Subject: History

Central Idea

• Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• This recognition makes Garba the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which was added two years ago.

About Garba

• What is it? Garba is a traditional dance form from Gujarat, India, primarily performed during the Navratri festival to worship the Hindu goddess Durga.
• Origins and Meaning: The term “Garba” comes from “Garbha” (womb) and “Deep” (lamp). The dance is performed around a central lamp or a representation of the Goddess, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.
• Dance Style: Garba is characterized by energetic, circular movements, clapping hands, and intricate footwork, reflecting the cyclical nature of life.
• Music and Instruments: The dance is accompanied by rhythmic music, traditionally using instruments like the dhol (drum), harmonium, and flute, with modern adaptations including electronic instruments.
• Traditional Attire: Women wear a chaniya choli (a colorful, embroidered skirt set) and men don a kediyu and dhoti or pajama, often embellished with mirrors and embroidery.
• Dandiya Raas Association: Garba is often followed by Dandiya Raas, another dance form using sticks (dandiyas), especially after the Aarti (worship ritual).
• Inclusivity and Community Aspect: The dance is inclusive, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, and emphasizing community participation.

About UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

• ICH means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage.
• Furthermore, its importance is not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
• The adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2003 was a crucial step towards preserving intangible heritage.
• UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was established in the year 2008.

Criteria for the selection

• There are three criteria for an intangible cultural heritage to be inscribed in the United Nations list.
• The entity must-

1. be recognized by communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals as part of their cultural heritage,
2. be transmitted from generation to generation and be constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history and
3. provide them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity

India’s ICH on the UNESCO list

• Sangeet Natak Akademi is the nodal organisation which looks after this function, and files nominations of intangible cultural entities from India, for evaluation by the international body.
• ICG from India include Kolkata’s Durga Puja (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Navroz (2016), Yoga (2016), traditional brass and copper craft of utensil-making among coppersmiths of Punjab (2014), Sankirtana, a ritual musical performance of Manipur (2013), and the Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012).
• Before 2011, the list included Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dance of Rajasthan, and Mudiyettu, a dance drama from Kerala (2010), Ramman, a religious festival and theatre performance of Garhwal in the Himalayas (2009), and Kutiyattam or Sanskrit theatre, and Vedic chanting (2008).
• Ramlila, a traditional performance of Ramayana, was also included in 2008.

Central Idea

• On Navy Day, December 4, PM Modi highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji’s understanding of naval power and announced the incorporation of his emblem on naval officers’ epaulettes.

Indian Navy’s Acknowledgment of Maratha Heritage

• Training Establishment: The Indian Navy’s training facility in Lonavla is named INS Shivaji.
• Administrative Hub: The Western Naval Command’s logistics and administrative center in Mumbai is named INS Angre, after Kanhoji Angre, a prominent Maratha naval commander.
• New Naval Ensign: The Indian Navy’s new Ensign, unveiled in 2022, features the octagonal design of Shivaji’s seal, symbolizing his maritime vision.

About Maratha Navy

Central Idea

• Ancient relics belonging to the Nolamba Pallavas dynasty were unearthed in Cholemarri village, situated 22 km from Penukonda in Sri Sathya Sai district.

Significant Findings

• Battlefield Site: Evidence suggests a fierce battle in the 9th century AD between the Nolamba Pallavas and the Bhana-Vaidambas.
• Inscriptions and Artifacts:

• 1. An inscription of Mahendra Nolambadhi Raja (875-897 AD), ruler of Henjeru (now Hemavati), was found in the fields.
  2. Hero stones with Telugu inscriptions (written in ancient Kannada script) from the Nolamba and Vijayanagara periods were discovered near Anjaneyaswamy temple.

About the Nolamba Dynasty

• Time Period: Ruled from the 8th to the 12th centuries C.E.
• Geographical Extent: Nolambavadi region, covering parts of southeast Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Political History: Initially feudatories to Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami, Gangas, and Rashtrakutas, later to Chalukyas of Kalyani. Often referred to as Nolamba Pallava in inscriptions.
• Capitals: Initially Chitradurga, later shifted to Hemavati.
• Origin:
  • Founded by Mangala Nomabathi Raja (735–785 A.D.).
  • Emerged as governors under Pallavas and Chalukyas.
  • Experienced shifts in allegiance between Pallavas, Chalukyas, Banas, and Vaidumbas.
  • The term “Nolambas” came into existence post the Chalukyas’ resurgence under Vikramaditya I.
• Decline: Overrun by Ganga king Marasimha, who claimed the title Nolambakulantaka.
• Cultural Contributions: Known for constructing grand temple complexes like Kalleshwara Temple in Aralaguppe, Bhoganandishwara Temple in Nandi, and Ramalingeshwara Temple in Avani.
• Religious Affiliation: Predominantly Shaivites, with temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Central Idea

• The Centre announced the schedule for second phase of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam from December 17 to 30.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam

• Kashi Tamil Sangamam celebrates the historical and cultural ties between North and South India.
• It is managed by IIT Madras and BHU (Banaras Hindu University).
• Its main goal is to bring together the knowledge and cultural traditions of North and South India, helping people understand our shared history and strengthen connections between these regions.
• The Ministry of Education organizes this event with help from other ministries like Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, Information & Broadcasting, and the Uttar Pradesh Government.
• This effort aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which focuses on combining traditional Indian knowledge with modern knowledge systems.

Cultural Significance

• In the 15th century, King Parakrama Pandya from the Madurai area wanted to build a Lord Shiva temple, so he went to Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) to get a lingam.
• On his way back, he rested under a tree, but the cow carrying the lingam wouldn’t move when he tried to continue his journey.
• Parakrama Pandya took this as a divine sign and set up the lingam there, in what is now known as Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu.
• The Pandyas built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in present-day Tenkasi, southwestern Tamil Nadu, near the Kerala border, for those who couldn’t travel to Kashi.

Central Idea

• UK PM Rishi Sunak cancelled his meeting with visiting Greek PM over the latter’s comments on ancient Parthenon Sculptures housed in the British Museum.

Parthenon Sculptures

• The Parthenon Sculptures are ancient Greek stone sculptures over 2,000 years old, originally part of the Parthenon temple in Athens.
• These sculptures, including a 75-meter-long frieze, are significant artifacts of Athens’ Golden Age, depicting gods, heroes, and mythical beings.
• In the early 19th century, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, removed the sculptures from the Parthenon.
• The marbles were subsequently purchased by British Museum in 1816.

Debate over Legitimacy

• Greece has accused Lord Elgin of stealing the sculptures, while he maintained he had permission from the Ottoman authorities.
• The original document granting permission has been lost, leading to disputes over its authenticity and content.

Greece’s Campaign for Return

• Greece’s demand for the sculptures’ return dates back to its independence in the early 1830s.
• The campaign gained momentum in the 1980s, spearheaded by Greek actress and then-culture minister Melina Mercouri.
• The British Museum argues that the sculptures were legally acquired and rejects Greece’s demands for their return.
• The museum contends that public benefit lies in having the sculptures in two locations, citing the impossibility of reassembling them completely and concerns over safe return.

Current Developments

• Prime Minister Sunak has described the marbles as a significant asset to the UK and opposes changing laws to facilitate their return.
• Despite the cancelled meeting, Greek officials intend to continue negotiations with the British Museum.

Central Idea

• Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of its ten Gurus.
• It is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Poornima, the full-moon day in the month of Katak (October–November).

Five Key Aspects of Guru Nanak’s Life

[1] Early Life and Philosophical Inclination:

• Born on April 15, 1469, in a Hindu family in Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan).
• Displayed an early interest in philosophical and spiritual questions.
• Worked as an accountant before embarking on a spiritual journey with a Muslim minstrel, Mardana.

[2] Mystical Experience at Age 30:

• Had a transformative spiritual experience during an early morning ablution by a river.
• Received a divine mission to spread a message of unity and devotion.
• Emerged after three days with the profound declaration, “There is no Hindu, there is no Mussalman.”

[3] Extensive Travels and Interfaith Dialogue:

• Traveled widely, including to Sri Lanka, Baghdad, and Mecca, on journeys called ‘udaasis’.
• Engaged with various religious figures, including Hindu pandits and Sufi saints.
• Advocated for the oneness of God and universal brotherhood.

[4] Preaching the Oneness of God:

• Emphasized the unity of humanity and the presence of one God in all.
• Challenged religious orthodoxy and rituals, promoting a direct connection with the divine.
• His teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds.
• His teachings and hymns are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
• He wrote in Punjabi, using a script known as Gurmukhi.

[5] Succession and Legacy:

• Spent his final years in Kartarpur, establishing a community with daily prayers and hymns.
• Introduced the practice of ‘langar’, a communal kitchen serving free meals.
• Chose Lehna (later Guru Angad) as his successor, bypassing his own sons.
• Passed away on September 22, 1539, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual and social reform.

Central Idea

• Kambala races were held on this weekend in Bengaluru and many parts of Karnataka.
• This event has faced legal scrutiny in the past, with the Supreme Court temporarily outlawing Kambala, along with Jallikattu and bullock-cart racing, in 2014.

What is Kambala?

• Kambala is a folk sport predominantly practised in the coastal districts of Karnataka, especially where Tulu-speaking communities are prevalent.
• Traditionally, races were organized in slushy paddy fields post-harvest.
• The Kambala Samithi now hosts weekly events from late November to mid-April at various venues across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
• For many, especially the Bunt community, Kambala is a prestigious event.
• Buffalo pairs are meticulously groomed throughout the year in the hopes of winning major races.

Different Kambala Categories

1. Negilu (Plough): Entry-level buffalo pairs participate in their first Kambala race using lighter ploughs.
2. Hagga (Rope): Jockeys race buffaloes with just a rope tied to both.
3. Adda Halage: Participants stand on a horizontal plank dragged by buffaloes, unlike Hagga and Negilu where jockeys run behind.
4. Kane Halage: A wooden plank tied to buffaloes, with water gushing out through holes as it’s dragged. The height of splashing water determines the winner.

Kambala’s Popularity across Karnataka

• While Kambala’s popularity is concentrated in coastal Karnataka, movies like ‘Kantara’ in 2022 have widened its appeal across the state.
• The film’s success is credited with generating interest in the sport, making it more popular even beyond its traditional strongholds.
• Historically, the Koraga community faced discrimination during Kambala events. They were considered “untouchable” and ill-treated.
• Critics argue that the sport is still dominated by higher caste groups, while lower caste individuals often perform menial tasks during the event.

Why was Kambala banned by the Supreme Court?

• Several organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), alleged animal abuse during traditional sporting events.
• Concerns included the tying of buffalo noses with ropes and continuous whipping during races, seen as cruelty.
• The Supreme Court, hearing these petitions, banned Kambala, Jallikattu, and bullock-cart racing in 2014.

How was the ban lifted?

• In January 2016, the Environment Ministry issued a notification allowing the continuation of bull training for such traditional events, recognizing their cultural significance.
• Specific conditions were set to minimize bull suffering.
• State governments also amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, providing exemptions for these events.
• A five-judge constitutional bench upheld these amendments made by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra governments in May.

Central Idea

• This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.

Introduction to Materialism

• Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
• Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.

Origins of Materialism

• Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
• Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
• Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.

Materialism’s Names in India

• Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
• Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
• Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
• Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
• Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).

Materialist Ontology

• Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
• Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
• Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.

Ethics of Materialism

• Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
• Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
• Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
• Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.

Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell

• Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
• Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
• Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.

Central Idea

• An animation film on an iconic Ahom general Lachit Borphukan has been selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023 to be held in Goa.

Lachit Borphukan

• Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-ips-officer-directed-animation-film-chosen-for-iffi-2023/article67550668.ece