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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS
Cultural heritage list Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Draft intangible cultural heritage list released by the Union Culture Ministry. Details: 106 items have been listed as intangible cultural heritage in the draft released by the Union Culture Ministry as a part of the ministry’s Vision 2024 programme. Out of these 13 traditions of Indian intangible cultural heritage are already recognised by UNESCO. As per the 2003 UN
19 April, 2020 Denied alcohol, many take to ‘arishtams’ Ayurveda pharmacy stores across the State of Kerala have of late found a surge in demand for arishtams and saves, which have alcohol content up to 10%. ‘arishtams’ and ‘asavams’ have self-generated alcohol. Staff in some Ayurveda pharmacy stores in Kozhikode claimed that the sale of such medicines had gone up by around 30% after the enforcement of the lockdown. According to rules, individuals can
23 April, 2020 Classical Language Status Maharashtra government has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Culture for granting classical language status to the Marathi language. As of now, six languages i.e. Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia and Sanskrit have been given the status of classical languages. The criteria adopted for the eligibility of a language for granting classical language status are High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years; A body o
20 May, 2020 Sangeet Natak Academy The Sangeet Natak Akademi was set up in 1953 for the promotion of performing arts. The Sangeet Natak Akademi is an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Culture. It acts at the national level for the: Promotion and growth of Indian music, dance and drama; Maintenance of standards of training in the performing arts; Revival, preservation, documentation and dissemination of materials as well as instruments relating to various forms of music, dance and drama.
28 May, 2020 Lalit Kala Akademi Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Fine Arts) is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture. It has headquarters in New Delhi and regional centres in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Shimla. Lalit Kala Akademi is the nodal agency of the Government of India to promote an understanding of Indian art, both within and outside the country. The Akademi conducts international exhibitions on contemporary art in New Delhi every three years. It also
28 May, 2020 Nada yoga Nada yoga is an ancient Indian metaphysical system. It is equally a philosophical system, a medicine, and a form of yoga. The system's theoretical and practical aspects are based on the premise that the entire cosmos and all that exists in the cosmos, including human beings, consists of vibrations, called n? da. This concept holds that it is the energy of vibrations rather than of matter and particles which form the building blocks of the cosmos. Nada yoga is also a r
02 June, 2020 Meghadootam Meghadootam (meaning cloud messenger) is a lyric love poem composed by Kalidasa in the 5th century AD. The poem recounts the expression of love by Yaksha to his wife at Alaska, Mt. Kailash through the cloud as a messenger. Most of the poem consists of a description of the landmarks, cities, and sights on the cloud’s journey to Alaska. Chhattisgarh state artists performing dance based on Meghadootam on Republic day won a prize in the best tableau category. Kalidasa K
06 June, 2020 Palaeolithic sites The study of over 7,200 stone artefacts collected from the archaeological site at Attirampakkam in the Kortallayar river basin (Tamilnadu) throws light on the transition period from the lower to middle Paleolithic period The Paleolithic/Old stone age period extends from 2.6 million years ago to 10000 BC. The period is divided into Lower, Middle and Upper phases
07 June, 2020 Indus script Scientists at The Institute of Mathematical Sciences have figured out a way to computationally estimate whether a language is written from left to right or otherwise. As a part of the study, they found that the Indus script was written from right to left. However, in some long seals, the Boustrophedon method of writing was adopted. Boustrophedon writing is the way of writing in the reverse direction in alternate lines.
07 June, 2020 Sheen Khalai (Blue Skin) It is an Afghan community in India who fled with their families from the tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Partition in 1947. The women are part of a community of Pushtun Hindus that lived in the Baloch areas and belong to the Kakari tribes still living in afghan. Pashtuns are an Iranic ethnic group that mainly lives in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They speak the Pashto language and adhere to Pashtunwali, which is a traditional set of
08 June, 2020 Shigmo Festival Shigmo is the traditional spring festival celebrated by farmers in rural Goa. It is an annual float parade held in major cities of the state. The Goan folk art such as GhodeModni, Goff, and Fugdi is performed. It was traditionally celebrated as the homecoming of the warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dusshera to fight invaders.
08 June, 2020 Archaeological Survey of India Context Union Minister for Culture & Tourism (I/C) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel announced that Culture Ministry has approved the opening of 820 centrally protected monuments under the Archeological Survey of India which have places of worship from 8th June 2020. Shri Patel also said that all the protocols issued by the MHA and the Health Ministry will be followed in these monuments. About ASI The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached of
08 June, 2020 Tala Maddale, Tulu Yakshagana in Udupi Tala-Maddale is an ancient form of performance dialogue or debate performance in Southern India in the Karavali and Malnad regions of Karnataka and Kerala. The plot and content of the conversation are drawn from popular mythology but the performance mainly consists of an impromptu debate between characters involving sarcasm, puns, philosophical positions and humour. The main plot is sung from the same oral texts used for the Yakshgana form of da
19 June, 2020 Yakshagana About: Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. Yakshagana literally means the song (gana) of the yaksha (nature spirits). It developed in Udupi, in the state of Karnataka. It is popular in the Karnataka districts of Dakshina Kannada, Kasaragod, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Shimoga. This folk art is believed to have originated somewhere between the 10th and 16th cent
19 June, 2020 Zardozi embroidery Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which was once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn the walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. Zardozi embroidery work involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads. Further adding to the magnificence of the work are the studded pearls and precious stones. Zardosi embroidery h
07 July, 2020 Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) It was established in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru. It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is located in the majestic Teen Murti House, the official residence of the first Prime Minister of India. It has four major constituents namely: A Memorial Museum, A Library on Modern India, A Centre for Contemporary Studies and Nehru Planetarium.
20 July, 2020 All the Martial Arts of India 1. Kalaripayattu It is the oldest martial art in India and originated in the state of Kerala in 4th century A.D. Techniques of Kalaripayattu: Uzhichil or the massage with Gingli oil, Otta, Maipayattu or body exercises, Puliyankam or sword fight, Verumkai or bare-handed fight etc. Kalari is a Malayalam word which means School/gymnasium/training hall where Martial arts are practised or taught. Kalaripayattu was introduced as a martial art
10 January, 2021 Walmiki and Malhar: Two endangered languages discovered A linguist Prof Mohanty from the University of Hyderabad has discovered two languages recently called Walmiki and Malhar, which were “lying hidden from linguists”. The languages are categorised as `endangered’ as it is spoken by a very small number of people. The Malhar is spoken by just 75 including children from a particular community. These people live in a remote and isolated hamlet about 165 km from Bhubaneswar
11 April, 2018 Puppetry of India In Sanskrit terminology, Puttalika and Puttika mean ‘little sons’. The root of Puppet is derived from the Latin word ‘Pupa’ meaning a doll. India is said to be the home of puppets, but it is yet to awaken to its unlimited possibilities. The earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in Tamil classic ‘Silappadikaaram’ written around the 1st or 2nd century B.C. Natyashastra does not refer to the art of puppetry but the pr
21 February, 2021 Maharaja Suheldev Suheldev was a legendary medieval-era warrior-king. He is mentioned in Mirat-i-Masudi. According to the legend, Suhaldev was the eldest son of King Mordhwaj of Shravasti, during the 11th century. Though his historical existence is shrouded in mystery, he is today popular as a caste icon among the Rajbhars (OBC) and the Pasis (second largest Dalit caste in U.P.), both of whom have been competing for his legacy. According to critiques, BJP over the year
17 February, 2021 Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav Nodal Ministry: It is a festival started by the Ministry of Culture in the year 2015. Objective: It enhances mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures. Thereby it secures stronger unity and integrity of India. Participation of Zonal Centres: The festival witnesses the active participation of Seven Zonal Culture Centres. Significance: The festival is instrumental in showcasing folk and tribal art, dance, music, cuisines
14 February, 2021 ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) is a Central Sector Scheme fully financed by the Government of India launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations. The scheme aimed at infrastructure developm
16 July, 2021 Indian Institute of Heritage at Noida The government has decided to set up the ‘Indian Institute of Heritage’ at Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. Indian Institute of Heritage will be a world-class university. IIH would offer master's and PhD courses in History of Arts, Conservation, Museology, Archival Studies, and Archaeology. This will impact higher education and research in the fields related to rich Indian heritage and its conservation. Indian Institute of Heritage wou
10 August, 2021 MANIPURI DANCE It is an ancient classical dance that originated in the Northeast state of Manipur. The earliest form of dance in Manipur is Lai Haraoba which forms the basis of all dances. Lai haraoba is a festival that means the merry-making of God. It has roots in Manipur’s pre-Vaishnava era. The central theme of the dance is the love story of Krishna and Radha. The Manipuri culture is a combination of both Indian and South-Eastern cultures. The chief instrumen
05 July, 2022 BHIL TRIBES Bhil tribes in Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh set an example through ‘Jeevan Shala’ which is established and has been running several schools in central India’s tribal areas for 30 years, despite the government opposition. About Bhil Tribe The word Bhil is derived from “Veel”, which means “bow” in the Dravidian language. The Bhil tribe is called “Dhanush Purush of India” because they are highly adept
20 July, 2022 Baguette in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage Baguette, the staple French bread, was recently inscribed on the UN's list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). France nominated the baguette as a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO ICH list in March 2021. It drew attention to the country's steady decline in the number of bakeries, with approximately 20,000 closing since 1970. What is a baguette? The baguette is a long and thin loaf of bread ma
07 December, 2022 Lord Nataraja The Tamil Nadu police recently successfully prevented France from auctioning off a bronze Nataraja idol. The rare bronze idol was allegedly stolen from Kayathar in Thoothukudi district half a century ago. What are the Most Important Facts About Lord Nataraja? Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer, is depicted in metal or stone in many Shaivite temples, especially in South India. It is a significant work of Chola sculpture.
21 December, 2022 An Italian Jesuit, Tamil scholar, and Chanda Sahib’s Dewan. Visit to India – He arrived in Goa in 1700 and reached Tamil Nadu in 1715 to do missionary work Language skills – He studied Sanskrit, Telugu, Urdu and Tamil and became a master of these languages, especially Tamil. Constantine Joseph Beschi was known as Thairiyanathaswamy and its translation reads as Veeramamunivar in Tamil. Friendship with Chanda Sahib &
12 November, 2023 Recently, Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a state-wide ban on products being sold with halal certificates. An Arabic word meaning ‘permissible’ in English. In India, it mostly refers to the slaughtering technique of Muslims. As per Islamic dietary laws, it refers to food that is procured, processed, and traded in compliance with Islamic belief. Kashrut dietary rules are followed by orthodox Jews. Coverage – Consumables (meat, fish, shell
19 November, 2023 Udayarpalayam Palace was once an impregnable seat of power in Tamil Nadu but now is a refuge for pigeons and bats. It is a 5 acre palace that resembles the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal of Madurai. Location - Udayarpalayam in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. Built in – 18th century by the then Zamindars. Architecture - South Indian secular architecture. The foundation is made of granite boulders and pillars. The palace includes
25 November, 2023 Onattukara Vikasana Agency in Kerala, plans to increase the area under sesame cultivation to 2,000 hectares from current 600 hectares. Grown in – 3 districts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala The Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) acquired the geographical indication (GI) tag in 2023 for its medicinal value and quality. Onattukara Vikasana Agency – It is the registered owner of the GI-tagged sesame seeds with Agricult
26 November, 2023 India is close to signing an agreement with the United States under which the process for the return of stolen antiquities will be hugely simplified. What is an antiquity? Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972- It defines “antiquity” as Any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship Any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals o
30 November, 2023 2 women navy officers trained to undertake the first women solo-circumnavigation as part of the Navy’s ‘Sagar Parikrama’. The Golden Globe Race (GGR) is a solo sailing race around the globe in a yacht. It started off on 2018, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race when Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person to make a non-stop solo circumnavigation trip. The GGR is modeled on the race that took place in 1968. This m
05 November, 2023 Recently, the National Ayurveda Day was observed on 10th November. It is celebrated in India every year on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) since 2016. Focal theme for 2023 is 'Ayurveda for One Health', with the tagline, 'Ayurveda for everyone, every day' focusing on human-animal-plant-environment interface. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush is the coordinating agency for
09 November, 2023 Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826–1889), also known as Mayavaram Vedanayagam Pillai, was an Indian civil servant, Tamil poet, novelist and social worker. He is remembered for the authorship of Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram, recognized as the "1st modern Tamil novel". He is also a great connoisseur of Carnatic music. His religious works are Kochakappa, Mata Patikankal, Tayabarakanni, Deva Thothiramalai, Tiruvarul Malai, Deva Mata Antati, and Tiruvarul Antati.
23 November, 2023 Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed every year on 24 November. He is the 9th of ten gurus. He was born in Amristar, Punjab in 1621. He is also called Hind ki Chadar, or Shield of India. He composed 115 songs that are included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the central book of Sikhism.
23 November, 2023 The Tamil Nadu government has installed a statue of Dalit rights and anti-caste activist Iyothee Thass Pandithar in Chennai. It will unveiled at Gandhi Mandapam on December 1, 2023. He was a prominent Tamil anti-caste activist and practitioner of Siddha medicine. Birth – On May 20, 1845 in the former Madras Presidency. Languages known – Tamil, English, Pali and Sanskrit. Tribal activist – He organised the tribal people in the Nilgiris in 1870’s
02 December, 2023 Recently, India’s Garba dance was included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. It is a ritualistic and devotional dance performed throughout the State of Gujarat and across India. Garba – It is celebrated for 9 days during Navaratri festival and is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or Shakti. Garba dance &ndas
06 December, 2023 The Koyas have moved on from using traditional Indian Bison horns to palm leaves to craft their ‘Permakore’. A traditional flute of Koya tribes that are made of Bison horn. In Koya language, Permam –Indian Bison or Guar Kore – Horn The koya women are nowhere associated with the Permakore in any phase of its use. ‘Bhumi Panduga’, a festival to mark the commencement of the agricultural season will&
09 December, 2023 Recently, the 1st edition of IAADB was held at the Red Fort. It is a celebration of our country’s diverse heritage and vibrant culture and it will serve as an introduction to the Cultural Space at Delhi. Aim – To institutionalise a flagship Global Cultural Initiative in India like the International Biennales at Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Sharjah, among others. Cultural spaces are being built in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, an
10 December, 2023 National Culture Fund (NCF) Received Rs. 3.70 Crore from Non-Government Sources during Last Five Years (2018-19 to 2022-23). Set up in – 1996, a trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. Aim – To mobilize extra resources through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards promoting, protecting & preserving India’s Cultural Heritage (Tangible & Intangible). It is managed by a Council and an Executive Committee. Council – It has the pow
25 December, 2023 Kamban is a title of the Occhans, to which caste Tamil epic poet Kamban is reputed to have belonged. Uvachar or Occhan is a community in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, a class of temple priests who usually officiate as pujaris at Pidari, Kali and other Amman (Grama Devata) temples. The name Kambar in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala identifies them with nagaswaram and thavil. They wear also known by names such as Parisaivar, Vallavaraya
16 December, 2023 Makers of Joynagar moa arm themselves with barcodes, QR code recently. Jaynagarer Moa is a seasonal Bengali sweetmeat delicacy made from date palm jaggery and Kanakchur khoi. Jaynagarer Moa is only available during winter (November to January) season in Bengal. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015.
21 December, 2023 National Culture Fund (NCF) Received Rs. 3.70 Crore from Non-Government Sources during Last Five Years (2018-19 to 2022-23). Set up in – 1996, a trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. Aim – To mobilize extra resources through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards promoting, protecting & preserving India’s Cultural Heritage (Tangible & Intangible).It is managed by a Council and an Executive Committee. Council – It has the po
26 December, 2023 A separate ministry for culture was established in 2006. Primary mandate- Preservation and conservation of ancient cultural heritage and promotion of tangible and intangible art and culture. Union Minister- Shri G. Kishan Reddy WORLD HERITAGE SITES New Inclusion- Santiniketan and Hoysala temples (Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas) from India were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Santiniketan-It is a university in West Bengal set up by the Nobel Laureate, Rabi
30 December, 2023 A stone deity worshipped by the Bhils in Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh was recently proved to be a fossilized dinosaur egg. Just like their ancestors worshipped ancient stones as deities, generations of Bhils had worshipped this sunbaked, reddish-brown Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba. Sacrifices of chickens and sheep marked their whispered pleas to the roughly oval-shaped deity. The deity, whose weathered face is adorned with a black tilak and a handlebar moustache, for bountiful harvests a
31 December, 2023 The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, located in Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi, is a part of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. The digital museum was a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence, and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation. It was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on April 14, 2022.
27 December, 2023 Agadagidi is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Nigeria made from fermented overripe bananas or plantains. The traditional process for preparing agadagidi involves microorganisms like yeasts and bacteria at various stages of fermentation.
29 December, 2023 The Shanghai Archaeology Forum (SAF) is a global initiative that promotes the protection, investigation, and use of the world's archaeological resources and heritage. It was established in 2013 and is a biennial forum that provides a platform for academic exchanges between archaeologists worldwide. Shanghai Archaeology Forum Discovery Award is a biennial award that recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contribu
30 December, 2023 A geographical indication (GI) is a designation applied to products originating from a specific geographical area, indicating that the qualities or reputation of the products are inherently linked to that particular origin. In India, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999 governs the registration and protection of GIs. These tags play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the unique products and traditional knowledge of vari
04 January, 2024 Over 5,000 tourists visited Sula Vineyard facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik on December 24th 2023, the most on a single day sale of ?85 lakh. Wine – An alcoholic beverage with alcohol content from 12% or more so of distilled spirits (all by volume). Production - India’s shares less than 1% in global production, while France, Italy, Spain and the US tops globally. Maharashtra holds 90% of India’s total wine production. Over
05 January, 2024 Munagapaka is a village in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Munagapaka, known for sugarcane cultivation, is gearing up to organise the 15th edition of the traditional sports like Horse, bullock cart races during Sankranti. The races were quite different from Jallikattu organised in Tamil Nadu or similar competitions held in Krishna and Guntur.
31 January, 2024 Recently, Prime Minister of India took part in cleaning the Kalaram temple premises under the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign. Built in – 1792, with the efforts of one Sardar Rangarao Odhekar. Name – It derives its name from a black statue of the Lord Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram.” Location – On the banks of the River Godavari in the Panchavati area of the Nashik in Maharashtra.
18 January, 2024 A recent book has looked into the diets of Soligas and Yeravas communities, who have been living in the Cauvery Basin and the surrounding hills of peninsular India for thousands of years. The book Forgotten Trails: Foraging Wild Edibles was authored by Malemleima Ningombi and Harisha RP. Soligas – They are an indigenous tribe of Biligiri Rangan Hills (B.R. Hills) in Karnataka who have been dependent on the forests for their livelihood traditionally.They are also called
24 January, 2024 In a fishing village of Andhra Pradesh, the practice of social boycott among the Vaddi community has adverse social and economic consequences. Veli is the practice of social boycott. Those subjected to social ostracisation are not allowed to speak to other villagers and in some cases, compelled to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Many times, the veli is motivated by politics, caste, or economics. An informal grama peddalu (village elders), also called a kula (cast
05 February, 2024 A naiyandi melam is a type of percussion instrument that is unique to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of South India. It is performed by artistes of different communities. The word, naiyandi, means making fun. Naiyandi melam follows a set of tunes, beginning with ‘thooku’.
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