Subject: Art and Culture

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Somnath Temple marking 75 years of its restoration, reviving discussion on the British claim of bringing back the “Somnath Gates” from Afghanistan in 1842.

Somnath Temple

• Located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat
• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
• Repeatedly attacked and rebuilt through history
• Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath in 1026 CE and looted the temple.

British “Somnath Gates” (1842)

• During the First Anglo Afghan War, British forces captured Ghazni.
• Governor General Lord Ellenborough claimed to have recovered the original Somnath temple gates from Afghanistan.
• He issued a proclamation stating the British had avenged the “insult” suffered by Hindus centuries ago.

Reality

• Later investigations found:
  • Gates were made of cheap pinewood, not sandalwood
  • Afghan style design, not Indian
  • Not connected to Somnath Temple
• Presently kept in Agra Fort.

Importance

• Example of British “divide and rule” politics
• Use of religious symbolism for colonial legitimacy

[2022] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somanath Temple at Verval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?  1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines  2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.  3. Pran Pratistha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.  Select the correct answer using the code given below:  [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

Why in the News?

Authorities in the United States have returned 657 trafficked antiquities worth about 14 million dollars to India. The artefacts were recovered from international smuggling networks linked to traffickers like Subash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener.

Key Facts

• Total artefacts returned: 657
• Total value: 14 million dollars
• Returned in three phases:
  • 612 artefacts in November 2024
  • 26 artefacts in July 2025
  • 19 artefacts in 2026
• Major recovery led by investigative agencies in New York

Important Artefacts Returned

Buddha Sculpture

• Material: Red sandstone
• Value: 7.5 million dollars
• Depicts Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection)

Avalokiteshvara Bronze

• Value: 2 million dollars
• Origin: Sirpur
• Associated with Lakshmana Temple region

Dancing Ganesha Sculpture

• Origin: Temple in Madhya Pradesh
• Smuggled through international art networks

[2012] Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes: (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation. (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara. (c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory. (d) Both (a) and (b)

Why in the News?

On April 26, 2026, the historic Thrissur Pooram was celebrated at the Thekkinkadu Maidan in Kerala. However, this edition was notably scaled-down and held without its signature fireworks display (Vedikettu) following a tragic accident at Mundathikode earlier in the month that claimed 15 lives.

About Thrissur Pooram

• One of the grandest temple festivals of Kerala
• Held at: Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple
• Venue: Thekkinkadu Maidan

[2014] Consider the following pairs:  1 Garba : Gujarat  2 Mohiniattam : Odisha  3 Yakshagana : Karnataka  Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?  a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3

Why in the News?

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a 1,500 year old stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, indicating advanced water management and maritime trade.

Key Findings

• Age: ~1,500 years old
• Shape: T shaped stepped reservoir
• Size:
  • Length: 14.7 metres
  • Width: 6.7 to 10.8 metres
  • Depth: 5 metres excavated
• 20 steps discovered so far

Why Reservoir Was Built

• Elephanta Island is rocky
• Rainwater quickly flows into sea
• Reservoir helped:
  • Store rainwater
  • Ensure water supply
• Shows advanced ancient engineering.

Other Discoveries

Excavation yielded:

• Brick structure (possibly dyeing vat)
• Terracotta figurines
• Glass and stone bangles
• Carnelian and quartz beads
• Storage pots
• Stone anchors

Evidence of Maritime Trade

• 3,000 amphorae sherds from Mediterranean
• Torpedo jars from West Asia and Mesopotamia
• Used to store:
  • Wine
  • Oil
  • Fish sauce
• Shows trade with Rome and West Asia.

Coins Discovered

• 60 coins found
• Copper coins of Kalachuri ruler Krishnaraja
• Period: 6th century CE

About Elephanta Island

• Located near Mumbai coast
• Known for Elephanta Caves
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Period: 5th century CE
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

[2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar

Why in the News?

The Samrat Samprati Museum was inaugurated in Koba, Gandhinagar on Mahavir Jayanti, highlighting the role of Samrat Samprati, grandson of Ashoka, in spreading Jainism.

Mauryan Dynasty and Religion

Ashoka and Buddhism

• Ashoka ruled: 269–232 BCE
• Adopted Buddhism after Kalinga War
• Spread Buddhism:
  • Sri Lanka
  • Southeast Asia
  • Central Asia
• Promoted ethical kingship and Dhamma

Jain Connections in Mauryan Dynasty

Chandragupta Maurya

• Founder of Mauryan Empire
• According to Jain tradition:
  • Converted to Jainism
  • Migrated to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
  • Practised Sallekhana (fast unto death)
• Ashoka’s First Wife
  • Padmavati believed to be Jain

Who Was Samrat Samprati

• Grandson of Ashoka
• Son of Kunala
• Ruled: c. 230–220 BCE
• Associated with Shvetambara Jain tradition
• Often called: “Ashoka of Jainism”

[2018] With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to: (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism

Why in the News?

On March 28, 2026, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Patna Circle officially commenced a large-scale scientific excavation at the Balirajgarh site in the Madhubani district of Bihar. The project aims to uncover the “virgin soil” to determine the earliest human habitation and explore the site’s potential links to the Iron Age Videha Kingdom and the ancient civilization of Mithila.

Key Highlights of the Balirajgarh Site

• Location: Situated in the Babubarhi block of Madhubani district, Bihar.
• Historical Identity: Locally known as Raja Bali Ka Garh, it is traditionally believed to be the capital of the legendary King Bali and a major administrative hub of the ancient Videha Kingdom.
• Archaeological Status: Declared a protected site of national importance by the ASI in 1938.
• Site Features: The site spans approximately 176 acres and features a massive brick fortification and over 20 archaeological mounds.

[2023] With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A.H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with  (a) archaeological excavations (b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India (c) establishment of Churches in Princely States (d) construction of railways in Colonial India

Why in the News

• The festival Masi Magam highlights the cultural and spiritual practices of the Irular community, a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu.

What is Masi Magam

• Celebrated in Tamil month of Masi (Feb–March)
• Occurs on full moon day (Magam star)
• Associated with:
  • Ritual bathing in sea and water bodies
  • Temple festivals across Tamil Nadu

About Irular Community

• Recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu
• Known for:
  • Traditional ecological knowledge
  • Snake handling
  • Herbal medicine
  • Honey collection
• Socio-economic condition:
  • Marginalised, with some history of bonded labour

[2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:  1.PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.  2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.  3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.  4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.  Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

Why in the News

• World Sparrow Day (March 20) highlights declining sparrow populations and their cultural significance, especially in Sikh tradition.

Sparrow: Ecological Importance

• One of the most common birds in human settlements
• Plays role in:
  • Insect control
  • Maintaining urban biodiversity
• Decline linked to:
  • Urbanisation
  • Loss of nesting spaces
  • Pollution

‘Chidi’ in Sikh Tradition

Symbolism

• Sparrow (‘chidi’) represents: Ordinary, weak, or downtrodden people

Spiritual Meaning

• In Sikh philosophy: Even the weakest can become powerful through divine grace and courage

Cultural Expression

• Sikh teachings, especially in: Guru Granth Sahib
• Use nature imagery: Birds, animals, insects
  • Reflects rural Punjabi life and ethics

Famous Metaphor

• Linked with Sikh ethos: “Making sparrows fight hawks”
• Symbolises: Empowerment of the weak against the strong

Broader Insight

• Sparrow is not just a bird but: A moral and spiritual metaphor
• Shows connection between: Nature and religious philosophy

[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints:  1. Dadu Dayal  2. Guru Nanak  3. Tyagaraja  Which among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi Dynasty fell and Babur took over?  (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2

Why in the News

• A study published in Science Advances (March 2026) finds that Mohenjo-daro exhibited collective (democratic-like) governance, comparable to Athens and Republican Rome.

About Mohenjo-daro

• Part of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)
• Located in present-day Sindh (Pakistan)
• Known for:
  • Advanced urban planning (grid system)
  • Drainage and sanitation systems
  • Lack of clear evidence of centralized monarchy

Key Findings of the Study

1. Democracy Beyond Greece & Rome

• Democratic/collective governance was not unique to Europe
• Similar systems found in:
  • North America: Iroquois Confederacy, Zuni
  • Mesoamerica: Teotihuacan, Monte Albán, Tlaxcala
  • South Asia: Mohenjo-daro

2. Two Dimensions of Governance

Researchers used two parameters:

• Power concentration: Whether authority is centralized or dispersed
• Inclusiveness: Degree of public participation in governance

3. Indicators of Collective Governance

• Urban planning features:
  • Large open public spaces (for gatherings)
  • Absence of palaces or grand royal tombs
• Art & architecture: Limited glorification of rulers
  • It shows Shared decision-making systems

4. Indicators of Autocracy

• Monumental: Palaces, pyramids, elite tombs
• City layouts: Roads converging to ruler’s residence
• Rituals: Grand spectacles reinforcing ruler authority

5. “Autocracy Index”

• Study created a spectrum:
  • From highly autocratic → highly collective
  • Mohenjo-daro ranked towards collective governance

6. Role of Economic Structure (Key Insight)

• Autocratic societies:
  • Based on controlled resources
    (mines, trade routes, war plunder)
• More democratic societies:
  • Based on: Broad taxation and Community labour

7. Inequality Link

• Inclusive systems: Lower economic inequality
• Challenges assumption: Complexity always leads to autocracy

Broader Significance

• Democracy has deep, global historical roots
• Challenges Eurocentric view: That democracy began only in Greece & Rome
• Important for modern governance: Helps understand power concentration & inequality trends

[2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?  1. They possessed great palaces and temples. They worshipped both male and female deities.  2. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.  Select the correct answer using the code 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 in the News

New books in the India@75 series are bringing attention to overlooked scientists, freedom fighters, and social leaders, such as Anna Mani, whose contributions had received limited public recognition.

About the India@75 Series

• Launched during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• The series aims to document India’s historical journey before and after independence.
• Categories in the Series: The books are divided into four themes: People, Places, Events, and Themes

Focus on Unsung Personalities

• Under the People category, the series highlights both famous and lesser known figures such as:
  • Anna Mani
  • Janaki Ammal
  • Dhyan Chand
  • Minoo Masani
  • Rani Chennamma

Anna Mani

• Known as India’s “weather woman.”
• Designed and standardised more than 100 meteorological instruments.
• Contributed significantly to meteorology, solar radiation research, and wind energy studies.

Janaki Ammal

• Full name: Edavaleth Kakkat Janaki Ammal (1897–1984).
• One of India’s first women botanists and cytogeneticists.
• Known for pioneering work in plant breeding and genetics.

Dhyan Chand

• Born: 1905, Prayagraj; died: 1979.
• Known as the “Wizard of Hockey.”
• One of the greatest hockey players in history.

Minoo Masani

• Full name: Minocher Rustom Masani (1905–1998).
• A prominent Indian liberal political leader and writer.
• Co-founder of the Swatantra Party in 1959 with C. Rajagopalachari.
• Advocated free markets, individual liberty, and democratic values.

Rani Chennamma

• Born: 1778 in present-day Karnataka.
• Queen of the Kittur.
• Role in Freedom Struggle: Led an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824.
  • Opposed the British refusal to recognize her adopted heir to the throne.

[2023] Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards: 1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award : For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years 2. Arjuna Award : For the lifetime achievement by a sportsperson 3. Dronacharya Award : To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams 4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar : To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four