • Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
    • It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.

    Seismic activity of the region

    • The area is along several tectonic plates including the:
    1. Pacific plate,
    2. Philippine Plate,
    3. Juan de Fuca plate,
    4. Cocos plate,
    5. Nazca plate, and
    6. North American plate.
    • The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
    • Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.

    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

  • Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex Dispute

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court has issued a cautionary note to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) barring any physical excavation that could alter the character of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex.

    About Bhojshala Complex

    Details
    Location Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
    Historical Background Established by Raja Bhoj, the greatest ruler of the Parmar dynasty, as an educational institute.
    Date of Establishment 11th century.
    Transformation Originally a Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati temple), later converted into Kamal Maulana Mosque by Muslim rulers.
    Architectural Features
    • Large open courtyard (Mahaāyata);
    • Verandah with decorated pillars (Sthāpanā);
    • Prayer hall with intricately carved ceilings (Shikharākāra).
    Inscriptions
    • Two hymns depicting the Karmavatar of Vishnu (Avatār);
    • Sarpabandha pillar inscriptions with Sanskrit alphabet and grammatical rules (Vyākaraṇa).
    Archaeological Significance Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an 11th-century monument under Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

    Controversy over Bhojshala Complex

    • Religious Claims: Hindus regard the site as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it to be the Kamal Maula mosque.
    • Usage Agreement: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allows Hindus to pray on Tuesdays and Vasant Panchami, and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays,

    Recent Developments

    • Vasant Panchami Dispute: A recent order allowing Hindus to worship during Basant Panchami hours led to discontent among some Right-wing activists.
    • Demand for Extended Access: Hindu groups demand all-day access to the shrine on such occasions, leading to protests and petitions filed in the High Court.

     

    Who was Raja Bhoj?

    Details
    Original name Raja Bhoja (Mihir Bhoja)
    Dynasty Gurjara-Pratihara
    Reign 836 – 885 AD
    Rise to Prominence Emerged as the paramount power in northern India, defeating rivals like the Palas and Rashtrakutas
    Capital Kannauj (Mahodaya)
    Military Strength Possessed India’s strongest cavalry, as noted by Arab traveller Sulaiman
    Title Assumed the title of “Adivaraha”; referred to as “King Baura” by Arab travellers
    Religious Affiliation Great follower of Vaishnavism
    Acknowledgment of Supremacy Acknowledged as supreme by various factions, including Arabs of Sindh, Chandalas, and Kalachuris
    Notable Feats Triumph over Pala king Devapala and Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha
    Legacy Renowned for his wisdom, military prowess, and patronage of Vaishnavism
    Historical Significance Marked the zenith of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:​

    1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.​
    2. It is the only circular temple built in India.​
    3. I was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.​
    4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. ​

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

  • India’s Arctic imperative

    Why in the news? 

    The Indian government appears interested in capitalizing on seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic

    About Artice Region:

    • The Arctic region is rich in energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power.
    • The Arctic covers an area of approximately 8 million square kilometers, with interests belonging to Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States

    The reason behind the growing interest in the Arctic Region:

    • Climate Change Concerns: India’s increased interest in the Arctic stems from scientific data revealing accelerated warming in the region.
    • Trade Route Opportunities: India seeks to capitalize on the opening up of Arctic sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to enhance its trade efficiency.
    • Geopolitical Considerations: India’s focus on the Arctic is also driven by geopolitical factors, including concerns over China’s expanding presence and Russia’s decisions regarding access to Arctic routes.
    • Historical Engagement: India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty.

    Indian Initiatives:

    • Arctic Council: As an Observer in the Arctic Council, India actively participates in various working groups and expert meetings. India’s involvement in these discussions helps in understanding Arctic governance issues and contributes to the development of sustainable policies for the region.
    • INS Himadri: In 2019, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic with the INS Himadri, an ice-class research vessel. The expedition aimed to study climate change, oceanography, and marine biodiversity, furthering India’s expertise in polar research.
    • PAME: India’s commitment to sustainable development in the Arctic is reflected in its engagement with Arctic Council initiatives like the ‘Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment’ (PAME).

    Way Forward – Potential for Collaboration:

    • Green Energy and Clean Industries: India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic countries, particularly Norway, in green energy and clean industries. This aligns with India’s goal of positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder in global environmental initiatives.
    • Transformational Partnership: Collaboration with Norway could be transformative for India, offering opportunities for increased participation in Arctic Council working groups
    • Scientific Research and Environmental Protection: A partnership with Norway is expected to focus on scientific research, climate, and environmental protection. These areas align with India’s Arctic Policy pillars, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges through research and cooperation.

  • Jiadhal River and Change of its Course

    Why in the news?

    • Climate Change is disrupting Jiadhal River’s (Dhemaji district, Assam) tranquil flow, leading to unprecedented shifts in its course and causing upheaval for residents.

    About Jiadhal River:

    • It flows through the districts of Darrang, Udalguri, and Baksa in the northeastern state of Assam.
      • It is also known Kumotiya River after flowing from Gogamukh.
    • Origin: From the Hills of Bhutan, flows through the Assam Himalayas before meandering through the plains of Assam. It is formed by the confluence of several smaller streams.
    • Major tributaries: Kolong River and the Daokao River.
    • It eventually joins the Brahmaputra River near the town of Nalbari.
    • It is known as the ‘Sorrow of Dhemaji’ for the heavy damage caused by annual floods and erosion.

    Factors leading to changes in the Jiadhal River’s Course  

    • Erosion: Flowing water gradually wears away the riverbanks and bed, causing the river to meander and change course.
    • Sediment deposition: Accumulation of sediment can create new channels or alter the flow pattern of the river.
    • Human activities: Dams, channelization, urbanization, deforestation, and mining can disrupt natural river processes, leading to changes in flow and morphology.
    • Climate change: Changes in precipitation, temperature, and glacier melt affect river flow patterns and behavior.
    • Tectonic activity: Uplift, subsidence, and faulting influence river topography and drainage patterns, leading to adjustments in course and behavior.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Urbanization, no liberating force for Dalits

    Why in the News?

    The Indian cities have failed with the aspirations and expectations of the Dalit liberation movement in urbanization.

    View of Ambedkar and  Jyotirao Phule on Urbanisation:

    • Urbanization as an Opportunity for Dalit Liberation: Both Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule saw urbanization as an opportunity for Dalit liberation. They believed that the systems of caste oppression that were prevalent in Indian villages would weaken in cities.
    • City Life as Liberating and Liberal: Phule admired city life for its liberal atmosphere and the opportunity it provided him to earn a living. Similarly, Ambedkar saw cities as places where one could become anonymous, breaking free from the constraints of caste-based identities.
    • Transition from Caste to Class: Cities offered the potential for individuals to transition from a caste-based order to a class-based order. In cities, one’s status would be determined more by their accumulation of resources or capital rather than their caste background.

    Why Urbanisation is not a liberating force for Dalits?

    • Extension of Caste in City: The logic of purity-pollution extends to the broader urban environment, where Dalits carry the stigma of their ghettoized identity into public spaces. This perpetuates the association of Dalit identity with impurity and reinforces caste-based discrimination.
    • Meat as impure by the State: Governments impose Brahminical regulations on public spaces, reinforcing the perception of meat as impure. For example, it includes Regulations on meat shops and bans on meat-based street food in certain areas, often justified by citing religious sentiments.
    • Secular and Religious Spaces: The state’s regulations to maintain purity in both secular and religious public spaces, even extending to what pedestrians can visually encounter.
    • Poor Sanitation: A large-scale study also found that public services and access to Municipal Infrastructure such as clean drinking water are the worst in Dalit and Muslim ghettos
    • Issue of Sacrifice Zone: Research in sacrifice zones regions marked for severe environmental pollution such as landfills shows that such areas are overwhelmingly inhabited by Dalits and Muslims.
    • Statistics: A recent report by the ‘Housing and Land Rights Network’ on forced evictions in India also shows that Dalits and Muslims are the most impacted by slum demolition drives.

    Suggestive Measures:

    • Community Empowerment: Empower Dalit and Muslim communities through grassroots initiatives, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
    • Awareness and Sensitization: Conduct awareness campaigns and sensitization programs aimed at challenging caste-based stereotypes and prejudices in urban society.
    • Infrastructure Development: Prioritize investment in infrastructure development in Dalit and Muslim ghettos to improve access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

    Conclusion: Urbanization hasn’t fulfilled Dalit liberation hopes. Ambedkar and Phule envisioned cities as liberating, but caste persists. Measures include community empowerment, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development to combat discrimination and improve living conditions.

  • Lachit Borphukan and his Legend

    Why in the news?

    • The Statue of Valour, depicting Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, has become a significant landmark in Meleng-Hollongapar, Jorhat in Assam.
    • The 125-foot statue commemorates Lachit Borphukan’s leadership in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.

    Ahom Kingdom (1228–1826)

    • Establishment: Founded in 1228 in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam by Chaolung Sukapha.
    • Duration: Retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
    • Resistance: Despite facing the Mughal Empire’s power, the Ahom Kingdom remained unconquered.
    • Political Structure: Established a new state by supressing the older system of bhuiyans (landlords).
    • Labor System: Relied on forced labor known as paiks for state functions.
    • Social Organization: Society divided into clans or khels, embracing Hinduism and Assamese language alongside tribal beliefs.
    • Cultural Patronage: Supported poets, scholars, and theater; translated Sanskrit texts into local language; composed historical chronicles called buranjis.
    • Military Strategy: King served as supreme commander; core army comprised of paiks; mastered guerrilla warfare and surprise attacks.
    • Key Forts: Included Chamdhara, Saraighat, and Simlagarh, strategically crucial for defense.
    • River Expertise: Mastered construction of boat bridges on the Brahmaputra River.
    • Legacy: Ahom Kingdom’s military prowess, cultural patronage, and political organization left a lasting impact on Assam’s history.

    Who was Lachit Borphukan?

    • Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:
    Description
    Timeline 1622-1672
    Dynasty Ahom Dynasty
    Mughal Threat Faced the Mughal Empire’s expansion into Assam
    Battle of Saraighat
    • Led Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in 1671;
    • Defended Assam against the Aurangzeb’s forces led by Ram Singh.
    Leadership Known for strategic brilliance and guerrilla tactics
    Legacy Revered as a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance
    Recognition
    • INS Lachit:  Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer named in honor;
    • Lachit Divas:  Celebrated annually on November 24th in Assam;
    • Lachit Borphukan Medal: Awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence. Academy (NDA, Pune).

     

    PYQ:

    [2015]  Who among the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

    (a) Amoghavarsha I

    (b) Ballala II

    (c) Harihara I

    (d) Prataparudra II

  • Mahad Satyagraha: A Landmark Event in the Dalit Movement

    Why in the news?

    The Mahad Satyagraha is hailed as the foundational event of the Dalit movement, marking the community’s collective rejection of the caste system and assertion of human rights.

    About Mahad Satyagraha

    • The Mahad Satyagraha, also known as Chavdar Tale (Lake) Satyagraha, was led by B. R. Ambedkar on 20 March 1927 in Mahad, Raigad District of Maharashtra.
    • Its aim was to assert the right of untouchables to use water from a public tank.
    1. Background:
    • Untouchables (Dalits) were segregated in Indian society and banned from using public water bodies and roads used by other Hindu castes.
    • In August 1923, the Bombay Legislative Council passed a resolution allowing depressed classes to use government-maintained places, but it faced opposition from savarna Hindus.
    • In January 1924, Mahad passed a resolution in its municipal council to enforce the act but failed to implement it due to protests.
    1. Satyagraha:
    • In 1927, Ambedkar launched a satyagraha to assert untouchables’ rights to use water in public places.
    • Mahad was chosen for the event due to its support from ‘caste Hindus’.
    • Surendranath Tipnis, president of the Mahad municipality, invited Ambedkar to hold a meeting there.
    • Ambedkar drank water from the tank, followed by thousands of untouchables.
    • He encouraged Dalit women to abandon customs of untouchability and wear saris like high-caste women, which they embraced.
    • A riot erupted over rumors of Ambedkar planning to enter a Hindu temple, and the tank was purified with cow-urine and cow-dung.
    • Ambedkar planned a second conference in Mahad in December 1927 but faced legal obstacles due to a case filed by caste Hindus.
    • On 25 December 1937, the Bombay High Court ruled that untouchables have the right to use water from the tank.
    1. Legacy:
    • On 19 March 1940, Ambedkar arranged a rally in Mahad to commemorate the Satyagraha as “Empowerment Day.”

    Back2Basics: Key Initiatives and Movements Led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

    Initiative Location Objective
    Temple Entry Movement (1920s-1930s) Various Locations Advocating for the right of Dalits to enter Hindu temples.
    Mahad Satyagraha (Chavdar Tale Satyagraha) Mahad, Maharashtra Asserting the rights of untouchables to use water from a public tank.
    Kalaram Mandir Movement (1930) Nashik, Maharashtra Demanding temple entry rights for Dalits at the Kalaram Mandir.
    Annihilation of Caste (1936) – Publication of “Annihilation of Caste,” advocating for the abolition of the caste system.
    Formation of Independent Dalit Political Party (Independent Labour Party) (1936) – Addressing the political concerns and aspirations of Dalits.
    Push for Separate Electorate by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1932) India Advocating for separate electorates for Dalits to ensure their political representation and empowerment.
    Legal Advocacy (1940s-1950s) – Drafting of the Hindu Code Bills, contribution to the framing of the Indian Constitution.
    Conversion to Buddhism (1956) Nagpur, Maharashtra Symbolizing a rejection of the caste system through mass conversion ceremony to Buddhism.

     

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?

    (a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement

    (b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement

    (c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement

    (d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops

  • Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

    Why in the news?

    On April 13, 1919, Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered British troops to open fire on a peaceful gathering in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, leaving a deep scar on India’s collective memory.

    Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

    1. Background: Protesting the contentious Rowlatt Act
    • The act officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919 was passed in 1919 by the Imperial Legislative Council.
    • It had authorized the British government to arrest anybody suspected of terrorist activities.
    • It also authorized the government to detain such people arrested for up to 2 years without trial.
    • It empowered the police to search a place without a warrant. It also placed severe restrictions on the freedom of the press.
    • The primary intention of colonial govt. was to repress the growing nationalist movement in the country.
    • The British were also afraid of a Ghadarite Revolution in Punjab and the rest of the country.
    1. The day
    • The massacre took place on 13 April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army (Gurkha and Sikh infantry regiments) under the command of Col. Reginald Dyer fired rifles into a crowd of Indians.
    • The civilians had assembled for a peaceful protest to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders, Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew.
    • Dyer without warning ordered his troops to fire at the unarmed crowd which included children as well.
    • The indiscriminate firing went on for about 10 minutes which resulted in the deaths of at least 1000 people and injured more than 1500 people.
    1. Aftermath
    • In protest against the massacre, Rabindranath Tagore gave up his knighthood.
    • Gandhiji relinquished his title ‘Kaiser-e-hind’ bestowed on him by the British for his services during the Boer War in South Africa.
    • Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, who had approved the actions of Dyer, was assassinated by Udham Singh in London in 1940 as revenge against the massacre.
    • The heroic treatment of Dyer’s heinous act again set a benchmark of colonial arrogance.

    Hunter Commission for Inquiry

    • In October 1919 the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu, ordered the formation of a committee of inquiry into the events in Punjab.
    • Referred to as the Disorders Inquiry Committee, it was later more widely known as the Hunter Commission (Not to be confused with Hunter Education Commission).
    • The commission inquiry was concluded without any significant conclusion.
    • Still, there are long-standing demands in India that Britain should apologize for the massacre.

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Rowlatt Act aimed at:

    (a) Compulsory economic support to war efforts

    (b) Imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

    (c) Suppression of the Khilafat Movement

    (d) Imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press