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Subject: History

  • [pib] Declaration of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO                 

    The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has provided some useful information about the World Heritage Sites By UNESCO in India.

    We regret for the distorted view of this newscard on the app. Pls refer to the webpage link.

    [pib] Declaration of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO                 

    World Heritage Sites in India

    • At present, India has 38 World Heritage Properties. All the sites under the Ministry are conserved as per ASI’s Conservation Policy and are in good shape.
    • ‘Dholavira: A Harappan City’ has been submitted for the nomination of World Heritage Site in 2019-2020.
    • Nomination dossiers of ‘Santiniketan, India’ and ‘Sacred Ensemble of Hoysalas’ have been submitted to UNESCO for the year 2021-22 cycle.

    WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA (38)

    CULTURAL SITES:

    Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India (22)

    S.No. Name of Site State
    1 Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh
    2 Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra
    3 Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra
    4 Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh
    5 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) Tamil Nadu
    6 Sun Temple, Konark (1984) Odisha
    7 Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa
    8 FatehpurSikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh
    9 Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) Karnataka
    10 Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986) Madhya Pradesh
    11 Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra
    12 Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram (1987 & 2004) Tamil Nadu
    13 Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) Karnataka
    14 Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh
    15 Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi
    16 Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) Delhi
    17 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh
    18 Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004) Gujarat
    19 Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi
    20 Hill Forts of Rajasthan

    1. Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts) (2013)

    (Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums)

    		 Rajasthan
    21 Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014) Gujarat
    22 Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda (2016) Bihar

     

    Under Protection of Ministry of Railways (2)

    23. Mountain Railways of India Darjeeling,(1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka-Shimla (2008) West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh
    24. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) Maharashtra

     

    Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (1)

    25 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, (2002) Bihar

     

    Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums (1)

    26. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan

     

    Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration (1)

    27. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016) Chandigarh

     

    Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (1)

    28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) Gujarat

     

    Under Protection of Bombay Municipal Corporation (1)

    29. Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (2018) Govt of Maharashtra

     

    Under Protection of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (1)

    30. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019) Govt of Rajasthan

     

    NATURAL SITES: (7)

    Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

    31. Kaziranga National Park (1985) Assam
    32. Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan
    33. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) Assam
    34. Sunderbans National Park (1987) West Bengal
    35. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005) Uttarakhand
    36. Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu
    37 Great Himalayan National Park (2014) Himachal Pradesh

     

    MIXED SITE: (1)

    Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

    38. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) Sikkim

     

    Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    • A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area, selected by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance, which is legally protected by international treaties.
    • The sites are judged to be important for the collective and preservative interests of humanity.
    • To be selected, a WHS must be an already-classified landmark, unique in some respect as a geographically and historically identifiable place having special cultural or physical significance (such as an ancient ruin or historical structure, building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, mountain, or wilderness area).
    • It may signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity, and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet.
    • The sites are intended for practical conservation for posterity, which otherwise would be subject to risk from human or animal trespassing, unmonitored/uncontrolled/unrestricted access, or threat from local administrative negligence.
    • The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 “states parties” that are elected by their General Assembly.

    UNESCO World Heritage Committee

    • The World Heritage Committee selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
    • It monitors the state of conservation of the World Heritage properties, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
    • It is composed of 21 states parties that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term.
    • India is NOT a member of this Committee.

  • Assam’s Sattras and their political significance

    In poll-bound Assam, the campaigns are sought to be held in the Bartadrava Than/Sattra (monastery) in Nagaon, which is the birthplace of renowned Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.

    Q.Discuss the role of religion in India’s electoral politics. Discuss how identity politics is harmful to a harmonious society.

    What are Sattras?

    • Sattras are monastic institutions created as part of the 16th-century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement started by Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1596).
    • As the saint travelled across Assam, spreading his teachings and propagating an egalitarian society, these Sattras/Thans were established as centres of religious, social and cultural reforms in the 16th century.
    • These institutions are of paramount importance and lie at the heart of Assamese culture.
    • Today, Sattras are spread across the state, promulgating Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art” approach with music (borgeet), dance (sattriya) and theatre (bhauna).

    Composition of Sattra

    • Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Sattradhikar”.
    • Monks, known as bhakats, are inducted into Sattras at a young age.
    • They may or may not be celibate, depending on the kind of Sattra they are inducted into.

    What is Sankardeva’s philosophy?

    • Sankardeva propagated a form of Bhakti called eka-sharana-naam-dhrama.
    • He espoused a society based on equality and fraternity, free from caste differences, orthodox Brahmanical rituals and sacrifices.
    • His teaching focused on prayer and chanting (naam) instead of idol worship. His dharma was based on the four components of deva (god), naam (prayers), bhakats (devotees), and guru (teacher).

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:

    1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
    2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    What is the relationship between the Sattra and the State?

    • During the Ahom reign, the Sattras received a lot of donations in the form of land or money from the kings.
    • Unlike temples, Sattras did not require patronage because they were self-sufficient, grew their own food and could sustain themselves.
    • However, today, it is different. Annual grants from the state and central government are doled out to Sattras, in the hope of political support.

    Do Sattras matter in elections?

    • While Sattra votes may not decide the outcome of an election, it is undeniable that the Sattras and Sattradhikars have a lot of influence.
    • There are especially Sattra-based constituencies like Nagaon, Kaliabor, Majuli, Barpeta, Bartadadrva etc.
    • Assamese families usually have ties with one Sattra, or the other.
    • That is why politicians — regardless of party are often seen visiting Sattra.

  • 10th century Buddhist Monastery uncovered in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a Buddhist monastery, believed to be at least 900 years old, buried under a mound in a village situated in a hilly area of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.

    Details of the excavation

    • The findings were significant since the monastery is on the old route to Varanasi, 10 km from Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
    • Archaeologists found four statues of the deity Tara in Varad Mudra and six statues of the Buddha in bhumisparsa Mudra
    • So it is a significant finding as deity Tara’s statues mean this was an important centre of the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism.
    • Vajrayana is a form of Tantric Buddhism, which flourished in India from the 6th to 11th century.

    Tap to read more about Buddhism at:

    Chapter 5 | Mauryan Period (400BC – 200BC)

    Learning: Various Mudra of Buddha

    PC: Pinterest

  • Inscription on Krishnadevaraya’s death discovered

    The first-ever epigraphical reference to the date of death of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya has been discovered in the Tumakuru district of Karnataka.

    Try this question from CS Mains 2016:

    Q.Krishnadevaraya, the King of Vijayanagara was not only an accomplished scholar himself, but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

    Who was Krishnadevaraya?

    • Krishna Devaraya was the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire during 1509–1529. He was the third ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty and is considered to be its greatest ruler.
    • He possessed the largest empire in India after the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
    • Krishnadevaraya earned the titles Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana (lit, “Lord of the Kannada empire”), Andhra Bhoja (lit, “Andhra Bhoja(Scholar) King”) and Mooru Rayara Ganda (lit, “King of Three Kings”).
    • He became the dominant ruler of the peninsula of India by defeating the Sultans of Bijapur, Golconda, the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapatis of Odisha, and was one of the most powerful Hindu rulers in India.
    • Indeed, when the Mughal Emperor Babur was taking stock of the potentates of north India, Krishnadevaraya was rated the most powerful and had the most extensive empire in the subcontinent.
    • Portuguese travellers Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz also visited the Vijayanagara Empire during his reign.

    His literary work

    • The rule of Krishnadevaraya was an age of prolific literature in many languages, although it is also known as a golden age of Telugu literature.
    • He was fluent in many languages like Kannada, Marathi, Sanskrit, Telugu and Tamil.
    • Eight Telugu poets were regarded as eight pillars of his literary assembly and known as Ashtadiggajas. He himself composed an epic Telugu poem Amuktamalyada.
    • He took the title of Abhinava-Bhoja and Sakala-Kala-Bhoja (“Bhoja of all the arts”) in honour of Parmara emperor Bhoja who was a polymath, a master of 64 arts and a military genius.

    What does the inscription say?

    • As per the inscription, Krishnadevaraya died on October 17, 1529, Sunday.
    • Incidentally, this day was marked by a lunar eclipse.
    • The inscription also registers the gift of village Honnenahalli in Tumakuru for conducting worship to the god Veeraprasanna Hanumantha of Tumakuru.
    • The Kalahasti inscription refers to the date of Achyutaraya’s (his successor) coronation as October 21, 1529 AD.

  • [pib] Who was Sant Ravidas?

    The President of India recently addressed the ‘Shri Guru Ravidas Vishva Mahapeeth Rashtriya Adhiveshan-2021’ in New Delhi.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

    Q.Consider the following statements:

    1.Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.

    2.Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Who was Sant Ravidas?

    • Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the Bhakti movement and founder of the Ravidassia religion during the 15th to 16th century CE.
    • Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and mainly Punjab and Haryana. He was a poet-saint, social reformer and spiritual figure.
    • The life details of Ravidas are uncertain and contested. Scholars believe he was born in 1450 CE, in the cobbler caste.
    • Ravidas’s devotional Verses were included in the Sikh scriptures known as Guru Granth Sahib.
    • The Panch Vani text of the Dadupanthi tradition within Hinduism also includes numerous poems of Ravidas.
    • He taught the removal of social divisions of caste and gender and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms.

    Why his preaching is important?

    • Philosophy and values of Sant Ravidas like social justice, equality and fraternity have been imbued in our constitutional values.
    • He had envisaged a society that is based on equality and free from any kind of discrimination.
    • He gave it the name ‘Be-gampura’ (a city near Lahore) where there is no place for any kind of grief or fear.
    • Such an ideal city would be bereft of fear, vulnerability or scarcity. Rule of law based on the right ideas like equality and welfare of all would be the principle for governance.

  • Art in news: Tholpavakkoothu

    A shadow leather puppet in Kerala’s famous temple art Tholpavakkoothu is being animated by a robot in Palakkad.

    Tholpavakkoothu

    • Tholpavakkoothu or shadow puppetry is a temple art form which is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples (mother Goddess) in Palakkad district and nearby regions in Kerala.
    • Tholppava (Thol means leather, Pava means puppet) are moved with the help of strings, and their shadows are depicted on a screen with the help of a row of oil lamps in the background.
    • The story of Tholpavakkoothu performance is from the Indian epic, Ramayana.
    • In the olden days, it was performed elaborately over a period of forty-one days.
    • The narrative used for the performance is a mixture of prose and poetry called Adalpattu.

    Try this PYQ:

    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

    Setup of the art

    • Tholppavas are made of the skin of deer and the puppet forms are made by making small holes in the leather that is then attached vertically to a bamboo stick.
    • Accompanying instruments include Ezhupara, Chenda and Maddalam.
    • The artists have to undergo several years of rigorous training to master this art form.
    • The puppetry is staged on a special structure in temple premises called Koothumadam.

  • [pib] Monpa Handmade Paper of Tawang

    PC: East Mojo

    The sale of the 1000-years old heritage Monpa handmade paper or “Mon Shugu” is quickly catching pace after a special mention by PM in his Mann ki Baat.

    Monpa Handmade Paper

    • Monpa paper is made from the bark of tree Shugu Sheng grown locally in Tawang and is identified by its distinctive translucent fibrous texture.
    • The paper is weightless but its natural fibres add great tensile strength to this paper making it apt for various artworks.
    • It has been used for writing Buddhist scriptures, manuscripts and for making prayer flags.
    • Writing on this paper is also known to be tamper-proof.

    Note: This paper is yet to be awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    Revitalized by KVIC

    • Khadi and Village Industries Commission, which revived this ancient art at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on 25th December 2020.
    • It has made Monpa Handmade paper available online through its e-portal.
    • The revival of this art assumes significance as Monpa Handmade paper was once produced in every household in Tawang and the paper was exported to many countries like Tibet, Bhutan, Myanmar and Japan among others.
    • However, with the new technologies coming in, the handmade paper industry almost disappeared in the last 100 years.

  • Expedition to Ram Setu

    In possibly a first, Indian scientists will undertake a scientific expedition to date the chain of corals and sediments forming the Ram Setu.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    2. Gulf of Kachchh
    3. Gulf of Mannar
    4. Sunderbans

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Ram Setu

    • Also known as Adam’s bridge, Ram Setu is a 48-km long bridge-like structure between India and Sri Lanka.
    • It finds mention in the Ramayana but little about its formation is known or proven, scientifically.

    What is the underwater archaeological project at Ram Setu?

    • The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) will undertake a three-year scientific project.
    • The idea is to see whether Ram Setu is a man-made structure or not.
    • The most important aspect of the project is to establish its age, scientifically.
    • The explorers will apply a number of scientific techniques while attempting to date the Ram Setu, study its material composition, outline the sub-surface structure along with attempting to excavate remnants or artefacts, if any, from the site.
    • Once it is known, the information can be verified and co-related with its mention in the Ramayana and similar scriptures.

    How is the project planned?

    • An initial survey will make use of underwater photographs to check if any habitation remains inundated in the area. A geophysical survey will be performed to understand the structure.
    • Over the years, several kinds of depositions, including sand, have covered the actual structure. Initially, only physical observation, and no drilling, will be done.
    • NIO operates two oceanographic vessels – RV Sindhu Sankalp (ability to go up to and remain 56 metres underwater) and RV Sindhu Sadhana (ability to go up to and remain 80 metres underwater).
    • For collecting core samples at greater depths and for bathymetry purposes, Sindhu Sadhana will be deployed for the Ram Setu project.

    Two of the planned tests:

    1. Side-scan SONAR — Will provide bathymetry which is similar to studying the topography of a structure on land. Soundwaves signals will be sent to the structure which will provide an outline of the physical structure of the Ram Setu.
    2. Silo seismic survey – Mild earthquake-like tremor shocks will be sent at shallow depths close to the structure. These energized shockwaves are capable of penetrating into the structure. The reflected or refracted signals will be captured by instruments that will provide sub-surface structure.

    Significance of such exploration

    • India has a vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometres.
    • Oceans are a treasure trove of the past records — climate, evolutionary changes of the underwater fauna, coastal lives, habitations, settlements and civilizations.
    • Of these, the sea-level changes remain the most significant of all with respect to climate studies.
    • History has records of sailors who set out on unknown voyages to later discover new lands and islands.
    • They ventured into deep seas even before the advent of the Global Positioning System (GPS).
    • Using such underwater exploration studies, scientists say that it is possible to trace numerous ship-wreckages and remains from the past.
    • Studies of ship wreckage, artefacts or remains could reveal a lot of information.

    Recently a 60000 YO submerged forest was explored off the Alabama coast in the USA.

    Has India undertaken underwater archaeological explorations?

    • A part of Dwarka, along with coastal Gujarat, is underwater, confirming the sea-level rise.
    • The NIO has been studying this site, and so far, traced large amounts of scattered stones which were retrieved at the depth between three to six metres beneath.
    • Stone anchors, too, were found at the site, suggesting it to be part of an ancient harbour.
    • In the past, NIO had initiated studies to trace the missing shore temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
    • Presently, several ship wreckage studies, including the one-off the Odisha coast, are going on.

  • What is a Tripuri Risa?

    Tripura CM has of late made a statement to sport the Risa, a customary hand-woven cloth used by Tripura’s indigenous tribal communities.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Consider the following pairs:

    Sr. Tradition State
    1. Chapchar Kut festival : Mizoram
    2. Khongjom Parba ballad : Manipur
    3. Thang-Ta dance : Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (CSP 2018)

    a) 1 only

    b) 1 and 2

    c) 3 only

    d) 2 and 3

    What is Risa?

    • Risa is one of the three parts of customary Tripuri female attire, the other two being the Rignai and Rikutu.
    • The Risa, which is essentially a customary hand-woven cloth, is used as headgear, stole, female upper cloth or presented to honour a distinguished recipient.
    • The Rignai is primarily used to cover the lower part of the body and literally translates into ‘to wear’. The Rituku covers the upper half of the body, wrapping it all around.
    • However, it is also used as a ‘chunri’ or a ‘pallu’ of the Indian saree. It is also used to cover the head of newly married Tripuri women.

    Its cultural significance

    • Apart from its beautiful designs, the Risa plays a host of crucial social utilities.
    • Adolescent Tripuri girls are first given Risa to wear when she reaches 12-14 years in an event called Risa Sormani.
    • The event involves prayers to a Lampra god, where her elder women pray for her wellbeing throughout her life.
    • However, it is also used in religious festivals like the Garia Puja, a customary festival of the tribal communities, or as a head turban by male folks during weddings and festivals, as a cummerbund over dhoti or headscarf.
    • The cloth is even used as a makeshift baby carrier on the mother’s back.

  • [pib] Who was Thiruvalluvar?

    The Prime Minister has extended his venerations to Thiruvalluvar on the Thiruvalluvar Day.

    Read everything about Sangam Literature from your basic sources.

    Who was Thiruvalluvar?

    • Thiruvalluvar is fondly referred to as Valluvar by Tamils was born during 4th -5th century CE.
    • His ‘Thirukkural’, a collection of 1,330 couplets (‘kurals’ in Tamil), are an essential part of every Tamil household.
    • It holds importance in the same way the Bhagavad Gita or the Ramayana are in traditional North Indian Hindu households.
    • Thiruvalluvar is revered as an ancient saint, poet, and a philosopher by Tamils, irrespective of their religion.
    • He is an essential anchor for Tamils in tracing their cultural roots; Tamils are taught to learn his couplets word-for-word and to follow his teachings in their day-to-day living.

    Also read:

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/sangam-era-older-than-previously-thought-finds-study/