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Subject: History

  • [pib] Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

    Why in the News?

    The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be held on 31st October.

    About National Unity Day

    • National Unity Day is celebrated every year in India on 31 October since 2014.
    • It marks the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.
      • 31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.

    Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

    Details
    Who Was He? Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.

    He served as India’s first Deputy PM and Home Minister.
    Role in the Freedom Struggle • Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Led a non-violent campaign against unjust land revenue tax during a famine.
    • Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Organized protests against increased land revenue, earning the title “Sardar.”
    Integration of Princely States Played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence using diplomatic skills and firm leadership.
    Establishment of All India Services Advocated for a unified administrative framework, establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), known as India’s “steel frame.”
    Leadership in the Indian National Congress Served as President during the Karachi session in 1931, where significant resolutions on Fundamental Rights were passed.
    Constitutional Contributions Headed committees of the Constituent Assembly on Fundamental Rights and minority rights, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution.
    Promotion of National Unity Advocated “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity to build a cohesive nation.
    Social Reforms Worked against caste discrimination, untouchability, and alcohol consumption, promoting social justice and women’s rights.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?

    1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.

    2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 or 2

  • National Manuscript Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.

    Why Center is again re-evolving this scheme?

    • Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    • The new entity, expected to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, will likely function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

    About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

    • Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
    • It is managed by the National Archives of India.
    • Objective:
      • To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
      • The mission has set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
      • India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts, covering a range of themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
    • What is a Manuscript?
      • A manuscript is a handwritten document on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf.
      • These documents are at least 75 years old and hold scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
      • Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records that provide direct historical information.

    Achievements and Challenges:

    • The NMM has documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third have been uploaded.
    • Concerns were raised over mismatches between digitized data and original manuscripts, requiring correction.
    • Of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded, only 70,000 are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy, which limits public availability, especially since 80% of manuscripts are privately owned.
    • NMM has conducted preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios over the past 21 years.

    PYQ:

    [2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register? 

    (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka

    (b) Mahabharata

    (c) Ramayana

    (d) Rig-Veda

  • [pib] 200 Years of Kittur Vijayotsava

    Why in the News?

    A commemorative postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage within the Kittur Fort premises to mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.

    About Kittur Rani Chennamma

    • Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in Kakati, Belgaum (now Karnataka).
    • She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery from an early age.
    • She married Mallasarja Desai, the ruler of Kittur, a small principality in Karnataka.
    • The Kittur Uprising (1824):
      • The British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son, Shivalingappa, as the rightful successor under the Doctrine of Lapse.
      • She declared war on the British in response to their annexation attempt.
      • In October 1824, she led the Kittur army against 20,000 British soldiers stationed near the Kittur Fort.
      • During the battle, British official John Thackery was killed, and the Company forces faced significant losses.
      • After initial resistance, British forces returned in December 1824 with a larger army.
      • Despite her courageous efforts, Rani Chennamma was captured along with her forces and imprisoned.
      • She was held captive in Bailhongal Fort, where she spent her remaining years. She died in captivity in 1829.

    Legacy and Significance

    • Rani Chennamma is celebrated as one of the first women in Indian history to lead an anti-colonial uprising.
    • She is revered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial oppression.
    • She is honored in Kannada folklore, particularly through lavani (folk songs) that celebrate her bravery and sacrifice.
    • Statues have been erected across Karnataka, including a prominent one in Bengaluru’s Parliament House.

    Doctrine of Lapse

    • Introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, the Doctrine aimed at expanding British territories in India.
    • The policy was based on the principle that a princely state without a suitable heir should become part of the British Empire.
    • Applied to princely states where the ruler died without a natural or legally adopted male heir, enabling the British to annex those states.
    • The policy was seen as illegitimate by many Indian rulers and played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
    • Several states annexed due to this Doctrine, include Satara (1848), Jaitpur (1849), Sambalpur (1849), Udaipur (1850), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
    • Prior to the Doctrine of Lapse, princely states had a traditional practice of selecting an heir from a group of candidates known as bhajans.
    • The policy was abandoned in 1859, two years after the end of the Company Rule in India.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

    [2014] What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?

    1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
    2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
    3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • [pib] International Abhidhamma Divas

    Why in the News?

    PM has participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language.

    What is Abhidhamma?

    • Abhidhamma means “Higher Teaching” or “Special Teaching” in Pali, one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (Abhidhamma Pitaka) of Theravada Buddhism.
    • It offers a systematic and analytical exploration of mind and matter, delving deeper into Buddhist philosophy than the Sutta Pitaka.
    • The Abhidhamma explores mental states, consciousness, and psychological processes, providing a framework for understanding reality.
    • It is known for its technical and specialized vocabulary in Pali, such as:
      • Chitta (consciousness)
      • Chetasika (mental factors)
      • Rupa (materiality)
      • Nibbana (final liberation).
    • Abhidhamma Pitaka contains seven treatises, with Pannhana being one of the most notable for its analysis of causal relationships.
    • Traditionally, Buddha is believed to have taught the Abhidhamma to the gods in the Tavatimsa heaven, later sharing the teachings with his disciple Sariputta.

    About International Abhidhamma Divas

    • It is celebrated Ashwin Purnima (Full Moon), to commemorate Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa-devaloka (a celestial realm) to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur, UP).
      • It actually marks the conclusion of a 3-month rain retreat, known as Varsavasa or Vasa, during which monks remain in a single location for meditation and prayer.
    • The celebration involves Dhamma discourses, academic sessions, and exhibitions that connect ancient wisdom with modern spiritual practices.
    • Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, hosts the event, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

    Teachings of Abhidhamma

    • The Abhidhamma provides a detailed framework for understanding the mind, matter, and existence.
    • It addresses complex concepts like birth, death, and mental phenomena in a precise and abstract manner.
    • Abhidhamma is known for its analytical approach:
      • It categorizes mental states and emotions.
      • It explains causal relationships that determine mental and material phenomena.
    • The teachings cover topics like:
      • Moral and mental states
      • Aggregates (components of existence)
      • Causal links
      • Path to enlightenment.

    Historical Background and Significance

    • Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching the Abhidhamma in the Tavatimsa realm.
    • The descent is marked by the Ashokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya, highlighting its historical significance.
    • The celebration coincides with the end of the Rainy Retreat (Vassa), a period of monastic seclusion, and the Pavarana festival, a time of mutual reflection among monks.

    Classical Status to Pali Language

    • In 2024, the event holds special significance due to the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Indian government.
    • Pali is the ancient language in which much of Buddhist canonical literature is written, including the Tipitaka.
    • Recognized as a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2024, alongside Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
    • Pali’s significance lies in its role as the medium for delivering Buddha’s teachings, especially the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
    • The Tipitaka is composed of:
      • Vinaya Pitaka: Ethical rules for monks and nuns.
      • Sutta Pitaka: Discourses and teachings of Buddha.
      • Abhidhamma Pitaka: Detailed analysis of mental and physical phenomena.
    • Pali has a rich tradition of commentaries such as Atthasalini and Sammohavinodani, which aid in understanding Abhidhamma concepts.

     

    PYQ:

    [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

    [2016] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

    1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
    2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to Enlightenment.
    3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

  • Literature Nobel, 2024

    nobel

    Why in the News?

    The 2024 Nobel Prize has been awarded to South Korean writer Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

    Who is Han Kang?

    • Han Kang is a South Korean writer born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea.
    • She is known for her poetic and experimental writing style that confronts themes of historical trauma, violence, grief, and the fragility of human life.
    • After starting her literary career with poetry, she became widely recognized for her novels that address complex human emotions and the consequences of social and political structures.

    Her Literary Works:

    • The Vegetarian (2007): This novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, revolves around a woman who decides to stop eating meat and faces extreme reactions from her family. The story explores themes of control, independence, and violence. It was her breakthrough novel, translated into English in 2015.
    • Human Acts (2016): Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, this novel tells the story of the massacre of protesting students by the South Korean military. Han Kang gives voice to the victims of history with a style that is both experimental and visionary.
    • The White Book (2017): An elegy dedicated to a sibling who passed away shortly after birth. The novel is a meditation on grief, narrated through white objects, symbolizing loss and memory.
    • Greek Lessons (2023): This novel, first published in Korean in 2011, tells the story of a woman who loses her ability to speak and her teacher, who is losing his sight. The novel explores loss, intimacy, and the connection between language and identity.
    • We Do Not Part (2025, forthcoming): This upcoming novel focuses on two women confronting a hidden massacre in Korean history from the 1940s. It explores how trauma can be transformed into art.

    Citation for Nobel Prize 2024

    • The Swedish Academy’s official bio-bibliography highlights her ability to create universal narratives using a poetic and radical imagination. 
    • Han Kang is praised for addressing patriarchy, violence, and historical injustices, while also examining the connections between body and soul and the living and the dead.
    • The academy notes that she has become an innovator in contemporary prose, showing how literature can speak the truth through her powerful and experimental style.

    Recent Nobel Prizes in Literature:

    • 2023: Jon Fosse (Norway) for his innovative minimalistic plays and prose, focusing on the human condition.
    • 2022: Annie Ernaux (France) for her courageous exploration of personal and collective memory.
    • 2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah (Tanzania) for his compassionate depictions of colonialism and migration.
    • 2020: Louise Gluck (USA) for her deeply personal poetry that resonates universally.
    Rabindranath Tagore: Won the Nobel Prize in 1913 for “Gitanjali,” becoming the first non-European laureate in Literature, recognized for his sensitive and spiritual poetry.

  • Who was Rani Durgavati?

    durgavati

    Why in the News?

    Madhya Pradesh CM chaired a meeting in honour of the 16th century tribal queen Rani Durgavati on her 500th birth anniversary.

    Rani Durgavati (1524-1564)

    • Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 in the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
    • She married Dalpat Shah, son of Gond King Sangram Shah of the Garha-Katanga kingdom.
    • After her husband’s death in 1550, she ruled the kingdom as regent for her young son, Bir Narayan.
    • Her role against the Mughals:
      • Rani Durgavati expanded her kingdom and ruled with prosperity, shifting her capital to Chauragarh for strategic advantage.
      • In 1564, the Mughal general Asaf Khan, under Emperor Akbar, attacked her kingdom.
      • She led her forces bravely and initially defeated the Mughals in a strategic battle at Narhi.
      • To avoid capture, she sacrificed her life, becoming a symbol of courage and resistance.

    Her contributions

    • Rani Durgavati is remembered for her bravery, administrative skills, and martyrdom.
    • She carried out public works, including the construction of Ranital, a reservoir near Jabalpur.
    • Celebrated as a symbol of self-determination, especially for tribal communities.
    • She is honored in Indian history as a patriotic ruler who resisted Mughal expansion, with various political and cultural tributes dedicated to her legacy.

  • Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Why in the News?

    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has recently finished copying inscriptions at three temples in Thirukurungudi, located in Tirunelveli district.

    About the 3 temples mentioned:

    Nambi Rayar Temple (Thirukoshtiyur Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirukoshtiyur, near Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu.
    • It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples).
    • It is known for its association with Ramanuja, one of the most important figures in Vaishnavism, who learned the sacred mantra “Ashtakshara” here.
    • The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (temple tower) and is built in Dravidian style.

    Thirumalai Nambi Temple (Thirumaliruncholai Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirumaliruncholai, also known as Azhagar Kovil, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
    • This temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams.
    • Thirumalai Nambi, who was a saint and a scholar, was closely associated with this temple and served as a priest here.
    • The temple is set in a hilly region and has intricate carvings and sculptures in traditional Dravidian architecture.

    Aniliswarar Temple

    • It is a Shaivite temple located in Anilivandhan Kottai, near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
    • The temple architecture is traditional with a smaller gopuram (temple tower) compared to the larger, more well-known temples.

    dravid

    About Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Details
    Flourished 8th century to the 13-14th century AD
    Enclosure Temples are enclosed within a compound wall, unlike Nagara temples.
    Notable Features
    • Gopuram (Entrance Gateway): The front wall has an elaborate gateway tower called Gopuram, which serves as the main entrance to the temple complex.
    • Vimana (Main Tower): Vimana or temple tower has a stepped pyramid-like structure that rises geometrically, unlike the curving shikhara in North Indian temples.
    • Temple Tank: It is common to have a large water reservoir or temple tank enclosed within the temple complex.
    Shapes of Temples
    • Square (Kuta or Caturasra)
    • Rectangular (Shala or Ayatasra)
    • Elliptical (Gaja-prishta or Vrittayata)
    • Circular (Vritta)
    • Octagonal (Ashtasra)
    Notable Temples The Pallavas, early builders of Dravidian temples, started with rock-cut temples and later shifted to structural temples.

    • Mahabalipuram: Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) initiated construction, and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built the Shore Temple.
    • The Shore Temple houses three shrines for Shiva and Vishnu.

    The Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola in 1009 CE, is the largest and tallest of Indian temples. It features large Gopurams with elaborate sculptures.
    Significance Temples were not only religious centers but also key administrative hubs, controlling large areas of land and resources, especially during the 8th-12th centuries.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

  • [pib] Cabinet confers Classical Language Status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved conferring the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

    Classical Languages in India:

    Details
    Objective To recognize and preserve Bharat’s profound cultural heritage embodied in these languages and their literary traditions.
    Criteria for Classical Language Status 2004 (when Tamil was declared a Classical Language):

    1. High Antiquity over a thousand years.
    2. A body of ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Original literary tradition, not borrowed.

    2005 (when Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language):

    1. High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years.
    2. Ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Original literary tradition, not borrowed.
    4. Distinct from modern forms, with possible discontinuity.

    2024 (as recommended by the Linguistic Experts Committee):

    1. High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years.
    2. Ancient literature valued by generations.
    3. Includes knowledge texts, prose, inscriptions.
    4. Distinct from current forms or may show discontinuity.
    Previously Conferred Status Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014)
    Implementation Strategy • Establishment of Central Universities for Sanskrit (2020)
    • Promotion of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (Mysuru)
    • National and International awards for Classical Languages
    Impact on Employment • Employment in academia, research, and archiving
    • Jobs in preservation, digitization, translation, and publishing of ancient texts
    States Involved Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (Pali, Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), Assam (Assamese)
    The Eighth Schedule
    • Lists 22 official languages, governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution.
    • Includes Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
    Chronological Additions to the Eighth Schedule • 1950: Initially included 14 languages
    • 1967: Sindhi added (21st Constitutional Amendment)
    • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), Nepali added (71st Constitutional Amendment)
    • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali added (92nd Constitutional Amendment)
    • 2011: “Oriya” replaced with “Odia” (96th Constitutional Amendment)

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    (a) Odia

    (b) Konkani

    (c) Bhojpuri

    (d) Assamese

    [2014] Consider the following languages :

    1. Gujarati

    2. Kannada

    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How India’s Temples are Run?

    Why in the News?

    As the Supreme Court hears petitions about the alleged adulteration of ghee in Lord Venkateswara’s Laddu Prasadam, many religious organizations have renewed their demand to free temples from government control.

    How are Religious Places managed in India?

    • Muslim and Christian places of worship are managed by community-run boards or trusts.
    • Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist temples are often under government control.
      • Hindu temples make up the majority of the 30 lakh places of worship in India (2011 census).
    • Under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, the government can regulate economic, financial, or secular activities associated with religious practices.
      • This allows the state to enact laws concerning the administration of Hindu religious institutions.

    Examples of Government Control:

    • Tamil Nadu: The state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department manages temples.
    • Andhra Pradesh: The state controls the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including the Tirupati Temple.
    • Jammu and Kashmir: Enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, specifically to manage the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu.
    • A portion of the income from offerings and donations is used for:
      • Temple administration
      • Maintenance of smaller temples
      • Welfare activities, including hospitals, schools, orphanages, and secular education.

    Historical Context of Government Control Over Temples

    • Ancient India: Temples have historically received land and wealth donations from kings and nobles, becoming centers of culture and economy. Larger temples often promoted agriculture and irrigation.
    • Medieval Period: Many temples were attacked and pillaged by invaders due to their immense wealth.
    • Colonial Era: Between 1810 and 1817, the East India Company enacted laws in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay to regulate temples and prevent the misuse of temple income and endowments.

    Colonial Laws:

    • Religious Endowments Act, 1863: Gave control of temples to committees, but the government maintained influence through judicial jurisdiction and other laws.
    • Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925: Empowered provincial governments to oversee temple endowments and gave substantial powers to commissioners.

    Post-Independence Laws:

    • After Independence, many states enacted laws based on the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, which gave the government supervision over temples and allowed the appointment of an Executive Officer to manage temple affairs.
    • A similar law was passed in Bihar around the same time.

     

    Demand for Freeing Temples from Government Control

    • 1959: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) passed its first resolution demanding that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple be returned to Hindus.
    • 1988: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS called on state governments to hand over temples to representatives of Hindu devotees, arguing that government control was unfair and aimed at controlling temple funds.
    • 2021: The VHP passed a resolution in Faridabad demanding a central law to free temples from government control.

    Legal Position on Temple Control

    Courts have generally upheld government control over temples, although there have been arguments in favor of freeing temples.

    Key Judgments:

    • 1954 Shirur Mutt Case: The Supreme Court ruled that a law transferring control of religious institutions to another authority violates Article 26(d), which guarantees the right to manage religious property. However, the state can regulate the administration of religious or charitable institutions.
    • Ratilal Panachand Gandhi vs. The State of Bombay (1954): The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to manage religious institutions is fundamental, but the state can regulate trust properties through valid laws.
    • Pannalal Bansilal Pitti vs. State Of Andhra Pradesh (1996): The Supreme Court upheld a law abolishing hereditary rights over temple management and rejected the argument that such laws must apply equally to all religions.

    Recent Case:

    • In 2022, lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay filed a petition in the Supreme Court to free temples from government control. The SC remarked that under the current system, temples cater to broader social needs, and reversing this would return temples to their previous state as centers of wealth. Upadhyay withdrew his petition.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?

    [2016] How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. 

  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Why in the News?

    Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will be conferred with the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

    Mithun Chakraborty to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

    • Mithun Chakraborty has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from a tribal in ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976) to an action hero and a dancing star, becoming one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.
    • His performance in ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) made him an international sensation, with the movie being a massive hit across Asia, then Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other regions after Raj Kapoor.
    • He has worked in more than 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Punjabi, demonstrating his wide-ranging influence.
    • Mithun has won three National Film Awards for his outstanding performances in films like ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976), ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992), and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
    • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
    • As the chairperson of the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU) for three decades, Mithun has been actively involved in improving the welfare of film industry workers.

     

    About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Details
    Organized by
    • Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
    • Presented by the President of India.
    First Presented 1969
    Purpose To honor individuals (filmmakers, actors, singers etc.) for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”
    Named After
    • Dadasaheb (Dhundiraj Govind) Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema”.
    • He directed and produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.
    • This landmark film is considered the starting point of the Indian cinema.
    Notable Recipients Devika Rani (1969), Prithviraj Kapoor (1971), Satyajit Ray (1985), Raj Kapoor (1987), Lata Mangeshkar (1989), Asha Bhosle (2000), Yash Chopra (2001), Rajinikanth (2019), Amitabh Bachchan (2018) , Waheeda Rehman (2021).
    Components of the Award
    • ₹1,000,000 (US$12,000) cash prize;
    • Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl.
    Selection Criteria Awarded to individuals for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”.
    Selection Committee A committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.