Subject: History

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

Central Idea

• N. Goswamy, a Padma Bhushan recipient and former IAS officer, left an indelible mark on the realm of Indian miniature paintings.
• His groundbreaking work in the field uncovered the rich history and family lineages of artists who contributed significantly to this intricate art form.

Indian Miniature Painting: A Rich Tradition

• Characteristics: Indian miniature painting is known for its intricate, highly detailed artwork on a small scale. It features vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and elaborate detailing.
• Historical Roots: The tradition traces its origins to the Buddhist Pala dynasty, which ruled Bengal and Bihar from the 8th to the 11th century. Initially, these paintings illustrated religious texts on Buddhism and Jainism and were crafted on palm leaves.
• Mughal Era: The art form flourished with the rise of the Mughal Empire in the early 1500s, becoming synonymous with sophistication and elegance. Mughal miniatures, often no larger than a few square inches, depicted bright and accurate paintings used for illustrating manuscripts and art books.
• Post-Mughal Period: With the decline of the Mughal Empire during Aurangzeb’s reign, skilled miniaturists migrated to regions like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Tehri-Garhwal, and the plains of Punjab, giving birth to the Pahari painting tradition. Deccan painting, influenced by European, Iranian, and Turkish styles, also emerged in the Deccan region between the 16th and 19th centuries.

B.N. Goswamy’s Contributions

• Family-Centric Approach: In his 1968 article on Pahari painting, Goswamy revealed that the style of these paintings depended not on the region but on the family of painters. He emphasized the role of family networks in shaping artistic styles.
• Reconstructing Family Networks: Goswamy embarked on a mission to reconstruct the family networks of renowned Indian miniature painters. Notable examples include Pandit Seu and his sons Nainsukh and Manaku, who dominated the Pahari painting scene. Goswamy used a blend of detective work and intuition, leveraging inscriptions on the back of miniatures and 18th-century pilgrim records from Haridwar.
• Expanding Research Scope: Over time, Goswamy broadened his research to encompass various regions across northern to southern India. His work resembled that of Bernard Berenson, who unearthed historical bills of exchange to attribute anonymous canvases.

Back2Basics: Miniature Paintings in India