×

UPSC Courses

Architecture

Architecture

Buddhist Monastery Found in Bharatpur

Buddhist Monastery Found in Bharatpur The Structural Complex of the Buddhist Monastery was uncovered in the recent digs in continuity with the massive stupa, black and red ware pottery, and sculptures recovered from excavation done at the same site in West Bengal fifty years ago. More on the news: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a large Monastery complex during an excavation in the Paschim Bardhaman region of West Bengal. A small circular construction and nine layers of brick that make up the monastery's exterior wall have been discovered. Buddhism in West Bengal:  During the heyday of the Mahayana…

25 January, 2023 Architecture

Kushanas & their coins

Kushanas & their coins Recently discovered coinage depicting gods and goddesses dates back to the Kushans. More information on Kushana Coins Coin introduction: Vima Kadaphises, the Kushan emperor, was the one who introduced India's first gold coins. The Double Dinar is considered the Indian subcontinent's first gold coin. He issued gold and copper coins, many of which have survived to the present day. Kanishka minted coins in two metals: gold and copper. Dinar (or stater) and quarter Dinar gold coins were minted in two denominations. Kushana coins were undoubtedly influenced by their predecessors, the Indo-Greeks, who were defeated by the…

28 October, 2022 Architecture

Chola Dynasty

Chola Dynasty A recently released movie centered on a made-up history of the Chola kingdom in the tenth century. The Cholas are renowned for their progressiveness, the architectural wonders and temples they built, the historical period's social structure, and the naming of cities after women. ??????? The Cholas' reign: Sphere of influence Currently existing Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and portions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka made up the Chola kingdom. It is one of the dynasties with the longest reigns in recorded history. Geographic range: The lush Kaveri River Valley served as the Cholas' home base. South of the Tungabhadra, they…

05 October, 2022 Architecture

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Qutb Shahi Tombs Tourists will be able to visit Hyderabad's rebuilt Qutb Shahi tombs complex, which would support Hyderabad's bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage City. Image Source - Telangana Today Concerning Qutb Shahi Tombs These tombs, which were constructed by the Qutub Shahis, are regarded as some of Hyderabad's oldest historical sites. Located next to the renowned Golconda Fort in the Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct). They can be found near Banjara Darwaza, which is a kilometre north of Golconda Fort. They contain the tombs and mosques built by the successive monarchs of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.   They…

17 September, 2022 Architecture

NATIONAL EMBLEM

NATIONAL EMBLEM A first glimpse of the national emblem at the top of new parliament housing coming under up as part of the Central Vista project has been unveiled by the Prime Minister. About national emblem The State emblem of India is the National Emblem of the Republic of India and is used by the Union Government, State Government, and other various government agencies. The state emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath lion capital of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Four Asiatic lions are part of the national emblem with three lions being visible to the naked eye and the…

20 July, 2022 Architecture

Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The temple represents the quintessence of Kalinga architecture. The temple is believed to be built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. Lingaraj is referred to as ‘Swayambhu” – self-originated Shivling. Another important aspect of the temple is that it signifies the synchronisation of Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects in Odisha. Perhaps the rising cult of Lord Jagannath (considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) which coincided…

12 March, 2021 Architecture

Natesa idol- Pratihara style

Natesa idol- Pratihara style A long-pending case of idol theft finally saw an important development as Natesa, a rare sandstone idol in the 9th-century Prathihara style of Rajasthan, is returning to the country after 22 years. The Natesa icon, currently at the Indian High Commission, London, was originally from the Ghateswara Temple, Baroli, Rajasthan. The sandstone Natesa figure stands tall at almost 4 ft. in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva in the late 9th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Police opened an investigation into one of Vaman Ghiya’s Operation Blackhole. Ghiya was arrested in 2003, standing accused…

30 July, 2020 Architecture

Central Vista Project

Central Vista Project Central Vista Committee is chaired by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) additional director general (works) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Central Vista's proposal for the CPWD is to construct a triangular Parliament building on the 10.5-acre plot adjacent to the existing heritage structure built in the 1920s. The project is estimated to cost? 922 crore. It is a part of the larger revamps of the entire 3-km Central Vista from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. It includes constructing a new triangular Parliament opposite the existing heritage structure and building a central secretariat for all Ministries. The…

27 June, 2020 Architecture

Statue of Unity, Mumbai’s Soho House feature in Time’s list of 100 greatest places in world

Statue of Unity, Mumbai’s Soho House feature in Time’s list of 100 greatest places in the world India’s 'Statue of Unity and 'Soho House' in Mumbai has been featured in Time’s list of 100 greatest places in the world. The 597-ft tall 'Statue of Unity is located in Gujarat and the Soho House is located in Mumbai. Besides the two Indian entries, the Time’s list includes Zakouma National Park in Chad, International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Pitcairn Islands, Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths in Iceland, Museum of Black civilizations in Senegal, Heart Castle in California, Teatro Galli in Italy, Red Sea Mountain Trail in…

11 August, 2019 Architecture

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW Prelims Answer Key 2024