ART & CULTURE CURRENT AFFAIRS

March 2025
• Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana , palace-fortresses of the Bundelas
in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh,
Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (multiple States), Chausath Yogini
temples (multiple States) and Gupta temples in north India (multiple States) have
been added to India’s tentative list by the UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre.
• Palace-fortresses of the Bundelas in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar
Pradesh –
o Orchha (M.P). Notable Structure at Orchha are: The fort complex includes
the Raja Mandir (Raja Mahal), Jahangir Mahal, and Sawan Bhadon
Mahal. Jahangir Mahal was built by the Bundela ruler, Veer Singh Deo in the
17th century. It was built to commemorate the first visit of Emperor Jahangir
to Orchha. Orchha is located on the bank of Betwa river.
o Bir Singh Palace, Datia (M.P)- It was built in 1620 by King Bir Singh Deo.
o Garh Kundar Fort, located near Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh – It remained
under control of Chandela, Khangar, and Bundela dynasties, and is known for
its unique structure with underground and above-ground levels.
o Jhansi fort (UP) - It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo (1606-27) of Orchha on
a rocky hill called Bangra in the town of Balwantnagar (presently known as
Jhansi).
o Dhubela Palace - Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh.
• The Menhirs or the standing stones of Mudumal –
o Menhirs of Mudumal in Telangana’s Narayanpet on tentative list of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. The stones numbering about 1,200 large sized ones
standing vertically map the skies. From them, we know the date and positions
of the constellations of Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, Taurus etc. The
site contains about 80 large menhirs (standing stones) and several hundred
smaller alignment stones organised into rows and formations. These
formations align with the sun during solstices suggesting their use during
solar observations.
o A noteworthy revelation from Mudumal is the depiction of sky-maps through
cup marks on boulders. The initial discovery uncovered a representation of
the Ursa Major constellation on a vertically positioned stone near the site's
highest point, aligning with the rising Sun during the winter solstice. A recent
finding has brought to light a flat bedrock adorned with depictions of Ursa
Major and Leo constellations, accompanied by the North Star, suggesting that
 they used their celestial observations to orient the menhirs and other
boulders.
• Note
o Megaliths were tomb spots consisting of burials or graves covered with huge
(mega) stones. They were, in most cases, located outside the settlement area.
These Megalith burials have yielded the first iron objects from south India.
Besides these the use of Black and Red ware pottery was also a distinctive
feature of the Megalithic people.
o Megalithic cultures in the Indian subcontinent occur in the far south, Deccan
Plateau, the Vindhyan and Aravali ranges and even in the Northwest.
o The practice of making megaliths continues among certain tribal
communities of India such as the Khasi of Meghalaya and the Mundas of
Chota Nagpur.
o Three basic types of megaliths are the Chamber tombs unchambered Tombs
and megaliths not connected with burials. Chambered tombs- two or four
vertical slabs of stone topped by a horizontal capstone. Example- cist, dolmen
o Unchambered Tombs- pit burials, menhir, urn burials & sarcophagus

Chausath yogini temples

• Hirapur, Odisha, Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha), Mitaoli (Morena, Madhya Pradesh),
and Bhedaghat (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh), Kaveripakkam, Ranipet district,
Tamil Nadu, Rikhiyan, Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh
• Temples - circular, open-air temple dedicated to the 64 Yoginis
• Yoginis - female deities associated with yogic practices and Tantric
rituals. They are a group of forest spirits and mother goddesses.
• The cult of the Yoginis was very powerful between the 9th and 12th centuries
CE.
• The tribes in the old Gondwana forests of Central India were the original
devotees of the Chausath Yoginis.
• There are around 13 such temples in India out of which 8 are in Madhya
Pradesh. These include Chausath Yogini temples at Khajuraho, Bhedaghat,
Mitaoli, Dudhai, Badoh, Hinglajgarh, Shahdol, Naresar in Madhya Pradesh;
Hirapur, Ranipur in Odisha and Lakheri, Rikhiyan in Uttar Pradesh and
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
o
• Addition to the World Heritage Centre's tentative list is mandatory if a property is to
be nominated for inscription to the World Heritage List in future.
• With these additions, India now has 62 sites on the tentative list
• At present, a total of 43 properties from India are inscribed on the UNESCO World
Heritage List, including 35 in the 'Cultural' category, seven in 'Natural' and one in
'Mixed' category.
 • India hosted a World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in 2024, during
which the Moidams — the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam —
was accorded the coveted UNESCO tag.

RATNAGIRI - Dec-2024 and Jan 2025

• Ratnagiri Buddhist site, (Jajpur, Odisha) has revealed a 1,200-year-old Buddhist
monastery, votive stupas, pottery, inscribed stones, and a remarkable five-foot
monolithic elephant sculpture.
• Among the discoveries are a Buddhist monastery complex, stone sculptures of
Bhagwan Buddha, votive stupas, inscribed stones, pottery, beads, stone pillars, and
an ancient brick wall believed to be part of larger structure.
• Dr Sunil Patnaik, Secretary of the Odisha Institute of Maritime and Southeast Asian
Studies (OIMSEAS), revealed that the unearthed monastery dates back to the 8th
century CE. Developed under the patronage of the Bhauma kara dynasty, the site
flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre from the 8th to the 11th centuries CE.

Note –

• Buddhist triangle of Odisha – Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri ( also known as "Diamond

Triangle" of the "Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri" complex. )
• Another Udaygiri, located near Bhubaneshwar, is Jaina caves. There are 18 caves.
Famous cave is Hathigumpha, constructed by Kharvela the ruler of Kalinga in Post-
Mauryan period.

Narhari Tirtha
• Saint Narahari Tirtha statue discovered in Simhachalam Temple. He was the disciple
of Madhav ( Madhavacharya - propounder of Daivata philosophy)
• Narhari Tirtha formulated a structured executive system to manage temple affairs,
particularly in the Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples. Srikurmam temple is in
Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
• He is credited with being the first to compose Devaranamas in Kannada, enriching
the devotional music tradition. Additionally, he contributed to Yakṣhagana Bayalaṭa, a
dance-drama form, and Kuchipudi, a classical dance from Andhra Pradesh.
• Available epigraphical evidence suggests that the kings of Eastern Ganga dynasty
were assisted by the saint for three decades.
• He wrote commentaries for several of Acharya Madhva’s works out of which only
four are available now.
• The saint, upon his passing away, was consecrated near the rock adjacent to
Chakratirtha at Hampi on the banks of river Tungabhadra.
Note –

• Srikurmam is one of the ancient and famous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Sri
Kurmam is the second form of Lord Vishnu wherein He takes the Avatara (form) of a
Tortoise and hence the Lord here is called as “Sri Kurmanatha”. This is the only
temple in the entire country where Lord Vishnu is seen in “Kurmavatara”.
• The famous Sun God Temple situated in Arasavalli Village which is at a distance of
about 1 K.M. east of SRIKAKULAM Town in Andhra Pradesh.
• Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, is a Hindu temple situated on
the Simhachalam Hill Range, in the city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Jodhaiya Bai
• Jodhaiya Bai, the renowned Baiga tribal artist from Madhya Pradesh, passed away on
December 15, 2024, at 86. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2023 for her
contributions to Baiga art
• She was instrumental in getting international recognition to the Baiga tribal art
• Note- try to find out important features of Baiga painting.

First Asian Buddhist Summit

• Ministry of Culture and International Buddhist Confederation organized First Asian
Buddhist Summit on 5th -6th November 2024 in New Delhi.
• Theme ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in strengthening Asia’ .
• In this summit Dr. Jagbir Singh spoke about the Buddhist Influences on the Evolution
of Chinese Architecture. He traced its development from the Han Dynasty to the
present day.
• In the 1st century the Han emperor Ming constructed the white horse monastery in
honour of the first two Indian monks who went from India to China – Kashyap
Matanga and Dharmaratna/Dharmarakkshit.
• This was the birth of Chinese Buddhist architecture. This form of architecture
subsequently was woven into pure Chinese architecture resulting in a unique
architectural heritage that reflects the spiritual and aesthetic values of Buddhism.
• Prof. Dr. Shobha Rani Dash, Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, Otani
University, Kyoto, Japan mentioned about the Hindu deities worshipped in Japanese
Buddhism. She explained the pantheon of Hindu deities who were introduced to
Japan with Buddhism as the Devas of the Buddhist pantheon. But gradually many of
them have been assimilated with the Japanese native cult of Shintoism as well. She
 made a special mention of goddess Saraswati who is known as Benzaiten in Japan
and revered by the locals.
• Dr. YalcinKayali, Associate Prof. of Eastern Languages and Literatures at Ankara
University, Turkey brought out the less known fact about the presence of Buddhism
in the Uighur Turkish cultural world. This study focused on the Buddhist text known
in Sanskrit as the SuvarṇabhāsaSūtra, which was transferred from the Chinese
translation of the Dharmakshema to the Uyghur-Turkish Buddhist heritage area and
named Altun-Yaruq (Golden Light Sūtra).

Ratnagiri- petroglyph
• The Maharashtra government has officially designated the geoglyphs and
petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as protected monuments under the Maharashtra Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.
• In Ratnagiri, over 1,500 such artworks are found at around 70 sites, covering a
protected area of 210 square meters. Seven of these sites are even on UNESCO’s
tentative World Heritage list.
• Stunning 50-ft carving of an elephant is a part of Ratnagiri petroglyph.
• The term rock art usually brings to mind pictographs (paintings on rocks). But these
are petroglyphs, and the fact that the images are carved into the flat, open rock
surface gives them a scale and look that is unique.
• The working theory around these petroglyphs is that they date back to about 10,000
BCE, placing them in the Mesolithic Period
• Prominent petroglyph and rock art sites in India that could be contemporary to this
period are the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh. Other rock carvings -
Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, petroglyphs from the Tindivanam and Viluppuram
districts in Tamil Nadu and Unakoti in Tripura.
• Note - The Alphonso mango from Ratnagiri and surrounding areas in Maharashtra,
known locally as "Hapus," has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in
2018.

November, 2024
• Legendary sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan died at 96, leaving behind a rich
musical legacy.
• Narayan was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1976, the Padma Bhushan in 1991,
and the Padma Vibhushan in 2005.
• Note - Ustad Mamman Khan, regarded as the greatest sarangi player of the 20th
apparently.
2024 BRICS summit
October , 2024 - The 2024 BRICS summit was the sixteenth annual BRICS summit, held in
Kazan, Russia.

• Modi gifted a Mother of Pearl (MOP) sea-shell vase to Iran's President Masoud
Pezeshkian.
• The officials noted that the vase, sourced from the coastal artisans of Maharashtra,
stands as a testament to the state's skilled craftsmanship and natural beauty.
• To Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi presented a traditional Warli
painting, a revered art form from Maharashtra's Warli tribe.
• Granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014, Warli art has evolved to
contemporary mediums, symbolising an enduring yet adaptable heritage.
• Putin was presented with a Sohrai painting from Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district.
Sohrai Paintings are recognised as an ODOP (One District One Product) item. They
are known for their use of natural pigments and simple tools.

Note –

• The 2024 BRICS summit was the sixteenth annual BRICS summit, held in Kazan,
Russia. It was the first BRICS summit to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United
Arab Emirates as members, following their accession to the organization at the 15th
BRICS summit.
• Indian prime minister Modi and South African president Ramaphosa chose to attend
the BRICS summit instead of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting, which was held the same week in Samoa.
• Jadopatiya painting - Jadopatia paintings are a traditional folk-art form of Jharkhand.
The art originated in the Dumka district of Jharkhand.
• Others paintings of Maharashtra are – Bhil, Kaavi, Chitrakathi
• Note- Sohrai festival - Sohrai is a harvest festival, also known as the cattle festival in
Jharkhand. It is celebrated by both tribal and non-tribal in Jharkhand.
• Sohrai Painting- practised by the women. Ritualistic art is done on mud walls to
welcome the harvest and to celebrate the cattle. The women clean their houses and
decorate their walls with murals of Sohrai arts.
• Note- find out important features of Sohrai and Warli paintings.

Indian classical languages

 • Five languages got classical status in October 2024 are Marathi, Pali, Prakrit,
Assamese, and Bengali.
• The Union Cabinet’s decision to accord classical language status to five new
languages came after a key provision, which mandated that a language must have
original literary tradition, was dropped.
• Six languages, including Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008),
Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014) are already holding the title of "Classical" in
India.
• All the Classical Languages are listed under the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
• The term "Indian classical languages," or "Semmozhi," refers to a group of languages
that have a long history and a rich, unique, and distinctive literary legacy.
• A "Classical Language" in India signifies a language with a deep historical background,
rich literary tradition, and unique cultural heritage, serving as a custodian of India's
ancient knowledge systems, philosophies, and values, essentially acting as a vital
carrier of the nation's cultural identity across generations.

Criteria to qualified as Classical language

Linguistics Experts Committee (under Sahitya Akademi) in a meeting on 25.07.2024,
unanimously revised the criteria as below. Sahitya Akademi has been appointed as nodal
agency for the LEC.

• High antiquity- Early texts or documented history of the language must be between
1500 and 2000 years old.
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of
speakers.
• Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and
inscriptional evidence.
• The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could
be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.

What is the significance of the Classical language of India?

According to a government of India resolution, issued on November 1, 2004, a language

designated as a "Classical Language" will have the following significance:

• Every year, two significant international awards are given to distinguished scholars of
classical Indian languages.
• The establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Classical Language Studies.
 • The University Grants Commission will be asked to establish a specific number of
Professional Chairs for Classical Languages for distinguished scholars of Classical
Indian Languages, starting at least in the Central Universities.

When were the languages declared classical?

• Tamil: October 12, 2004
• Sanskrit: November 25, 2005
• Kannada: October 31, 2008
• Telugu: October 31, 2008
• Malayalam: August 8, 2013
• Odia: March 1, 2014
• Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali: October 3, 2024

Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization

Harappan script –
• Harappan seals, are engraved with various signs or characters. Recent studies suggest
that the Harappan script consists of about 400 to 417 signs and that it was written
from right to left & then left to write. This type of writing called boustrophedon
style. However, the script has not been deciphered as yet. It is believed that they
used ideograms i.e., a graphic symbol or character to convey the idea directly. Their
script was mainly called pictographic.
• Inscriptions are generally short, with an average length of around five signs and none
longer than 26.
• Indus script- Tamil Nadu govt. prize: $1 million for anyone who can decipher the
script of the ancient Indus Valley civilization.
• In 2014 , Iravatham Mahadevan, a well-known expert in Indian epigraphy, especially
the Indus and Tamil Brahmi scripts, declared Indus script as early form of the
Dravidian script.

Padta Bet – Gujrat (April, 2024)

• Harappan settlement discovered in the Kutch district of Gujarat

• Archaeologists from Kerala University discovered the site
• it's one of the largest Harappan burial sites
• The site is located near Juna Khatiya, an Early Harappan necropolis
 • The presence of plenty of pottery, artefacts, and a few animal bone fragments from
these areas are indicative of the occupation of Harappan people in the region from
the Early Harappan to Late Harappan periods, i.e. circa 3200 BCE to 1700 BCE.

Morodharo – Gujrat (Feb, 2024)

• newly discovered fortified Harappan settlement

• located near the World Heritage Site of Dholavira, in the Kutch district of Gujarat
• discovery was led by Ajay Yadav and Damian Robinson
• Morodharo is a Gujarati word meaning "less salty and potable water".

Note – Harappan sites in Gujrat - Lothal, Dholavira, Surkotda, Rangpur, Rojdi, Kuntasi,
Desalpur, Malvan, Padri.

Chettimedu Pathur, Tamil Nadu

• In February 2024, researchers from the University of Madras discovered a Neolithic
child burial site in Chettimedu Pathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu.
• The burial site contained the remains of a child, estimated to be between 9 to 11
years old.

Assam
Moidam (July, 2024)

• Moidams – The Mound-Burial System of Ahom Dynasty Inscribed in the UNESCO

World Heritage List as India’s 43rd Entry
• This is the third World Heritage Property from Assam, following Kaziranga National
Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, both inscribed under the Natural category in
1985.
• This nomination underscores the cultural and historical significance of the Moidams,
making them the first cultural heritage site and the third overall site from the North
East to be inscribed on the World Heritage list
• Moidams are earthen mounds built over vaulted chambers, serving as the final
resting places for Ahom royalty and aristocracy.
• Main location - found in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam, with the
Charaideo necropolis being the most prominent site.
• Moidams, meaning "home-for-spirit", are a testament to the Tai-Ahom's belief in the
divinity of their monarchs and their unique funerary traditions.
• The mounds contain grave goods such as food, horses, elephants, and sometimes
even servants (items they would require in their afterlife).
Note

• India became a member of the World Heritage Committee from 2021-25 and is
currently hosting its first ever session since joining UNESCO’s World Heritage
Convention of 1972.
• The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee started on July 21st and lasted on
July 31st, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• World Heritage Convention - international treaty adopted by UNESCO in 1972, (came
into force in 1975) aiming to identify and protect cultural and natural sites of
"outstanding universal value".

March , 2024

'Statue of Valour'
• PM Narendra Modi unveils 125-feet statue of Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat.
125-feet bronze statue of 'Ahom general' Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat. The
'Statue of Valour'. The height of the statute, built by Ram Vanji Sutar, is 84 feet and it
is set on a pedestal of 41 feet, making the structure 125 feet tall.
• He is known for his leadership in the 1671 'Battle of Saraighat' that thwarted a
drawn-out attempt by the mighty Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, to take back
Assam.
• Mir Jumla, a Mughal general, led an invasion of the Ahom Kingdom in 1662, resulting
in the occupation of the Ahom capital, Garhgaon.
• Battle of Saraighat- It was naval battle fought in 1671, on the Brahmaputra River at
Saraighat, near Guwahati
• Battle of Itakhuli - Fought in August 1682 between Mughal and Ahom. The Ahoms,
led by Gadadhar Singha, successfully repelled the Mughals, reclaiming Guwahati and
pushing Mughal influence west of the Manas River.

Note –

• Buranjis are a class of historical chronicles and manuscripts, primarily associated

with the Ahom kingdom, written in Ahom and later Assamese languages, serving as
crucial primary sources for understanding medieval Assam's history.
• Rajmala - "Rajmala" refers to the ancient royal chronicle of the Kings of Tripura, a
15th-century chronicle in Bengali that details the history of the Manikya dynasty
• Cheitharol Kumbaba, or Cheithalon Kumpapa , the "Royal Chronicle of Manipur
• The best passing-out cadet of the National Defence Academy (NDA) is awarded the
Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal, established in 1999.
Other facts related to culture of Assam
o Six traditional crafts from Assam — Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft,
Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear of rural Assam), Mishing handloom
products, and the Bihu dhol — have bagged the GI tag.
• Majuli masks and manuscript painting in Assam gain GI recognition.

o Majuli masks are intricately crafted masks made by hand using traditional
techniques.

o The handmade masks are traditionally used to depict characters in bhaonas (a

traditional form of entertainment, with religious messages), or theatrical
performances with devotional messages under the neo-Vaishnavite
tradition, introduced by the 15th-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva.

Statue Of Social Justice- Vijayawada

• Statue of Statue Of Social Justice, B.R. Ambedkar, in Vijayawada. The statue (The
206-foot) would be the tallest Ambedkar statue in the world.
• The statue was constructed on an 81-foot pedestal, and the statue is 125 feet tall,
taking the total height to 206 feet.
• Material - Steel, brass, bronze, and concrete

Note

• Statue of Unity (statue of Sardar Patel) is the world's tallest statue- located on Sadhu
Bet island in the Narmada River, near the town of Kevadia (now Ekta Nagar). The
statue is 182 meters (600 feet) tall
• Statue of Equality – belongs to Ramanujacharya. It is the second tallest sitting statue
in the world. The project of building the statue was conceptualised to commemorate
the 1,000th birth anniversary of Ramanuja. Location- Hyderabad, Telangana.

Kadamba inscriptions
Kadamba inscriptions have been found in the Mahadeva temple at Cacoda in southern
Goa.

Kadamba inscriptions are written in Kannada and Sanskrit on buildings, coins, and statues
from the 10th century AD. They are a record of the Kadamba dynasty and the events that
took place during their rule.

• The Kadamba script was the first writing system used to write Kannada.
 • It was also used to write Telugu.

Kadambas of Goa were the subordinates of Chalukyas of Kalyana. Chalukyan emperor

Tailapa II appointed Kadamba Shasthadeva as mahamandaleshwara of Goa for his help in
overthrowing the Rashtrakutas.

Lord Kalki
• A temple of Lord Kalki is going to be built in Sambhal, the foundation stone of
which was laid by PM Modi.
• Kalki, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, is recognized as the tenth and final
avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu belief the tenth Kalki
avatar of Lord Vishnu will be born in Sambhal as the son of a great Brahmin
named Vishnuyash.
• Like the Ayodhya Ram Temple, metals like iron or steel will not be used in the
construction of this temple.

Zakir Hussain and Tabla related facts

Tabla maestro, four-time Grammy award winner and Padma Vibushan awardee Ustad Zakir
Hussain died in San Francisco, aged 73, on December 15, 2024. Ustad Hussain’s family, in a
statement, said he died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
is a disease that causes scarring of the lungs.

Zakir Hussain belongs to Punjab gharana of Tabla. Hussain received seven Grammy Award
nominations, with four wins, including three in 2024. Zakir Hussain's first Grammy Award
was for Best World Music Album in 1992 for Planet Drum. He won the award with Mickey
Hart of the Grateful Dread.

• In 2009, Hussain won another Grammy for Global Drum Project, a collaborative
album with Hart, Sikiru Adepoju, and Giovanni Hidalgo.

• In 2024, Hussain became the first Indian to win three Grammys in a single night. He
won for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best
Contemporary Instrumental Album

• The first Indian to win a Grammy Award was Ravi Shankar, a renowned sitar player,
who won for his album "West Meets East" in 1968, a collaboration with violinist
Yehudi Menuhin.

• Shakti: (formed in 1973) Shakti was a groundbreaking band formed by Ustad Zakir
Hussain and John McLaughlin. Shakti band is a blend of Indian classical music and
 Jazz. Shakti band also included violinist L. Shankar and percussionist T.H. Vinayakram.
They blended Hindustani and Carnatic classical music with Western jazz influences.

Gharana in Tabla
• The Dilli gharana is believed to be the oldest of the gharanas and was founded by
Siddhar Khan (born around 1700).
• From Dilli came the Lucknow gharana, founded by Mian Bakhshu Khan and, it is
commonly believed, by Modhu Khan (born around 1770).
• From Lucknow came the Farrukhabad gharana, founded by Haji Vilayat Khan (born
around 1780).
• From Dilli came the Ajrara gharana, founded by Kallu Khan and Meeru Khan (born
around 1800).
• The Punjab gharana developed more independently in Lahore, first as
a pakhawaj tradition founded by Lal Bhawani Singh. This lineage was then adapted to
the tabla by Kader Baksh (born around 1810).
• From Lucknow came the Benares gharana founded by Ram Sahai (born around 1830
or earlier).
• The Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Lal Bharwamirch and Banaras Lal
Peda are among the products that walked away with GI tags in this region.
• The Benares tabla is a traditional Indian percussion instrument known for
its powerful sound and resonant strokes. The Benares tabla gharana is part of the
Purbi (eastern) baj, which also includes the Farukhabad and Lucknow gharanas.

Tabla related terms –

• Kayda, Peshkar, Chakradar, Tukda, Paran, Uthan, Gat, Laggi

Origin of Tabla
• In the 13th century, Amir Khusro created a plethora of instruments. Some even say
that he is the founder of tabla.
• However, in the 16th century during Akbar’s era, Abul Fazal wrote a book called
Aaina-e-Akbari, which has no mention of tabla. This hints that tabla was not in
existence before that era and is not as ancient as other Indian Classical
instruments.
• Khushro Khan: During18th century, it is claimed that pakhawaj player known as
Khushro Khan found tabla for accompaniment of khayal gayaki. The resemblance in
the names Amir Khusro and Khushro Khan might be a reason why the credit of
discovering tabla is often times given to Amir Khusro.
•
National Mission on Cultural Mapping
• National Mission on Cultural Mapping has been set up by Ministry of Culture,
Government of India with an aim to identify and document India’s cultural heritage
and its creative potential to regenerate and revitalize rural economies, thereby
making Village India self-reliant.
• At present, NMCM is undergoing with its component MGMD and the state-wise
details are available at Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Web Portal.

The aims and objectives and expectations are as under;

• To identify and document India’s cultural heritage and its creative potential to
regenerate and revitalize rural economies, thereby making Village India self-reliant.

• To create awareness about the strengths of cultural heritage and its interface with
development and cultural identity.

• The Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, a 1,300-year-old Chola dynasty

structure in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, has gained international recognition by
UNESCO’s 2023 Award of Distinction for its exceptional conservation efforts.
• The name 'Gharchola' means 'Outfit for Home', which symbolizes a newly wedded
bride joining her new home. It is woven on Cotton or Silk fabric in large checks of
using Silk and Zari threads. Gujarat’s Gharchola has recently been awarded the
Geographical Indication
• The UNESCO honored Kozhikode as India’s first “City of Literature” -
• UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) program has recently added three Indian
literary works – Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayaloka-Locana, to its
Asia-Pacific Regional Register. Sahṛdayaloka-Locana’, ‘Panchatantra’, and
‘Ramcharitmanas’ were authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma,
and Goswami Tulsidas, respectively. These three works were recognized for their
significant contribution to Indian literature and cultural heritage.
• Matabari Pera Prasad and Rignai Pachara textiles
o Matabari pera prasad and Rignai pachara textiles – received GI tag- Tripura.
o Matabari Pera, a dairy-based confectionary, is traditionally served as prasad
at the Tripurasundari temple, while Pachara is a handwoven cloth.
o Queen Pineapple - queen pineapple of Tripura known for its sweetness,
aroma, and spiny, golden-yellow appearance. It's a GI-tagged variety.
o Risa is a handwoven cloth used as a female upper garment, and also as
headgear, a stole, or a present to express respect. Risa has been honoured
with the Geographical Indication (GI) registration, commonly referred to as
the GI tag.
 o Rock-cut Sculptures and Reliefs of the Unakoti, Unakoti Range, Unakoti
District, Tripura. The site of Unakoti is known to the people as an ancient
holy place associated with Saiva worship. In 2022 this site added to India's
tentative list by UNESCO's World Heritage Centre.
o
• Maratha Military Landscapes of India" is India's official nomination for the
UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle - includes forts like Raigad,
Shivneri, Lohgad, Panhala, Sindhudurg, and Gingee. The nomination consists of 12
forts, including Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad,
Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg (all in Maharashtra) and Gingee Fort
(Tamil Nadu).
o Shivaji ordered the construction of multiple naval forts, including Vijaydurg,
Sindhudurg, and Kolaba, between 1653 and 1680. These forts served
strategic purposes, keeping watch on potential sea-based threats. Despite
Shivaji’s passing, the Maratha Navy remained potent, led by admirals like
Kanhoji Angre.
o While Shivaji’s naval force effectively countered local threats like the Siddis
of Janjira, it did not challenge European naval powers in the high seas.
o The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is a network of forts that
showcase the military system and fortification created by the Maratha
rulers –
• Hill fort - Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee
• Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad
• Hill-plateau fort: Panhala
• Coastal fort: Vijaydurg, Kolaba
• Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg
o Sinhagad Fort, originally named Kondhana, was built by the Yadava
Dynasty in the 12th century, and later gained prominence under
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who renamed it "Sinhagad" after his
commander Tanaji Malusare's bravery in reclaiming it from the Mughals in
1670
o Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is a majestic hill fort located in
Pune district, Maharashtra.
o Pratapgad Fort is a mountain fort located in Satara district, Maharashtra.
The fort was built by the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656.
The fort was the site of the Battle of Pratapgad in 1659, in which Shivaji’s
forces defeated the Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan.

Recognizing the importance of maritime security, Shivaji Maharaj built and captured
several strategically important sea forts along the western coast of India.

Sindhudurg Fort - Located off the Malvan coast in Maharashtra. Built on the Kurte Island.
fort served as a formidable defense against naval threats from the Portuguese and Siddis.
The construction of Sindhudurg began in 1664 and was completed in just three years,
showcasing Shivaji's commitment to rapid fortification.
Vijaydurg Fort was initially known as Gheria. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from the
Adil Shahi dynasty in 1653, renaming it Vijaydurg, which means "Fort of Victory." Raja
Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty built Vijaydurg Fort between 1193 and 1205. Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj later rebuilt and strengthened the fort.

Suvarnadurg - Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660, this fort played a key role in
protecting the trade routes along the Konkan coast.

Padmadurg, also known as Kasa Fort, was constructed by Shivaji Maharaj to counter the
growing influence of the Siddis. Built on an island near Alibaug.

Raigad fort - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj along with his chief engineer Hiroji Indulkar built
this fort. The fort served as a central command for coordinating naval operations and
safeguarding the coastline.

Kolaba- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje built Kolaba
Fort, also known as Alibag Fort, in the 17th century. The fort was initially commanded by
Darya Sarang and Mainak Bhandari. Later, Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre was given command of
the fort and used it as a base for raids on British ships.

Note - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built Padmadurg and Sindhudurg forts to counter the
Siddis and protect his kingdom from their influence.
o
Note
• Bakhar is a form of historical narrative written in Marathi prose. Bakhars are one
of the earliest genres of medieval Marathi literature. A notable example is the
Sabhasad Bakhar, a Marathi biography of Shivaji, written by Krishnaji Anant
Sabhasad.

• Fairs
o 1. Kumbh Mela · 2. Pushkar Fair - Rajasthan · 3. Goa Carnival · 4. Surajkund
Craft Mela- Haryana 5. Hemis Festival - Ladakh · 6. Ambubachi Mela – held
at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam 7.Sonpur, Bihar 8. Hampi,
Karnatka 9.Gangasagar- West Bengal
o Baneshwar fair is an annual tribal fair held in Dungarpur district in
Rajasthan state of India. The fair is held in the month of January or
February at Baneshwar, near the confluence of the Som and Mahi rivers.
This fair is a major fair in tribal culture and has been described as "the
Kumbh mela for the tribals"
Kumbh Mela –
▪ The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years due to the astrological
alignment of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon. Specifically, the Maha Kumbh,
which is the most significant, is held when Jupiter completes its
orbit around the Sun, taking approximately 12 years.
 ▪ held every 12 years at one of four sacred locations: Prayagraj
(Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, or Nashik.
▪ Ardh Kumbh (a smaller version) celebrated in Haridwar and
Prayagraj every six years.
▪ The origin of the Kumbh Mela is attributed to eighth-century Hindu
philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, who promoted regular gatherings
of spiritual leaders and ascetics, and also instituted the monastery
system and the 13 akharas (warrior-saint sects).
Sammakka- Saralamma Maha Jatara
o celebrated at Medaram in Telangana is a biennial tribal festival. It is the
second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela, celebrated by the Koya
tribe for four days.
o The Medaram Jatara, also known as the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, is a
tribal festival that takes place in festival is held in the village of Medaram ,
Mulugu district, Telangana
o Celebrated every two years in the month of Magha (February).
o This biennial event commemorates a 12th century revolt led by mother-
daughter duo Sammakka and Saralamma
o This event is a testament to the devotion of the Koya tribe
o Revolt led by Sammakka and Saralamma, a mother-daughter duo, against
the levy of taxes on the tribal populace during a period of drought by the
Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century
o honors the tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma.

Madhya Pradesh - 2024

• 6 new sites from Madhya Pradesh have found place in the Tentative UNESCO list
of World Heritage Sites (WHS).
• The sites included in the new list included Gwalior Fort, Historical Group of
Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni
Bhandara, Burhanpur, and Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla.
• Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla
o Ramnagar in Mandla district used to be the stronghold of Gond kings. In
1667, Gond king Hriday Shah had built Moti Mahal on the banks of river
Narmada. The five-storeyed palace testifies to the will power of the king
despite limited resources and technology.
• Gwalior Fort
o Gwalior was also known as Gopgiri in ancient times, and the hill it is
located on was referred to as Gopachal.
o According to historians, the foundation of Gwalior Fort was laid by the
Rajput warrior Suraj Sen in the sixth century AD.
o Later the Tomars captured the fort in 1398. The most famous among the
Tomars was Man Singh. It was he who constructed many monuments inside
the fort complex.
 o Raja Man Singh of Gwalior (1486-1516 AD) is credited with compiling
"Man-kutuhal," a comprehensive work on music (Dhrupad) in Hindi
language.
o Gwalior Fort, is famously known as "the pearl in the necklace of the forts
of Hind" by Mughal Emperor Babur, and is also nicknamed the "Gibraltar
of India"
• Historical Group of Dhamnar: It comprises 51 rock-cut caves, stupas, chaityas, and
dwellings dating back to the 7th century AD.
o The grand Dhamnar Buddhist caves were cut between the 5th-7th century
CE, which falls under the second wave of cave constructions in India.
• Burhanpur's Khooni Bhandara (Koondi Bhandar): It is an underground water
management system comprising eight waterworks built by Abdurrahim
Khankhana in the historical city of Burhanpur.
o It was built using the Persian qanat approach and designed by Persian
geologist, Tabkutul Arz
o During the Mughal era, technologies like Persian Qanats from Iran and Iraq
were imported to India as useful public utilities.
o Built on similar Persian qanat approach as also in the existing historic towns
of Aurangabad and Bidar these water systems in Burhanpur were
constructed in 1615 CE.
o The Burhanpur scheme consists of bhandaras or storage tanks, which
collect groundwater from the underground springs flowing from the
adjacent Satpura hills towards the Tapti. The groundwater is intercepted at
four places northwest of Burhanpur, and then flows through subterranean
conduits to a junction - a chamber called jail karanj.
• Note -In 2023, UNESCO declared Gwalior as a "Creative City of Music".
•
Odhuvars
• Odhuvars sing devotional hymns in Tamil Nadu’s Hindu temples but are not
priests. They are in the service of Lord Shiva by singing his praise from Thirumurai
in Saivite temples. They sing devotional hymns but do not enter the sanctum
sanctorum.
•

Amir Khusrau
• Amir Khusrau blended the Indian traditions of Dhrupad and Haveli sangeet with
Sufi Qaul to create Khayal.
Yakshagana
• The Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali in Honnavar, Karnataka was
recognized by UNESCO in 2024 as an organization that preserves and promotes
Yakshagana
•
ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex
• Madhya Pradesh High Court directs ASI to conduct scientific survey of
Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district.
• originally a temple of goddess Sarasvati built by Parmara King Bhoja in 11th Century
AD.
• In the main suit, the petitioner, the Hindu Front for Justice (HFJ), has cited an ASI
report which reportedly says that the originally constructed Bhojshala and Vagdevi
temple was destroyed/dismantled to install and construct a mosque at the instance
of Islamist rulers and forces. The petitioners, hence, demanded that the ASI should
have conducted the survey to clear the confusion about the true character of the site
in question.
• Note –
o Bhojeswar Temple, Bhojpur- Built during the 11th century under the
patronage of Raja Bhoj in Bhojpur. Because of its amazing architecture it was
given the title of ‘Somnath of the East’. However, the temple could never be
fully constructed.
o Temple included in tentative list of UNESCO.
o The temple's architecture follows the Bhumija style, characterized by its
towering shikhara and ornate carvings and sculptures.
o Raja Bhoj was a celebrated ruler of the Paramara dynasty of Dhar known for
his architectural treatise of the Samaranganasutradhara.