Type: Prelims Only

Central Idea

• Delhi’s Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, is a historic site with a rich and diverse past.
• Recent excavations have shed light on its continuous history since the pre-Mauryan era.

About Purana Qila

• The origins of Purana Qila date back to antiquity, with the exact foundation period unknown.
• It was later rebuilt by Sher Shah Suri and Mughal emperor Humayun.
• The fort holds immense cultural and historical importance, and many believe it to be the site of Indraprastha mentioned in the Mahabharata.
• The fort, believed to be the location of the ancient city of Indraprastha, showcases architectural remnants from various periods, including the Mughal and Rajput eras.

Architectural marvels at Purana Qila

• Purana Qila’s architectural features include walls that rise to a height of 18 meters, spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers.
• It boasts three arched gateways, including the Bara Darwaza, the south gate (Humayun Gate), and the Talaqi Gate.
• The fort’s Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, showcases pre-Mughal architecture with its pointed arches and elegant prayer niches.
• The Sher Mandal, a double-storeyed octagonal tower, served as Humayun’s private observatory and library.
• It features decorative plaster-work and remnants of stone shelving for books.

Recent excavation discoveries

• Excavations have uncovered significant artifacts, including shards of Painted Gray Ware pottery dating from 1200 BC to 600 BC, indicating the pre-Mauryan period.
• Other discoveries include a 900-year-old Vaikuntha Vishnu from the Rajput period, a terracotta plaque of Goddess Gaja Lakshmi from the Gupta period, and a 2,500-year-old terracotta ring well from the Mauryan period.
• Numerous beads, seals, copper coins, and a bone needle have also been found, highlighting the site’s role as a center for trade activities.

Cultural chronology and preservation

• The ongoing excavation aims to establish a complete chronology of the site, spanning different historical periods from the Kushan to the Mughal era.
• The remains of Purana Qila will be preserved, conserved, and transformed into an open-air museum to showcase the rich historical legacy of Delhi.
• The excavated artifacts will also be displayed to delegates attending the G-20 summit, further promoting the cultural heritage of the site.

Central Idea

• The construction and history of the Indian Parliament building serve as a reminder of India’s rich democratic traditions.
• Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Indian Constitution, highlighted the presence of democratic aspects in Indian history that predate Western influence.

Democratic Traditions in Ancient India

• Ambedkar had challenged the notion that India’s parliamentary procedures were borrowed from European countries.
• Ambedkar referred to the Vinay–pitaka, a Theravada Buddhist scripture, as evidence of existing democratic procedures in India.
• The scripture regulated meetings of the Bhikkhus Sangh (monks) and included rules for debates, motions, and voting through a secret ballot system.

Comparison with Western Democracies

• Ambedkar acknowledged the importance of contributions made by Western democracies in moving away from autocracy and religious dominance.
• He highlighted the separation of Church and State in Western societies and the transition to secular laws created by the people rather than divine or religious authorities.

Caution against Failure to Address Defects

• Ambedkar pointed out the tendency of ancient societies to neglect repairing their own defects, leading to their decay.
• He criticized the Indian society’s reliance on divine laws established by figures like Manu and Yajnavalkya, which hindered the ability to address societal issues.

Conclusion

• While acknowledging India’s rich democratic history, it is essential to continue building and strengthening democratic institutions to address the evolving needs and challenges of society.
• This includes fostering an introspective approach, embracing inclusive governance, and upholding the principles of secularism, equality, and social justice.

Back2Basics: Tripitaka

• The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
• It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”

History and significance

• The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
• It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.

Composition of the Tripitaka:

(1) Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline):

• Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
• Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
• Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
• Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.

(2) Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses):

• Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Gautama Buddha and his close disciples.
• Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
• Consists of individual suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
• Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.

(3) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings):

• Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
• Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
• Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
• Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
• Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.

Features and Characteristics

• Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
• Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
• Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
• Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.

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