💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Art and Culture

  • In news: Gugga Naumi Festival

    Why in the News?

    The Gugga Naumi festival was widely celebrated across northern states of India on 17th August.

    About Gugga Naumi Festival:

    • Festival: Folk religious celebration in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and northern states.
    • Timing: Observed on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month, usually after Janmashtami.
    • Deity: Dedicated to Gugga (Gugga Pir / Gugga Zahir Pir / Guaaji), a Chauhan Rajput prince believed to control snakes.
    • Tradition: Reflects syncretic worship by Hindus and Muslims, showcasing folk religiosity beyond formal religion.

    Key Features:

    • Duration: Begins on Rakhi and lasts nine days, with pilgrimages to Gugga Medi village in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
    • Rituals: Garudas (snake charmers and healers) carry Gugga Pir’s Chahad (standard).
    • Devotion: Pir ke Sole (songs) sung, fairs organised at shrines (Marhis).
    • Depiction: Gugga shown riding a blue horse, with blue and yellow flags.
    • Belief: Worshipped by mothers for children’s health, and by barren women for fertility blessings.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs: Tradition State

    1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

    2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

    3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Dhiri Bull Fighting Festival of Goa

    Why in the News?

    Many legislators of the Goa Assembly across party lines demanded the legalisation of Dhiri Bull Fighting in Goa.

    About Dhiri Bull Fighting:

    • Overview: Goan sport where two bulls lock horns in paddy fields or grounds.
    • Cultural Link: Associated with post-harvest feasts and church celebrations.
    • Nature of Contest: Bulls push until one retreats; no matadors or killing involved.
    • Event: Bulls given unique names, treated like local icons.
    • Betting: High-stakes wagers involve locals and Goan diaspora.

    Recent Controversy:

    • Legal Ban: Banned in 1997 under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after a fatality.
    • Judicial Position: Supreme Court upheld the ban; events continue secretly.
    • Political Push: Lawmakers (2024–25) seek legalisation for cultural/tourism value.
    • Proposed Model: Advocates want regulated events, citing Jallikattu’s example.

  • In news: Dard-Shin Tribe

    Why in the News?

    In recent years, community member few activists have emerged documenting and preserving Dard-Shin heritage.

    About the Dard-Shin Tribe:

    • Origin: Ancient Indo-Aryan group from migrations (2000–1500 BCE).
    • Historical Mentions: Herodotus, Pliny, Ptolemy, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.
    • Homeland: Dardistan – Chitral, Yasin, Gilgit, Chilas, Bunji, Gurez Valley, Ladakh, N. Afghanistan.
    • Political History: Chak dynasty ruled Kashmir for 25+ years in the 16th century before Mughal takeover.
    • Current Location: Gurez (Bandipora, J&K), smaller clusters in Drass, Tulail, Chanderkote.
    • Status & Language: Scheduled Tribe; speak Shina, distinct from Kashmiri.
    • Population: ~48,440 (2011 Census).
    • Livelihood: Farming, pastoralism, forest produce, handicrafts; tourism rising.

    Cultural Significance:

    • Heritage: Among the last Indo-Aryan groups in the Himalayas, preserving language and traditions.
    • Historic Role: Gurez Valley – Silk Route link between Kashmir, Central Asia, Tibet.
    • Traditions: Rich marriage customs, wool attire, juniper leaf burning for land purification.
    • Architecture: Mix of ancient wooden style and modern influences; tools suited for mountain climate.
    • Oral History: Migration legends, e.g., families from Gilgit to Ladakh.
    • Religion: Islam, Buddhism, remnants of animism from cultural exchanges.
    [UPSC 2014] With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements:

    1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.

    2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.

    3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Mauryan-Era archaeological discoveries at Topra Kalan, Haryana

    Why in the News?

    A Ground Penetrating Radar survey in Topra Kalan, Haryana, has uncovered signs of a 1,500 BCE settlement, with painted grey ware (PGW), stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and a possible Buddhist stupa.

    About Topra Kalan Excavation:

    • Agencies: Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
    • Method: Ground Penetrating Radar survey in January 2025 to map subsurface features without extensive digging.
    • Purpose: Assess archaeological significance and preserve ancient heritage sites in Haryana.
    • Location: Topra Kalan, Yamunanagar district — believed to be the original site of the Delhi-Topra Ashokan pillar moved by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.
    • Estimated Age: ~1,500 BCE, indicating continuous habitation and possible Buddhist presence.

    Key Findings:

    • Structures: Buried walls, platforms, and room-like enclosures at 4–5 m depth.
    • Religious Feature: Dome-like structure possibly a Buddhist stupa.
    • Material Culture: Painted grey ware, black-and-red ware, black-on-red ware, black ware, stamped pottery, moulded bricks, beads.
    • Discovery Sources: Both official surveys and artifacts unearthed by locals during construction.
    • Historical Links: Accounts by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Hiuen Tsang identify the site as a Buddhist centre.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following information:

    Archaeological Site :: State :: Description

    1. Chandraketugarh : Odisha : Trading Port town

    2. Inamgaon : Maharashtra : Chalcolithic site

    3. Mangadu : Kerala : Megalithic site

    4. Salihundam : Andhra Pradesh : Rock-cut cave shrines

    In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4

     

  • In news: Lalit Kala Akademi 

    Why in the News?

    The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi.

    About Lalit Kala Akademi:

    • Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation.
    • Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for Education.
    • Legal Status: Granted statutory status in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
    • Structure: Operates through the General Council, Executive Board, and various Committees.
    • Regional Centres: Present in Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Garhi (New Delhi).
    • Functions:
      • Scope of Work: Promotes modern, contemporary, folk, and tribal visual arts of India.
      • Art Collection: Maintains a permanent collection of Indian visual art.
      • International Role: Facilitates global cultural exchange through international cultural agreements.

    Key Events and Initiatives:

    • National Exhibition of Art: Annual flagship event since 1955, showcasing artists from across India.
    • 64th Edition (2025): Held from 5 August to 15 September at Kamani Auditorium and Lalit Kala Art Galleries, New Delhi.
    • Triennale India: Major international art exhibition featuring global artists.
    • Print Biennale India: Dedicated to printmaking; 3rd edition scheduled for 2025–26.
    • Artist Promotion: Provides platforms for both emerging and established artists; strengthens India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.
    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.

    2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Patalpani-Kalakund Heritage Railway

    Why in the News?

    The 155-year-old Patalpani–Kalakund heritage train services has resumed after a temporary halt.

    About the Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Line:

    • Route: 9.5 km metre-gauge section between Patalpani and Kalakund in Madhya Pradesh.
    • Section: Part of the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow)–Khandwa route.
    • Restoration Year: Revived in 2018 as a heritage line after being excluded from gauge conversion due to difficult terrain.
    • Operational Details:
      • Average speed: 5–10 km/h.
      • Features scenic gorges, tunnels, embankments, Patalpani waterfall, and natural springs.
    • Historical Origins:
      • Proposed by Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar II in 1870.
      • First constructed as part of Holkar State Railways, completed in 1878.
      • Became part of Rajputana–Malwa Railway in 1881–82.
    • Cultural Significance:
      • Patalpani station named after Tantia Bhil, a tribal revolutionary.
      • Kalakund station named after a local sweet delicacy.

    Other Heritage Railways of India:

    Name & Route Details
    Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
    • Location: West Bengal
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1999)
    • Built: 1879–81
    • Highlights: Batasia Loop, zigzags, colonial-era steam engines
    • Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (88 km, narrow gauge)
    Nilgiri Mountain Railway
    • Location: Tamil Nadu
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2005)
    • Highlights: Only rack-and-pinion railway in India, steep climbs, vintage locomotives
    • Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty (46 km, metre gauge)
    Kalka–Shimla Railway
    • Location: Himachal Pradesh
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2008)
    • Built: 1898–1903
    • Highlights: 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges; access to British summer capital
    • Route: Kalka to Shimla (96 km, narrow gauge)
    Matheran Hill Railway
    • Location: Maharashtra
    • UNESCO Status: Tentative World Heritage Site
    • Built: 1907
    • Highlights: Zigzags, tight curves, eco-sensitive, vehicle-free destination
    • Route: Neral to Matheran (21 km, narrow gauge)
    Kangra Valley Railway
    • Location: Himachal Pradesh
    • UNESCO Status: Tentative World Heritage Site
    • Highlights: 971 bridges, 2 tunnels; scenic Dhauladhar views, access to ancient temples
    • Route: Pathankot to Joginder Nagar (163 km, narrow gauge)

     

    [UPSC 2009] Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list?

    Options: (a) Dilwara Temple (b) Kalka-Shimla Railway* (c) Bhiterkanika Mangrove Area (d) Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley railway line

     

  • Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

    Why in the News?

    The Union Culture Ministry has successfully retrieved the sacred ‘Piprahwa’ Buddhist relics, which were set to be auctioned in Hong Kong.

    Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

    About the Piprahwa Relics:

    • Discovery: Unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppe, a British engineer, at Piprahwa (Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh), near the Nepal border.

    • Historical Significance: Identified as ancient Kapilavastu, capital of the Shakya republic, where Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) lived before renunciation.

    • Findings at the Site: A buried stupa yielded a large stone coffer containing:

      • Bone fragments believed to be Buddha’s relics
      • Caskets made of soapstone and crystal
      • A sandstone coffer
      • Over 1,800 ornaments: pearls, rubies, sapphires, gold sheets

    • Legal Custody:

      • The British Crown claimed the relics under the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.
      • Most artifacts were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

    Stupas with Buddha’s Relics:

    • After the Buddha’s death (Mahaparinirvana), his cremated relics were divided among 8 kingdoms and a Brahmin named Drona, who coordinated their distribution.
    • Each recipient built a Stupa to enshrine their share of the relics, creating important pilgrimage sites and early centers of Buddhist worship.
    • The 9 stupas were located in Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethadipa, Pava, Kushinagar, and Pippalivana.
    • Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) redistributed the relics from these stupas into thousands of new stupas across his empire.
    • The stupa at Ramagrama is unique because it is believed to remain untouched and still holds the original relics.
    • A typical early Buddhist stupa included a hemispherical mound (anda), a square railing (harmika), a central pillar (yashti) with umbrellas (chatra), and a path for circumambulation (pradakshinapatha).
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

    2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.

    3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Lessons from past The Chola legacy includes good governance, not just grand temples

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram drew attention due to its subtle political messaging and focus on the legacy of the Chola dynasty, especially Rajendra Chola I.

    How can the Chola administration guide modern local governance?

    • Land and Revenue Management: They conducted detailed land surveys and classified land for fair taxation. Eg: Modern use of digital land records and GIS mapping can improve urban planning and property tax collection.
    • Sustainable Infrastructure: Built durable public works with advanced engineering. Eg: The Brihadisvara Temple shows disaster-resilient design, relevant for today’s urban infrastructure.
    • Grassroots Democratic Traditions: The Chola Sabhas and Ur assemblies practiced local self-governance, aligning with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments on decentralisation.
    • Efficient Local Administration: Chola-era institutions handled tax collection, infrastructure upkeep, and dispute resolution, offering a model for accountable and participatory governance today.

    Why is Chola water management relevant today?

    • Sustainable Water Use: The Cholas built tanks, canals, and reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and year-round irrigation. Eg: Tamil Nadu can adopt tank rehabilitation for climate-resilient agriculture.
    • Integrated River Management: They managed the Cauvery delta through coordinated water channel planning. Eg: Programs like Namami Gange can apply holistic watershed development inspired by Chola methods.
    • Community-led Water Governance: Local communities maintained water systems, ensuring efficiency and accountability. Eg: Panchayati Raj Institutions can empower village water user associations for decentralised water management.

    What can temple architecture teach about seismic safety?

    • Broad Base & Tapering Design: Chola temples had a wide foundation and pyramid-like structure to distribute weight and resist earthquakes. Eg: Brihadisvara Temple has survived centuries of seismic activity.
    • Interlocking Stone Technique: Used granite blocks without mortar, allowing flexible movement during tremors. Eg: Airavatesvara Temple stones fit precisely, boosting durability.
    • Seismic-Sensitive Construction: Built with awareness of local geology and fault lines for quake resilience. Eg: Southern temples remain structurally stable despite past earthquakes.

    How does invoking the Chola legacy shape modern politics?

    • Cultural Nationalism & Historical Pride: Celebrating the Chola dynasty boosts national pride and showcases India’s ancient global influence. Eg: Leaders highlight Chola maritime trade and temple architecture to project a strong civilisational legacy.
    • Regional Outreach & Political Messaging: Invoking Chola heritage appeals to Tamil identity, aiding political connect with southern states. Eg: PM’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram during Aadi Thiruvathirai signaled a move to gain regional goodwill.

    Conclusion: The legacy of the Chola dynasty offers enduring lessons for contemporary India across governance, infrastructure, water management, architecture, and politics. Their grassroots democratic institutions, efficient local administration, and innovative land and water management practices provide a valuable blueprint for strengthening decentralised governance, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing climate resilience.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.

    Linkage: This question is directly related to your query as it broadly asks about the “main contributions” of the Chola period to “Indian heritage and culture.” This scope allows for a comprehensive discussion that goes beyond just art and architecture (grand temples).  It provides an opportunity to elaborate on the administrative acumen of the Cholas, their water management systems, tax and land revenue collection, and democratic processes, which are highlighted in the sources as significant “mundane facets…of modern relevance” and key aspects of their legacy.

  • Artform in News: Soharai Mural Paintings

    Why in the News?

    The second Kala Utsav 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan celebrated India’s tribal art, with artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal showcasing Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua paintings.

    Artform in News: Soharai Mural Paintings

    About Sohrai Paintings:

    • Origin: Indigenous to Jharkhand, especially the Hazaribagh region.
    • Etymology: Derived from ‘Soro’ meaning “to drive away with a stick.”
    • Historical Roots: Traces back to the Meso-chalcolithic period (9000–5000 BC).
    • Archaeological Evidence: Similar rock paintings found at Isko Rock Shelter in Barkagaon.
    • Key Features of Sohrai Art:
      • Practiced By: Women of Kurmi, Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, and Ghatwal tribes.
      • Geographical Spread: Found in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
      • Materials Used: Natural substances like charcoal, clay, and soil.
      • Themes: Celebrates nature—forests, rivers, animals—along with harvest and fertility.
      • Festival Link: Painted during the Sohrai festival, marking the harvest season and winter.
      • Ritual Role: Rice-gruel mandalas drawn to welcome cattle into homes.
      • GI Tag: Awarded in 2020 for Sohrai Khovar Painting.

    Back2Basics:

    Pattachitra Painting:

    Artform in News: Soharai Mural Paintings

    • Origin: Odisha, associated with the Jagannath Temple, Puri.
    • Material: Painted on cloth (Pata) coated with chalk powder and tamarind seed glue.
    • Colors Used: Made from vegetables, minerals, and earth sources.
    • Artistic Method:
      • No pencil outlines.
      • Borders are painted first.
      • Sketching is done with light red and yellow brushes.
      • Finished with lacquer coating for shine and durability.
    • Themes: Centered on Krishna Leela, Jagannath tales, and other mythological stories.

    Patua Painting:

    • Origin: West Bengal, practiced by the Patua (Chitrakar) community.
    • Spread: Also found in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bangladesh.
    • Format: Painted on scrolls (pati or patta) backed with old sari fabric.
    • Tools & Colors: Uses bamboo-goat hair brushes and vegetable dyes, fixed with gum.
    • Usage:
      • Scrolls used to narrate folk tales.
      • Focuses on Mangal Katha, especially in Kalighat and Kumartuli.
      • Practiced by both Hindu and Muslim Patuas.

     

    [UPSC 2015] Kalamkari painting refers to:

    Options: (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India* (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India (d)  a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

     

  • [pib] Ashokan Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh

    Why in the News?

    A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya highlighting Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

    The original pillars, like those at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, are key symbols of India’s Buddhist and Mauryan heritage and are on UNESCO’s Tentative List.

    [pib] Ashoka Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh

    About Rampurva Ashoka Pillars (West Champaran, Bihar):

    • Location: Near the Nepal border in West Champaran district, Bihar.
    • Discovery: Found by archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, Lamb Carlleyle in 1876.
    • Pillars: Two monolithic sandstone pillars, 300 meters apart:
      • Lion Capital Pillar: Contains Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script.
      • Bull Capital Pillar: Known for artistic refinement and Persian-inspired motifs.
    • Design Features:
      • Polished sandstone with Mauryan craftsmanship.
      • Height: 12–15 meters; Weight: Up to 50 tons.
      • Lion Capital: Preserved at Indian Museum, Kolkata.
      • Bull Capital: Housed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi; praised for its lifelike form and “velvet touch” finish.
      • Decorative motifs include rosette, palmette, and acanthus—showing Persian influence.
    • Legend: Marks the site of Buddha’s renunciation near the Anoma River.

    About Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar (West Champaran, Bihar):

    • Location: 22–28 kilometers northwest of Bettiah town.
    • Surviving Structure: Only one complete pillar remains from an original group.
    • Material and Size:
      • Made of Chunar sandstone.
      • Stands about 12 meters above ground with ~3 meters underground; Weighs over 50 tons.
    • Capital Design:
      • Features a seated lion with hind legs extending beyond the abacus.
      • The abacus is adorned with hamsa (flying geese), symbolizing spiritual liberation.
    • Inscriptions:
      • Engraved with Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script, dated to 244 BCE.
      • Promotes dharma, non-violence, religious tolerance, and compassion.
    • Symbolism:
      • The lion capital represents Mauryan imperial strength and Buddha’s Sakya lineage.
      • The lion’s open mouth symbolizes the dissemination of Ashoka’s ethical and Buddhist teachings.
    [UPSC 2019] In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

    Options: (a) Kanganahalli* (b) Sanchi I (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura