Subject: History

In the news

• The Venice Biennale, revered as “the Olympics of the art world,” is set to unveil its 60th edition on April 20.
• Under the theme “Stranieri Ovunque” or “Foreigners Everywhere,” curated by Adriano Pedrosa, the exhibition will feature 333 artists from around the world.

What is the Venice Biennale?

• Inception: Proposed by Venice’s city government in 1893, the Biennale aimed to commemorate the silver jubilee of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy.
• Early Exhibitions: The inaugural exhibition in 1895 attracted over two lakh visitors, showcasing works by foreign and Italian artists without specific thematic constraints.

Structure of the Venice Biennale

• Central Pavilion: Serving as the focal point, the central pavilion hosts the main exhibition curated by the appointed curator, highlighting selected artworks.
• National Pavilions: Representing individual countries, these pavilions feature curated exhibitions managed by respective ministries of culture, with India having participated officially since 1954.
• Collateral Events: Independent exhibitions and events across Venice complement the Biennale, enriching the cultural landscape.

India’s Journey at the Venice Biennale

• Debut in 1954: India made its inaugural appearance with an exhibition organized by the Embassy of India in Rome, featuring eminent artists like M F Husain and Amrita Sher-Gil.
• Subsequent Engagements: Indian artists have participated in various editions, with official pavilions organized in 2011 and 2019, showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
• Continued Representation: In 2024, Indian artists will feature prominently in the central exhibition, alongside the Aravani Art Project, symbolizing India’s enduring presence on the global art stage.

Central Idea

• Recently performers from Rajasthan showcased the Kalbeliya dance in Hyderabad.

What is Kalbeliya Dance?

• Kalbeliya Dance is a traditional Indian dance form that originated in the state of Rajasthan.
• It is a vibrant, energetic dance that is performed by members of the Kalbeliya, a nomadic tribe of snake charmers in Rajasthan.
• It is a highly sensuous dance, with the dancers performing intricate footwork and swaying movements of their arms and body.
• In 2010, the Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan were declared a part of its Intangible Heritage List by UNESCO.

Performance Details

• The dancers are women in flowing black skirts who dance and twirl, replicating the movements of a serpent.
• They wear an upper body cloth called an angrakhi and a headcloth known as the odhani; the lower body cloth is called a lehenga.
• All these clothes are of mixed red and black hues and embroidered.
• The male participants play musical instruments, such as the ‘pungi’, the dufli, been, the khanjari – a percussion instrument, morchang, khuralio and the dholak to create the rhythm on which the dancers perform.
• The dancers are tattooed in traditional designs and wear jewellery and garments richly embroidered with small mirrors and silver threads.
• As the performance progresses, the rhythm becomes faster and faster and so dances.

Features of the Kalbeliya Dance

• Rapid footwork: The fast, intricate footwork of the Kalbeliya dance is the highlight of this folk dance. The dancers move their feet in quick, sharp movements that form intricate patterns on the floor.
• Swirling skirts: The colorful skirts of the female dancers swirl gracefully as they move, adding to the beauty of the dance.
• Hand and arm movements: The dancers use their hands and arms to create graceful, fluid movements that are integral to the dance.
• Singing: Kalbeliya dancers often sing along to the music as they dance, adding to the atmosphere of the performance.

In the news

• This newscard is an excerpt from an image published in today’s edition of TH.

About Theyyam

• Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic performance art form native to the northern region of Kerala.
• It is believed to have evolved over centuries, combining elements of music, dance, and drama to honor various Hindu deities, especially Goddess Kali.

Key Features

• Unique format: Theyyam performances take place at village shrines or in joint-family homes rather than on stages.
• Lengthy duration: Performances can span from 12 to 24 hours, reflecting their importance within the community.
• Ritual: The chief dancers live near the shrine during the entire event and do not eat after sunset.
• Masks and costumes: Various types of masks and face paints are used, characterized by vibrant colors.
• Musical accompaniment: Traditional Kerala instruments like chenda (drum), tuti (flute), kuzhal (wind instrument), and veekni (percussion instrument) support the dancers.
• Dance steps: Specific dance steps called “Kalaasams” follow a structured sequence.
• Religious influence: Certain aspects of Theyyam, such as abstaining from eating after sunset, indicate religious influences from Jainism and Buddhism.

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Try this PYQ from CSP 2017:

Q. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1, 2 and 3

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1 only

[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”fw67t8vamo” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

Introduction

• Recent archaeological findings in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, unveiled two Badami Chalukya temples dating back 1,300-1,500 years and a label inscription from the 8th or 9th century AD.
• These discoveries shed light on the rich historical heritage of the region.

Ancient Mudimanikyam Temples

• Dating: The two temples, constructed between 543 AD and 750 AD, exhibit the distinctive Kadamba Nagara style in the Rekha Nagara format, a rarity in Telangana.
• Architectural Significance: Research emphasizes the importance of these temples as testimonies to the Badami Chalukya period. With minimal restoration, they can serve as valuable relics of ancient architecture in Telangana.
• Comparison: Apart from the Badami Chalukya temples at Alampur, these temples stand out as exceptional examples of architectural prowess from that era.

Details of Label Inscription

• Discovery: The label inscription, found on a pillar of a group of five temples in the village, dates back to the 8th or 9th century AD.
• Meaning: While the exact meaning of the inscription, ‘Gandaloranru,’ remains unclear, ASI suggests it may denote a heroic title, with ‘Ganda’ in Kannada meaning ‘hero.’
• Historical Context: The presence of the inscription indicates the existence of five temples, known as Panchakuta, during the late Badami Chalukya period. However, these temples are no longer in use, with one missing the Shivalinga and another containing a Vishnu idol.

Badami Chalukyas: Legacy and Achievements

• Establishment: Pulakeshin I founded the Chalukya dynasty in 550, establishing Badami (Vatapi) in present-day Karnataka as the capital.
• Extent of Empire: The Badami Chalukyas ruled over territories encompassing modern Karnataka and large parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Pulakesi II’s Reign:
  1. Notable Conquests: Pulakeshin II expanded the empire northwards, halting Harsha’s advance and defeating the Vishnukundins in the southeastern Deccan.
  2. Diplomatic Relations: His reign saw diplomatic exchanges with Chinese and Persian empires, highlighting the dynasty’s international stature.
• Vikramaditya Dynasty: The dynasty experienced resurgence under Vikramaditya I, who expelled the Pallavas from Badami, and reached its zenith under Vikramaditya II, who conquered Kanchipuram from the Pallavas.
• Decline and End: The Rashtrakuta Dantidurga dethroned the last Badami Chalukya king, Kirtivarman I, in 753, ending the dynasty’s rule.

Cultural Feats

• Art and Architecture: The era witnessed the emergence of Vesara architecture, blending South Indian and North Indian styles, epitomized by monuments like the rock-cut temples of Pattadakal, Badami, and Aihole.
• Coinage: Unique Coinage: Chalukya coins bore legends in Nagari and Kannada scripts, featuring symbols like temples, lions, and lotuses.
• Religious Patronage: Initially adherents of Vedic Hinduism, the Chalukyas later embraced Shaivism, fostering sects like Pashupata, Kapalikas, and Kalamukhas, while also promoting Jainism.

Government and Administration:

• Military Prowess: The Chalukya army, comprising infantry, cavalry, and a formidable navy, employed innovative strategies, including intoxicating elephants before battle.
• Administrative Structure: The empire was divided into provinces, districts, and smaller administrative units, with feudal lords governing autonomous regions.

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Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

Q. Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction I the kingdom of:

a) Chalukya

b) Chandela

c) Rashtrakuta

d) Vijayanagara

[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”duaaprqhs2″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

Why in the News?

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is spearheading efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual ‘Paruveta’ Festival celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.

About Paruveta Festival

• The festival takes place at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh, attracting devotees from diverse backgrounds.
• Celebrated by people of all castes, the festival fosters communal harmony, with devotees from various religious communities, including Muslims, offering prayers to Lord Narasimha.
• Folklore narrates that Lord Vishnu married Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl, in Ahobilam, strengthening ties between the deity and the local Chenchu tribe.
• Unlike other temples where Paruveta rituals occur during Vijayadasami or Sankranti, at Ahobilam, the festival celebration spans a ‘mandala’ of 40 days.
• Rituals:

• 1. The deity is ceremoniously taken to the 32 Chenchu tribal villages surrounding Ahobilam, signifying the community’s reverence.
  2. Chenchus demonstrate their protective devotion by symbolically aiming arrows at the deity’s palanquin.
  3. Chenchu devotees undertake ‘Narasimha Deeksha’, donning yellow robes and observing celibacy during the 40-day period.
  4. Temple staff reside in these hamlets, reflecting a historical casteless society devoid of untouchability.

UNESCO Criteria for Inclusion into the Cultural Heritage List:

• To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
• To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over some time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
• To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that is living or which has disappeared;
• To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape that illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
• To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land use, or sea use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
• To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);

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Try this PYQ from CSP 2014:

Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

a) Bhutia and Lepcha

b) Gond and Korku

c) lrula and Toda

d) Sahariya and Agariya

[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”l66hqdgtsf” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

Introduction

• India will showcase some relics of Lord Buddha, currently in its possession, in Thailand from February 22 to March 18.

Kapilvastu Relics: Details

• Designation: The relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana are known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics.’
• Origin: These relics, comprising 20 bone fragments, have been preserved at India’s National Museum.
• Discovery: They were recovered in 1898 from a site in Bihar believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu. It was an inscribed casket found at the stupa site in Piprahwa (near Siddharthnagar in UP) that helped identify Kapilavastu.
• Age: Dating back to the 4th or 5th Century BC, these relics were discovered in Bihar’s Piprahwa, believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu.
• Excavation Details: The ASI unearthed these relics during excavations conducted from 1971 to 1977, discovering two inscribed steatite stone caskets containing 12 and 10 sacred relics, respectively.

Public Display in Thailand

• Previous Exhibitions: Portions of these relics were earlier exhibited in Sri Lanka (1976, 2012), Mongolia (1993, 2022), Singapore (1994, 2007), South Korea (1995), and Thailand (1995).
• Construction of Pagoda: The Thai government has built a special pagoda in Bangkok to enshrine the relics during the exhibition.

Significance of Display: Promotion of Indian Diplomacy

• Diplomatic Achievement: This event signifies a diplomatic achievement for India, strengthening ties with Thailand and promoting cultural exchange.
• Buddhist Circuit Development: The initiative aligns with India’s ‘Look East’ policy and emphasizes the promotion of soft power through cultural exchanges.
• Past Engagements: India previously sent the relics to Mongolia in 2022 and Sri Lanka in 2012, showcasing its commitment to fostering cultural and spiritual ties.

Introduction

• Legend has it that Lodrani, a hamlet near Dholavira in Kutch, was believed to be sitting on buried gold, prompting locals to initiate a dig around five years ago.
• Contrary to expectations, the excavation led to the discovery of a fortified Harappan-era settlement, challenging the assumptions about the area’s history.

Archaeological Findings at Lodrani

• Harappan-Era Settlement: Ajay Yadav and Damian Robinson from Oxford’s School of Archaeology led the archaeological exploration, revealing a well-preserved Harappan settlement.
• Architectural Resemblance to Dholavira: Yadav notes striking architectural similarities between the newly discovered site, named Morodharo, and Dholavira.
• Flourishing Ancient Life: Despite being initially dismissed as a medieval fortress, the site unveils evidence of a thriving civilization dating back around 4,500 years.

Significance

• Harappan Pottery: The site yielded a significant amount of Harappan pottery akin to findings at Dholavira, indicating a connection between the two settlements.
• Chronological Placement: Experts suggest Morodharo exhibits characteristics of mature to late Harappan periods (2,600-1,300 BCE), shedding light on the region’s ancient chronology.

Insights from Archaeologists

• Dependence on the Sea: Both Dholavira and Morodharo depended on the sea, suggesting navigable waters near the Rann of Kutch during ancient times.
• Archaeological Fame: Despite false starts in the past, Lodrani now claims archaeological fame, highlighting the importance of local initiatives in uncovering historical treasures.

About Dholavira

	Description
Discovery	Discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi.
Importance	One of the most remarkable and well-preserved urban settlements in South Asia. Fifth largest metropolis of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Location	Archaeological site located in the Kachchh District, Gujarat, dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE. On Khadir bet island in the Great Rann of Kachchh.
Strategic Location	Located on the Tropic of Cancer; Strategic for trade and access to mineral and raw material sources.
Archaeological Findings	Terracotta pottery, beads, gold and copper ornaments, seals, fish hooks, tools, urns, imported vessels. Unique stone inscriptions in Indus Valley script.
Distinct Features	Cascading series of water reservoirs, outer fortification, multi-purpose grounds, unique gates, tumulus funerary architecture, multi-layered defenses.
Decline	Coincided with the collapse of Mesopotamia; Affected by climate change, aridity, and drying up of ancient rivers like Saraswati.

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Try this PYQ:

Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

(a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar

 

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Introduction

• People have started shopping ahead of Asia’s largest tribal festival, the Medaram Jatara. Devotees offer jaggery equivalent to their weight to the deities, Sammakka and Saralamma, during the festival.

About Medaram Jatara

	Description
Origin	Rooted in the legend of Sammakka and Sarakka, a revered mother-daughter duo among the local tribal community.
Historical Significance	Commemorates the 13th-century battle of Sammakka and Sarakka against then local Kakatiya rulers’ taxation of the Koya people.
Location	Mulugu, Telangana, India
Frequency	Biennial festival
Attendance	Attracts around 1.5 crore devotees from various tribal and non-tribal communities from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh but also from as far as Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra
Political & Social Impact	Declared as a State Festival in 1996; Receives active support from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Telangana state government.
Infrastructure Development	Funds allocated for community shelters and infrastructure in and around Medaram.
Ministry Support	Active participation and significant financial backing from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Telangana state government.
Tribal Circuit Development	Ministry of Tourism sanctions funds for the integrated development of the tribal circuit.

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Try this PYQ:

Consider the following pairs:

Traditions	Communities
Chaliha Sahib Festivals	Sindhis
Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra	Gonds
Wari-Warkari	Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) None of the above

[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”nb3213ewys” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

Introduction

• A 1,000-year-old stone statue of Thirthangara Mahavir has been found in Tamil Nadu at at Manavarayanendal near Thiruchuli in Virudhunagar district.

Features of the Statue

• There is a triple umbrella above the head of the statue, which has creepers carved on it.
• It is flanked by sculptures of yakshas.
• Based on the sculpture technique, it is assumed that the statue might belong to the 11th century AD.

About Vardhaman Mahavir

	Description
Birth	540 B.C.
Birthplace	Kundagrama village near Vaishali
Family Background	Belonged to the Jnatrika clan; father Siddharta was the head of the Jnathrika Kshatriya clan, and mother Trishala was a sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.
Renunciation	Renounced home at the age of 30 to become an ascetic.
Spiritual Practice	Practiced austerity for 12 years.
Attainment of Kaivalya	Attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42.
First Sermon	Delivered his first sermon at Pava.
Symbol	Associated with the symbol of a lion.
Missions	Traveled to various regions including Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa, etc.
Passing Away	Passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at Pavapuri in Bihar.
Legacy	Founded Jainism as it is known today; contributed significant teachings and principles to the religion.

Everything you need to know about Jainism

	Description
Origin	Jainism gained prominence in the 6th century B.C. when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion.
Founder	Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is the central figure
Tirthankaras	Jainism recognizes 24 Tirthankaras or great teachers Rishabhanatha being the first and Mahavira the last.
Meaning of “Jain”	“Jain” is derived from “jina” or “jaina,” signifying the “Conqueror” or one who has conquered the inner enemies like attachment, aversion, and delusion.
Main Principles	Jainism emphasizes the Three Jewels or Triratna: Right Faith (Samyakdarshana), Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana), and Right Conduct (Samyakcharita).
Five Doctrines	Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Brahmacharya (chastity) are the fundamental principles of Jainism.
Concept of God	Jainism does not adhere to the concept of a creator God Believes in the existence of liberated souls (Siddhas) who have attained spiritual perfection.
Major Doctrines	Anekantavada: Jain doctrine of non-absolutism, recognizing that truth can have multiple perspectives or facets. Syadvada: Jain doctrine stating that all judgments are conditional and true only from certain perspectives, expressed by the term “syat” (may be).
Sects/Schools	Jainism is divided into two major sects: Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad)
Spread	Jainism spread gradually into regions where Brahmanical influence was weak, Received royal patronage from rulers like Chandragupta Maurya
Literature	Jain literature comprises: Agama (canonical) texts, which include the direct teachings of Mahavira, and Non-agama (commentaries and elaborations) works, such as the Acaranga Sutra.
Architecture	Temples, caves (layana/gumphas), statues, and ornamental pillars (manastambha), exhibiting intricate designs and religious motifs. Notable Jain architecture in India includes the Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, and the Girnar and Palitana Temples in Gujarat. These structures exemplify intricate craftsmanship and religious symbolism.
Jain Councils	Two significant Jain councils were held for compiling and preserving Jain scriptures and teachings: First Jain Council at Pataliputra (3rd century B.C.) and Second Jain Council at Vallabhi (512 A.D.)
Difference from Buddhism	Acknowledgment of a permanent self (atman), Acceptance of the varna system, Belief in the concept of a soul (jiva), and Advocacy of extreme asceticism ex. Santhara/Sallekhana
Thoughts on Rebirth	Acaranga Sutra: Jainism teaches the doctrine of rebirth (samsara) and various realms of existence (lokas) based on karma, with souls cyclically transmigrating through different life forms.

Introduction

• The Hastsal Minar, also known as the Mini Qutub Minar or Chhota Qutub Minar, stands as a Grade A heritage monument in Delhi, silently narrating stories of an era marked by grandeur and mystery amidst ruins and encroachment.

About Hastsal Minaret

	Description
Name	Mini Qutub Minar (Chhota Qutub Minar, Mini Minar, Kaushal Minar, Hastsal ki Laat)
Location	Hastsal village in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, India
Built	1650
Builder	Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan
Original Height	5 storeys, topped with a domed Chhatri pavilion
Current Height	3 storeys, 16.87 meters (55 feet) tall
Structure	Built with Lakhori bricks and clad with red sandstone
Significance	Grade A listed, protected heritage monument with the Department of Archaeology, India
History	Originally built as a hunting lodge tower for Shah Jahan Used to have a tunnel connecting it to the royal hunting lodge nearby
Architecture	Resembles Qutub Minar in Delhi, octagonal platform, narrow staircase
Threats	Endangered due to neglect, lack of conservation, encroachment by new constructions, surrounded by urbanization