Type: Prelims Only

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.