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

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Art and Culture

  • 100 Years of the Art Deco Style in Madras

    Why in the News?

    The Art Deco style, first showcased at the Paris Exposition on April 29, 1925, took a decade to arrive in Madras. It spread to India via Bombay, where the country’s first Art Deco structure — the Syndicate Bank building — was completed in 1932.

    About Art Deco Style of Architecture:

    • Art Deco Style is a design style that emerged in the 1920s and 30s, characterized by sleek, geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a focus on manufactured goods.
    • It signified a break from older styles like Neo-classical, Indo-Saracenic, and Bombay Gothic.
    • The style was embraced by Indian banks, insurance companies, cinemas, studios, and business houses to symbolize modernity and cultural identity.
    • In Madras, Art Deco became visible in cinema theatres like Casino (1941), preview halls of Gemini, AVM, and Vijaya-Vauhini studios, commercial buildings like Dare House (1938), hotels such as Oceanic and Dasaprakash, and residential areas including T. Nagar, Mylapore, Alwarpet, and Adyar.
    • Art Deco influenced furniture design, silverware, and even fonts in print.
    • By the 1950s, it was gradually replaced by Modernist/Brutalist styles, aligned with Socialist ideology.

    Contributions of Laxman Mahadeo Chitale:

    • Chitale (1892–1960) was a prominent architect who introduced Art Deco to Madras.
    • Recognized for his drawing skills by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III of Baroda.
    • He trained under H.V. Lanchester, a British architect associated with New Delhi‘s early planning.
    • He worked on the Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur, a grand Art Deco residence.
    • After returning from England, Chitale settled in Madras and joined the PWD.
    • In 1932, he started his independent practice, marking the beginning of Art Deco architecture in the city.
    • His major works included the Oriental Insurance Building on Armenian Street, the National Insurance Building (1938) on China Bazaar Road, and the Andhra Insurance Building (1939).
    • His architectural style often included corner entrances and street-facing facades, inspired by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following was the first fort constructed by the British in India?

    Options: (a) Fort William (b) Fort St. George* (c) Fort St. David (d) Fort St. Angelo

     

  • Satavahana Inscriptions found in Telangana

    Why in the News?

    A recent survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered eleven inscriptions in Telangana’s Gundaram Reserve Forest, offering key insights into the region’s ancient history, particularly during the Satavahana period.

    Key Findings about the Inscriptions:

    • One inscription mentions a person from the Haritiputra lineage, indicating a connection between the Satavahanas and Chutu dynasty.
    • The site includes religious symbols such as a trident and damaru, marking the first known religious iconography in early inscriptions of South India.
    • The inscriptions reinforce findings from Mukkutraopet and Kotilingala, identifying Telangana as part of the Asmaka Mahajanapada.

    Satavahana Inscriptions found in Telangana

    About the Satavahana Dynasty: 

    • The Satavahana dynasty emerged after the fall of the Mauryan Empire around 60 BCE, ruling over Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
    • Simuka, the founding king, reigned from 60 BC to 37 BC and was succeeded by his brother Kanha.
    • Notable Rulers:
      • Satakarni I (70–60 BC) conquered western Malwa from the Shungas.
      • Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 AD) expanded the empire and patronized Brahmanism and Buddhism.
      • Vashishtaputra Pulamayi (130–154 AD) extended his reign to the mouth of the Krishna River.
      • Yajna Sri Satakarni (165–194 AD) was the last great ruler, expanding the empire to Kokan and Malwa.
    • Art and Architecture: The Amaravati School of Art flourished during this period, with marble sculptures depicting Buddhist narratives. The Satavahanas promoted rock-cut architecture, including Chaityas and Viharas (e.g., Karle Caves, Ajanta Caves).
    • Economic and Administrative Contributions: The Satavahanas fostered trade with the Romans, promoted agriculture, and implemented a mixed revenue system. They also introduced tax-free villages for Brahmins and Buddhist monks.
    • Religious and Social Structure: The Satavahanas promoted Brahmanism and Vedic sacrifices and supported Buddhism. The Varna system governed social structure.
    • Decline of the Satavahana Dynasty: The empire weakened due to weak rulers after Yajna Sri Satakarni and was eventually fragmented by feudatories and invasions from the Shakas.
    • Military Organization: The Satavahanas maintained a large military with 100,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry, and 1,000 elephants.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga. 2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne. 3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

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

     

  • Hon’ble President confers Padma Awards, 2025

    Why in the News?

    Padma Awards 2025 recognised 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Notable awardees include actor S. Ajith Kumar, singer Pankaj Udhas, and cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.

    About Padma Awards:

    • The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve.
    • These awards recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, particularly public service.
    • The GoI introduced the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in 1954, with the three classes (Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg) renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
    • The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to names.
    • The number of awards given annually is capped at 120 (excluding posthumous awards and awards to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs).

    Award Categories:

    1. Padma Vibhushan: For ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
    2. Padma Bhushan: For ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
    3. Padma Shri: For ‘distinguished service.’

    Eligibility and Nomination:

    • Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister, with final approval from the President.
    • Eligibility Criteria:
      • Open to all individuals, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
      • Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are generally ineligible.
      • Awards are generally not given posthumously, with exceptions in extraordinary cases.
      • A recipient can be considered for a higher category only after five years since their last Padma award.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

    Which of the above statements are not correct?

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

     

  • Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

    Why in the News?

    Two decades since the demolition of Bamiyan Buddha, the Afghan Taliban are now convinced to restore it.

    Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

    About Bamiyan Buddha:

    • The Bamiyan Buddhas were located in the Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, about 130 km northwest of Kabul.
    • The Western Buddha (Salsal) stood 55 meters tall, and the Eastern Buddha (Shah Mama) stood 38 meters tall, making them two of the largest standing Buddha statues in the world before their destruction.
    • Construction:
      • Built around 600 CE during the rule of the Hephthalites.
      • Carved directly into sandstone cliffs with features made from mud and straw, and painted with bright colors, including carmine red for the larger Buddha.
      • The style blends Greco-Buddhist art, Sasanian Persia, and Byzantine Empire influences.
    • Historical Significance:
      • Represented Vairocana and Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha).
      • Served as a major Buddhist religious centre along the Silk Road, hosting monasteries and playing a crucial role in religion, philosophy, and art.
      • Survived invasions, including by Genghis Khan (1221 AD) and Aurangzeb (17th Century).
    • In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the statues. The Buddhas had previously survived multiple attacks.
    • The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense historical, religious, and cultural significance.
    [UPSC 2014] Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

    1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

    Why in the News?

    Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra manuscripts has been included in UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register.

    About UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register:

    • Launched in 1992, UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme preserves and promotes documentary heritage of global significance.
    • It safeguards humanity’s documentary heritage, ensuring materials are accessible for future generations.

    About the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra:

    • Bhagavad Gita:
      • Traditionally attributed to sage Vyasa, the Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse scripture in the Mahabharata.
      • It presents a dialogue between Arjuna and his charioteer, Lord Krishna, discussing duty, righteousness, and spirituality.
      • The Gita synthesizes various Indian philosophical traditions, including Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Charvaka.
      • The text is dated to the first or second century BCE, with oral compositions transcribed later.
    • Natyashastra:
      • Attributed to sage Bharata, the Natyashastra defines the rules of performing arts such as drama, music, and dance.
      • It introduces Rasa (aesthetic experience), a key concept in Indian theatre.
      • The treatise consists of 36,000 verses and was codified around the 2nd century BCE, continuing to influence performing arts today.

    India’s Earlier Entries to the Memory of the World Register

    • Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, Sahṛdayaloka-Locana (2024): Important literary and cultural texts in India’s storytelling tradition.
    • Abhinavagupta’s Works (2023): Significant contributions to Shaiva philosophy and mysticism.
    • NAM Archives (2023): Archives from the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement summit, reflecting India’s role in diplomacy.
    • Rig Veda (2005): One of the oldest texts, foundational in Indian spirituality.
    • Dutch East India Company Archives (2003): Reflecting colonial history.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhāsa?

    Options: (a) Kavyaalankara (b) Natyashasta (c) Madhyama-vyoga* (d) Mahabhashya

     

  • Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume soon

    Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume soon

    Why in the News?

    The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is set to resume after a halt since 2020.

    About Kailash Mountain and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

    • Kailash Mountain is situated in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, near India and Nepal, standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet).
    • Religious Significance:
      • Hinduism: Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, believed to bring moksha (liberation).
      • Buddhism: Home of Buddha Demchok, symbolizing bliss.
      • Jainism: Lord Rishabhanatha attained Nirvana here.
      • Bon Religion: Center of the universe in Bon faith.
    • Mansarovar Yatra is the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake at 4,556 meters (14,950 feet).
    • This lake is believed to be created by Lord Brahma, bathing here is believed to cleanse sins.
    • The Yatra is managed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Indian pilgrims.
    Places in News: Kailash Mansarovar
    Copyright infringement not intended.

    Routes to Kailash Mansarovar

    • Lipulekh Pass: Located at 5,115 meters, this route is 200 km of trekking and has been suspended since 2020 due to geopolitical tensions.
    • Nathu La Pass: Positioned at 4,310 meters, this 1,500 km motorable route requires 35-40 km of trekking. It has been operational since 2015.
    • Nepal Route: Available since 2023, this route is managed by private operators, with challenges related to visa and permit requirements.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La

     

  • Who was Sir Sankaran Nair (1857-1934)?

    Why in the News?

    PM recently remembered Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a nationalist and jurist who famously fought a courtroom battle against British officials involved in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.

    Nair’s stand in the courtroom is now a subject of a forthcoming film, Kesari Chapter 2.

    Who was Sir Sankaran Nair (1857-1934)?

    About Sir Sankaran Nair:

    • Born in 1857 in Mankara village, Kerala, Nair came from an aristocratic family.
    • He was educated at Presidency College in Madras and pursued a law degree.
    • Nair began his legal career with Sir Horatio Shepherd, Chief Justice of Madras High Court.
    • In 1897, Nair became the youngest president of the Indian National Congress (Amravati (Mh) Session) and was appointed as a permanent judge of the Madras High Court in 1908.

    Role in the Jallianwala Bagh Case:

    • Nair challenged Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, for his role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919), accusing him of following policies that led to the massacre.
    • O’Dwyer sued Nair in England for defamation. Despite biased British courts, Nair refused to apologize, even when O’Dwyer offered to forgo the £500 penalty.
    • The trial highlighted the bias in the British judicial system and fuelled Indian resentment against British rule.

    Other Contributions:

    • Nair made progressive rulings, like supporting inter-caste and inter-religious marriages and ruling against treating converts to Hinduism as outcasts.
    • He supported India’s self-government and played a key role in expanding the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms (1919).
    • In 1922, Nair critiqued Gandhi‘s methods in his work “Gandhi and Anarchy”.
    • He helped draft the 1919 constitutional reforms, pointing out flaws in British rule, with many of his suggestions accepted.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following aroused a wave of popular indignation that led to the massacre by the British at Jallianwala Bagh?

    (a) The Arms Act (b) The Public Safety Act (c) The Rowlatt Act (d) The Vernacular Press Act

     

  • Who was Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890)?

    Why in the News?

    On April 11, 2025, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 199th birth anniversary.

    Who was Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890)?

    About Mahatma Phule

    • Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, born on April 11, 1827, near Pune, was from the Mali caste.
    • His father was a vegetable vendor, and his mother died when he was young.
    • He pursued education at the Scottish Mission High School in Pune despite caste-based discrimination.
    • He was inspired by Western thinkers like Thomas Paine and John Stuart Mill, fuelling his social justice dedication.
    • At 13, he married Savitribai Phule, who became his partner in social reforms, particularly promoting education for women and marginalized communities.

    His Contributions as a Social Reformer:

    Educational Reforms:

    • In 1848, Phule and his wife established India’s first girls’ school in Pune.
    • He focused on educating Dalits and lower-caste groups, traditionally excluded from education.
    • He founded night schools for working-class individuals, especially women.

    Fighting Caste Discrimination:

    • Phule criticized the caste system, calling it a means of oppression.
    • In 1873, Phule’s book Gulamgiri condemned caste discrimination, comparing Dalits’ plight to slavery.
    • Phule coined the term ‘Dalit’ to describe those outside the caste system.

    Women’s Welfare and Empowerment:

    • Phule advocated for widow remarriage and provided a dignified life for widows.
    • In 1863, he opened homes to help pregnant widows.
    • He co-founded an infanticide prevention center, tackling the killing of female infants.

    Social Justice and Equality:

    • Phule founded Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to promote social equality, rational thinking, and religious reform.
    • The Samaj rejected idolatry and supported a more rational spiritual approach.
    • He broke the social stigma of untouchability by opening his house and water-well to the oppressed.

    Religious and Philosophical Contributions:

    • Phule was an advocate for critical thinking of religion, rejecting superstition and blind faith.
    • He believed in equality and justice across religions and cultures.
    • He was influenced by Bhakti saints like Sant Kabir and Sant Tukaram in his fight against social oppression.

    His Literary Contributions:

    • Gulamgiri (Slavery) (1873): Critiqued the caste system and called for Dalit liberation.
    • Shetkaryacha Asud (Farmer’s Whip) (1881): Addressed the exploitation of farmers and advocated for land reforms.
    • Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Poostak: Promoted rationalist thought and social justice.
    • Tritiya Ratna (1855): A significant work in advocating for social equality.
    • Brahmananche Kasab (1869): Criticized the exploitation by the Brahmin class.
    • Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869): A work celebrating the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.
    • Satsar Ank (1885): Another rationalist work addressing societal issues.
    • Akhandadi Kavyarachana: A literary contribution reflecting Phule’s thoughts on social justice.
    [UPSC 2016] Satya Shodhak Samaj organized:

    (a) a movement for the upliftment of tribals in Bihar’

    (b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

    (c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

    (d) a peasant movement in Punjab

     

  • Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister has inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

    What is Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra Divas?

    • The event is observed annually on April 9 to promote peace, non-violence, and spiritual harmony globally by chanting the Navkar Mantra collectively.
    • The mantra venerates the 5 supreme beings:
      1. Arihants: Represent those who have attained “Keval Gyan” (perfect knowledge) and guide “Bhavya Jeevas” (souls destined for liberation). They possess twelve divine qualities.
      2. Siddhas: Those who have eradicated all karmas and attained Moksha. They are endowed with eight pure qualities.
      3. Acharyas: The leaders who follow Mahavrat and guide others on the spiritual path. They embody 36 virtues.
      4. Upadhyayas: Scholars who impart knowledge related to the path to Moksha, with 25 virtues.
      5. Sadhus: Renunciants who refine themselves through penance, with 27 significant qualities.

    Key Jain Principles Associated:

    • Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The Navkar Mantra embodies the principle of Ahimsa, advocating for peace and harmony by acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life forms, thus promoting Maitri (friendliness) towards all beings.
    • Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism) and Syadvada: This principle promotes appreciating diverse perspectives and truths, which was emphasized as a solution to global challenges like terrorism and environmental degradation, reflecting the Jain concept of Syadvada (conditional truth).
    • Tapas (Self-Discipline) and Vairagya (Detachment): The mantra is seen as a spiritual tool for self-realization, mental stability, and fostering inner peace, encouraging Tapas and Vairagya as means to achieve spiritual growth.
    • Samyak Darshana (Right Faith) and Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): The teachings of the Navkar Mantra were connected to building a developed India rooted in heritage while embracing progress without losing cultural values, emphasizing the importance of Samyak Darshana and Samyak Jnana.
    • Svadhyaya (Self-Study) and Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): The mantra encourages self-discipline and truth as guiding principles for personal growth and societal harmony, promoting Svadhyaya and Sadhana as essential practices.
    [UPSC 2011] The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by:

    (a) Universal Law (b) Universal Truth (c) Universal Faith (d) Universal Soul

     

  • PM Modi at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

    Why in the News?

    PM Narendra Modi recently visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

    About the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

    • The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered the oldest living cultivated plant globally.
    • It is believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi Vruksha in Bodhgaya under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
      • This branch was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitra, eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka and his first wife, Queen Devi.
      • The original tree under which Buddha meditated was reportedly destroyed, possibly by Ashoka’s wife Tishyarakshita in some legends.
    • Sanghamitra’s arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is commemorated during the Uduvapa Poya, a festival observed annually on a full moon night in December.

    Legend of Sanghamitra’s Journey to Sri Lanka

    • Sanghamitra, originally named Ayapali, lived from 282 BC to 203 BC.
    • Following the Third Buddhist Council (held in 250 BC in Pataliputra) during Ashoka’s reign, it was decided to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to spread Buddhism.
    • The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
    • After several royal ladies expressed interest in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda sent for his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
      • Both siblings lived in Anuradhapura for the rest of their lives.
    • She played a pivotal role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later spread to other Theravada Buddhist countries like Burma, China, and Thailand.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

    1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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