Subject: History

Why in the News?

The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam has officially included ‘Bathouism’ as an option in the religion column of key application forms, including admission forms, birth and death certificates.

What is Bathouism?

• Bathouism is the traditional faith of the Bodo people, primarily practiced in Assam and the foothills of Bhutan.
• It is a nature-centric religion that worships Bathoubwrai, the supreme deity believed to govern the universe.
• The central symbol of Bathouism is the Sijou plant (Euphorbia antiquorum), representing Bathoubwrai and planted in sacred enclosures (Bathou Thansali).
• Bathou Puja is performed to seek divine blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being.
• The Assam government has recently recognized Bathouism as a distinct faith, allowing its inclusion in official documents.

Philosophy of Bathouism

• Bathouism is based on five fundamental elements, known as Ba (five) Thou (deep thought), representing natural forces:

1. Bar (Air) – Symbolizes breath, movement, and life force.
2. San (Sun) – Represents light, energy, and warmth.
3. Ha (Earth) – Stands for stability, fertility, and sustenance.
4. Or (Fire) – Denotes transformation and purification.
5. Okhrang (Sky) – Represents infinite wisdom and cosmic balance.

• Bathoubwrai (Sibwrai) is considered almighty, omniscient, and eternal, beyond time and space. He is indestructible—fire cannot burn him, water cannot moisten him, air cannot dry him, and weapons cannot pierce him.
• Bathouism promotes:

1. Truthfulness, honesty, and righteousness.
2. Respect for elders, ancestors, and nature.
3. Peaceful coexistence and non-violence.
4. Gratitude through rituals and pujas.

• Bathou rituals involve five bamboo sticks symbolizing the five elements, with offerings of rice beer, milk, flowers, and incense.
• Ancestral veneration and community harmony are integral aspects of the faith.

Why in the News?

Tamil Nadu CM recently proclaimed that the Iron Age began on Tamil soil over 5,300 years ago (4th millennium BCE), based on findings from Mayiladumparai, Sivagalai, Adichanallur, and Kilnamandi.

Iron Age in India

• The Iron Age in India was initially thought to have begun around 700-600 BCE.
• Radiocarbon dating pushed the timeline back to 1800 BCE, with evidence of iron smelting found in Central Ganga Plain and Eastern Vindhyas.
• Recent discoveries in Tamil Nadu suggest that iron metallurgy was established in South India as early as 3300 BCE.

Notable Iron Age Sites in India:

1. Central and Northern India

• Raja Nala-ka-tila (UP): Iron tools and slag found in pre-NBP (Northern Black Polished) deposits (1400–800 BCE).
• Malhar (Chandauli, UP): Furnaces and iron slag indicate a major iron metallurgy center (1200 BCE).
• Dadupur (UP): Large-scale iron smelting evidence dating back to 1000 BCE.
• Hastinapur (UP): Iron tools associated with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture (1000 BCE).
• Takshashila (Punjab, Pakistan): Iron tools found in Gandhara settlements (800 BCE).

2. Western and Central India

• Ahar (Rajasthan): Chalcolithic culture (2500–1700 BCE) showed early evidence of iron artifacts.
• Naikund (Vidarbha, Maharashtra): Discovery of an iron smelting furnace (1000 BCE).
• Mahurjhari (Nagpur, Maharashtra): Horse ornaments made of copper with iron knobs (800 BCE).

3. South India

• Paiyampalli (Tamil Nadu): Large-scale iron smelting and slag deposits (1200 BCE).
• Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu): Iron tools and burial urns linked to Megalithic culture (1000 BCE).
• Mayiladumparai (Tamil Nadu): Recent findings date iron usage to 3300 BCE, making it one of the oldest sites of iron metallurgy in India.
• Sivagalai (Tamil Nadu): Iron artifacts and slag deposits, indicating early smelting practices (1100 BCE).

Iron Age in Tamil Nadu: New Discoveries

• Earlier studies in Mayiladumparai Excavation (2022) suggested that the Iron Age began 4,200 years ago (3rd millennium BCE).
• This timeline coincides with the Copper/Bronze Age in North India, indicating a technological divergence between the regions.
• The latest State Archaeology Department’s report, “Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu”, confirms that Iron smelting began as early as 3,345 BCE – 2,953 BCE.
• Limited availability of copper ores in South India might have led to the early adoption of iron technology.
• Excavations in Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Kilnamandi, and Mayiladumparai indicate that the Iron Age in Tamil Nadu predates much of North India.

Why in the News?

On the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, Andhra Pradesh’s tableau showcasing the Etikoppaka Bommalu — a 400-year-old wooden toy-making tradition — captivated the audience at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path.

About Etikoppaka Bommalu

• The craft originates from Etikoppaka, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, renowned for its 400-year-old wooden toy-making tradition.
• The name “Etikoppaka” is synonymous with eco-friendly wooden toys, which reflect a seamless blend of art and sustainability.
• The toys are made from the wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria), known for its lightweight and malleable properties, allowing intricate carvings.
• Artisans use natural dyes derived from plant-based sources like seeds, leaves, and bark, ensuring non-toxic and child-safe finishes.
• The lacquer-turning technique gives the toys a lustrous finish, sealing the natural colors while enhancing durability.

Cultural and Historical Significance

• The toys often depict mythological characters, animals, and musical instruments, connecting them to India’s rich cultural heritage.
• Many designs reflect motifs from ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.
• The crafts include spinning tops, household decorations, musical instruments, and Raja-Rani figurines, showcasing a timeless aesthetic.
• In 2017, Etikoppaka Bommalu received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring their authenticity and preserving their cultural significance.
• These toys have gained international recognition, admired by collectors and eco-conscious enthusiasts.

Other GI-Tagged Toys in India: