Subject: Art and Culture

Why in the News?

The prehistoric geoglyphs of the Konkan coast may date back as far as 24,000 years, based on new stratigraphic evidence from Koloshi caves in Maharashtra.

About Konkan Geoglyphs:

• Overview: Prehistoric rock engravings (geoglyphs/petroglyphs) carved on laterite plateaus of the Konkan coast (Maharashtra, Goa, southern Karnataka).
• Depictions: Humans, animals (elephants, tigers, rhinos, stingrays, turtles, peacocks), and abstract motifs.
• Technique: Created by scooping, etching, pecking into laterite; grooves 3–5 cm deep, 3–4 cm wide.
• Unique Feature: Unlike painted caves (e.g., Bhimbetka), these are open-air geoglyphs, rare in India.
• Cultural Value: Provide insights into prehistoric ecology, rituals, and transition from hunter-gatherer to agrarian societies.

Important Sites:

• Maharashtra (Ratnagiri–Sindhudurg): Ratnagiri alone hosts 1,500+ carvings across 210 sq. km.
  • Kasheli: Giant elephant (13×18 m), 125+ carvings of sharks, stingrays, rhinos (though locally absent), tigers.
  • Barsu: Human figure flanked by two tigers, resembling Harappan seals. Local are protesting a proposed oil refinery which might demolish this site.
  • Rundhye Tali: Concentric circles, abstract motifs, jellyfish/tiger outlines.
  • Devache Gothane: Standing human figure; linked to magnetic deflection anomaly.
  • Devi Hasol: Snake-like square design (8 m); still part of Aryadurga temple rituals.
  • Jambharun, Ukshi, Kudopi: Faunal + abstract petroglyphs.
• Goa:
  • Usgalimal (Phansaymal): Bulls, deer, spirals, cup marks, grinding grooves.

History and Antiquity:

• Dating: Traditionally ~10,000 years old; new excavations at Koloshi caves push age back to 24,000 years (cultural layers ~38,000 years).
• Continuity: Geoglyph-making persisted till the early historic period, showing ritual and symbolic evolution.
• Ecological Record: Depict species long extinct in Konkan (rhinoceros, hippopotamus), indicating Pleistocene fauna.
• World Context: Compared with Nazca Lines (Peru), Atacama Giant (Chile), and Blythe Intaglios (US) — Konkan geoglyphs are smaller but more intricate and ecologically detailed.
• UNESCO Status: On India’s Tentative List (2022); nomination under preparation for 2027–28 cycle.

Why in the News?

The PM has recently inspected the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in the Ahmedabad district.

About National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal:

• Location: Lothal, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat, in the Bhal region near the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Developer: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
• Objective: To showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, especially the role of Lothal as the world’s earliest dockyard during the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Historical Significance of Lothal:
  • Built around 2200 BCE as a major Harappan trade and craft centre for beads, gems, and ornaments.
  • Lothal in Gujarati means “Mound of the Dead”, similar to Mohenjo-daro.
  • Excavated by S.R. Rao (1955–1960).
  • Dockyard confirmed through studies (size: 222 x 37 m), once linked with Sabarmati’s old course.
  • Evidence of Lock Gates and Sluice System to regulate flow of water.
  • Trade connections extended to Mesopotamia and other ancient regions.
  • Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2014); only known port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Features of the Complex:
  • Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, museum, and research/educational facilities.
  • Will highlight ancient trade routes, shipbuilding traditions, and navigation techniques.
  • Expected to be a major hub for cultural tourism and heritage education.

Why in the News?

The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated in Manipur.

About Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival:

• Overview: An annual agricultural and cultural festival celebrated in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur.
• Origin: Began in 2010 to promote the Hathei chilli and its farming traditions.
• Focus: Highlights the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Hathei chilli, which received GI status in 2021.
• Activities: Involves flag hoisting, Tangkhul Naga cultural events, buyer–seller meets, marketing programmes, exhibitions, and awareness drives on government schemes.

Salient Features of Hathei Chilli:

• Local Identity: Known as Sirarakhong chilli, indigenous to Ukhrul district.
• Cultivation: Grown on slopes under the traditional jhum system.
• Distinct Qualities: Recognised for its bright red colour, unique flavour, and medium pungency.
• ASTA Value: Possesses a high American Spice Trade Association colour value, making it sought after for food colouring.
• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and calcium, with medicinal value.
• Uses: Widely used in cooking, pickles, flavouring, food colouring, and processing industries.
• Uniqueness: Its qualities stem from the soil and climate of Sirarakhong, not reproducible elsewhere.

Why in the News?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed State governments not to process applications for Sikh pilgrims’ visit to Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, for the November 2025 birth anniversary (Parkash Gurpurab) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

About Nankana Sahib:

• Location: Punjab province, Pakistan, near Lahore.
• Historical Significance: Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469). Earlier called Rai-Bhoi-Di Talwandi; renamed Nankana Sahib in his honour.
• Major Shrines:
  • Gurdwara Janam Asthan: Built over Guru Nanak’s birthplace by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1818–19).
  • Other sites: Gurdwara Patti Sahib, Bal Leela, Mal Ji Sahib, Kiara Sahib, Tambu Sahib, and shrines linked to Guru Arjan (5th Guru) and Guru Hargobind (6th Guru).
• Cultural Relevance: Pilgrimage site for millions of Sikhs globally; integral to the annual Parkash Gurpurab commemorations.

About Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539):

• Birth & Early Life: Born in 1469 at Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib). Enlightened at Sultanpur Lodhi in 1496.
• Teachings: Rejected rituals, caste hierarchy, and idol worship; emphasised devotion to one formless God (Nirankar).
• Core Philosophy:
  • Three Pillars: Naam Japna (remembrance of God), Kirat Karna (honest work), Vand Chhakna (sharing with others).
  • Equality & Justice: Advocated gender equality, social service (Seva), and community dining (Langar).
  • Message: “Ek Onkar Satnam”, Oneness of God and humanity.
• Death: Passed away in 1539 at Kartarpur Sahib (now in Pakistan). Appointed Guru Angad Dev Ji as successor.

Why in the News?

ASI will install a revised plaque at Sarnath, crediting Babu Jagat Singh (1787–88) for uncovering its archaeological importance, rather than British archaeologists.

About Sarnath:

• Location: Near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers.
• Religious Importance: After enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautama Buddha delivered the Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta (First Sermon) here in 528 BCE to five disciples, laying the foundation of the Sangha.
• Key Monuments:

1. 1. Dhamek Stupa (built c. 500 CE, 39 m high, 28 m diameter).
   2. Ashoka Pillar with Lion Capital (India’s national emblem) and Ashoka Chakra.
   3. Chaukhandi Stupa (Gupta era; octagonal tower added in Mughal period).
   4. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar with frescoes of Buddha’s life.
   5. Sarnath Archaeological Museum with the original Lion Capital and Buddhist sculptures.

• Archaeology: Excavations over 200 years, including B. R. Mani (2013–14), show Buddhist activity even before Ashoka.
• Holy Site: One of Buddhism’s Four Holy Places (others: Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar).
• Historic Role: By the 7th century CE, Sarnath hosted 30 monasteries and over 3,000 monks, flourishing under Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta patronage.

Plaque Controversy and ASI Action:

• Current Plaque: Credits Mr Duncan and Col. E. Mackenzie (1798) for exposing Sarnath, followed by excavations by Cunningham, Kittoe, Oertel, Marshall, Hargreaves, and Sahni.
• Jagat Singh Claim: Descendant of Babu Jagat Singh (of Benares ruler Chait Singh’s family) petitioned ASI, arguing he first exposed Sarnath’s remains in 1787–88 during a digging exercise.
• ASI’s Response: ASI confirmed revision; a corrected plaque will be installed soon. Officials noted many pre-1861 plaques reflected British biases.
• Artifacts: Jagat Singh’s digging uncovered a casket with Buddha relics, now partly housed in the Asiatic Society, Kolkata.

Cultural Significance:

• UNESCO Nomination: Officially proposed for the World Heritage List (2025–26 cycle) after 27 years on the tentative list.
• Policy Context: India projects itself as the land of Buddha; recently issued notices to stop auctions of Buddhist relics abroad.

Why in the News?

Members of the Ho tribe in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district staged a protest for alleged interference in their traditional Manki-Munda governance system by removing village heads (Mundas).

About Ho Tribes:

• Location: Major community of Jharkhand (Kolhan, West Singhbhum), with presence in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
• Language: Speak Ho language (Munda branch, Austroasiatic family), traditionally written in Warang Citi script.
• Livelihoods: Primarily agriculturalists, with farming, hunting, and forest produce as traditional occupations.
• Festivals: Mage Parab, Ba Parab, Sohrai, tied to agriculture, celebrated with dance, music, rituals.
• Resistance: Historically fought outsiders; staged Ho Revolt (1821–22) and Kol Revolt (1831) against British.
• Social Fabric: Clan-based, community-oriented, guided by customary law and collective decision-making.

What is the Manki-Munda System?

• Structure:
  • Munda: Village head (hereditary), resolves disputes, represents village.
  • Manki: Head of pidh (cluster of 8–15 villages), adjudicates inter-village disputes.
• Pre-British: Purely internal self-rule, no taxation or external sovereign authority.
• British Codification:
  • Wilkinson’s Rules (1833–37) codified system into 31 rules, formally recognising Mankis/Mundas as British agents.
  • Introduced private property; Ho became raiyats (tenants) instead of communal landholders.
  • Led to demographic influx of dikkus (outsiders), rising from ~1,500 (1867) to ~15,700 (1897).
• Post-Independence: Kolhan Government Estate dissolved (1947) but Wilkinson’s Rules still operative; Kolhan largely exempt from civil laws.
• Judicial View: In Mora Ho vs State of Bihar (2000), Patna HC treated Wilkinson’s Rules as customs, not law, but upheld their continuance.
• Current Practice: System governs village disputes; ~200 vacant posts filled by Gram Sabhas.
• Criticism: Hereditary leadership limits efficiency; many leaders lack education for modern administration.
• Reform Debate: Youth demand limiting hereditary succession and inclusion of non-tribal raiyats.
• Contemporary Role: Remains a symbol of tribal autonomy yet requires modernisation for democratic governance.

Why in the News?

On the 132nd anniversary of his 1893 Chicago address, Swami Vivekananda was remembered for introducing Indian spirituality and Vedanta to the world with a message of tolerance and unity.

About Swami Vivekananda:

• Early life: Born Narendranath Datta in 1863, Kolkata; Chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
• Role: Monk, reformer, and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission (1897).
• Chicago Speech: Rose to global fame with his 1893 Parliament of Religions address in Chicago, calling for religious tolerance and universal brotherhood.
• Teachings: Advocated social service, education, and spiritual sovereignty as means of national regeneration.
• Legacy: Inspired the rise of Vedanta Societies worldwide, spread yoga and meditation in the West, and became a key figure in the Indian renaissance and freedom movement.

What is Vedanta Philosophy?

• Roots: Derived from the Upanishads, especially Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism).
• Oneness of Existence: The universe is one absolute Brahman; all souls are divine.
• Religious Pluralism: All religions are valid paths to the same truth; promotes harmony, not division.
• Self-Realization: The aim of life is to realize and manifest one’s innate divinity.
• Karma Yoga: Selfless service is a spiritual practice — “Jiva is Shiva” (service to man is service to God).
• Practical Vedanta: Application of spiritual wisdom to daily life and social reform, bridging tradition and modernity.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the beta version of “Adi Sanskriti”, a pioneering digital learning platform.

About Adi Sanskriti:

• What is it: A digital learning platform launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Objective: To preserve tribal art forms, create livelihoods, and connect tribal communities with the world; scale into a Tribal Digital University with certifications, research opportunities, and transformative learning pathways.
• Significance: Envisioned as the world’s first Digital University dedicated to tribal culture and traditional knowledge.
• Developed by: MoTA collaboration with State Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) to ensure authentic documentation and grassroots participation.
• Integration with TRIs: Contributions from TRIs of 14 states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Key Components of Adi Sanskriti:

1. Adi Vishwavidyalaya (Digital Tribal Art Academy): Currently offering 45 immersive courses on tribal dance, painting, crafts, music, and folklore.
2. Adi Sampada (Socio-Cultural Repository): Houses over 5,000 curated documents covering paintings, dance, clothing and textiles, artefacts, and livelihood practices.
3. Adi Haat (Online Marketplace): Linked with TRIFED, designed to evolve into a dedicated e-marketplace for tribal artisans, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and direct consumer access.

Why in the News?

The Union Culture Ministry has invited experts to present their research on deciphering the Indus Valley script, also known as the Harappan script.

Recent Efforts and Theories on the Harappan Script:

• Taxation & Commerce Theory: Bahata Ansumali Mukhopadhyay argues the script encodes rules of trade and taxation, not phonetic spellings.
• Religious Hypothesis: Karuna Shankar Shukla claims Indus seals carried Rig Vedic mantras and Puranic references, used mainly for rituals.
• Proto-Dravidian Claims:
  • Prakash N. Salame (Nagpur engineer) says 90% of symbols represent Proto-Dravidian Gondi, building on Dr. M. C. Kangali.
  • Asko Parpola (Finnish Indologist) supports the Dravidian hypothesis, suggesting a logo-syllabic system of pictograms and rebuses.
  • Bryan K. Wells also backs Proto-Dravidian links.
• Santali Link: Prabhunath Hembrom connects the script to the Santali language, citing parallels with Parpola’s work.
• Scholarly Caveats: H. P. Ray stresses need for bilingual objects, contextual clarity, and warns against assuming a single language for the entire civilization.