RAMAPPA TEMPLE
1. Context
- The ancient Rudreswara Temple, popularly known as Ramappa Temple, has achieved a significant milestone by being inscribed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage list.
- The decision was made during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee held in China.
- Along with Ramappa Temple, three other remarkable sites were also recognized by UNESCO.
2. About the World Heritage Site tag
- A World Heritage Site tag is granted to locations that possess "outstanding universal value."
- This implies cultural and/or natural significance that surpasses national boundaries and holds immense importance for present and future generations worldwide.
- To gain inclusion, sites must meet at least one of the ten selection criteria set by UNESCO.
3. Selection Criteria
- UNESCO's criteria for World Heritage Sites include representing human creative genius, showcasing the exchange of human values over time or within a cultural area, bearing unique testimony to a cultural tradition, or serving as an exemplary model of a traditional human settlement.
- Until the end of 2004, World Heritage sites were chosen based on six cultural and four natural criteria.
- However, with the adoption of revised Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, only one set of ten criteria exists.
4. The Importance of the Tentative List
- According to the World Heritage Convention's operational guidelines, a tentative list serves as an inventory of properties a country believes deserve recognition as World Heritage Sites.
- Once included in the Tentative List, the country prepares a detailed nomination document for consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
- The inscription of Ramappa Temple on the World Heritage list garnered support from over 17 of the 21 member nations during the session, cementing its global significance.
- With this addition, India now boasts a total of 39 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is entrusted with the preservation and maintenance of 23 world heritage sites.
5. Architectural Marvel and Cultural Significance Ramappa Temple
- Ramappa Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a 13th-century architectural marvel named after its skilled architect, Ramappa.
- Although the Indian government proposed it as its sole nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage tag in 2019, the temple had already been on UNESCO's tentative list since 2014.
- Located in the village of Palampet, approximately 200 km north of Telangana's capital Hyderabad, the Ramappa Temple was constructed by Racherla Rudra Reddy during the reign of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.
- The temple's construction, which commenced in 1213 CE, extended over four decades.
- UNESCO notes that the temple's architectural brilliance is evident in its decorated beams and pillars of carved granite and dolerite.
- The temple's pyramidal Vimana, or horizontally stepped tower, is made of lightweight porous bricks called "floating bricks," ingeniously reducing the weight of the roof structures.
- The sculptures adorning the temple exhibit exceptional artistic quality and offer insights into regional dance customs and Kakatiyan culture.
Image Source: Economic Times6. The Way Forward
- Ramappa Temple's inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage list is a moment of pride for India and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Kakatiya dynasty.
- The temple's recognition will undoubtedly draw visitors from across the world to witness its grandeur and admire the architectural genius that has stood the test of time.
|
For Prelims: Ramappa Temple, UNESCO's World Heritage site, Archaeological Survey of India,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the significance of the Ramappa Temple's recognition by UNESCO in promoting India's cultural heritage and soft power on the global stage. How can such recognition foster cultural exchange and tourism? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Ramappa Temple is named after (TSPSC AEE Mechanical 2015)
A. Rama Pratapa Rudra, the ruler
B. Ramappa Pantulu, the priest
C. Ramappa, the sculptor
D. Lord Sri Rama
Answer: C
2. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, “MahabodhiVihar” is situated in which Indian state? (SSC MTS 2017)
A. Madhya Pradesh B. Himachal Pradesh C. Bihar D. Maharashtra
Answer: C
|
Source: The Indian Express
FINANCIAL BILL VS MONEY BILL
1. Context
In India, Bills related to revenue and expenditure fall under the category of Financial Bills. However, there is a specific type called Money Bills, which must comply with the provisions outlined in Article 110(1) (a) to (g).
2. About Finance Bill and Money Bill
- A Finance Bill is a type of Financial Bill that deals with revenue and expenditure matters.
- A Money Bill, as defined in Article 110, exclusively pertains to specific subjects like taxes, borrowing, and expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- The President's recommendation is required to introduce a Finance Bill that deals with matters specified in Article 110(1) (a) to (f), and it can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
3. Difference Between Money Bills and Financial Bills
- Origin: Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, while ordinary Financial Bills can be introduced in either House.
- President's Recommendation: Money Bills require the President's recommendation for introduction, while ordinary Financial Bills do not need such recommendation.
- Rajya Sabha's Role: For Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha has a recommendatory role and must return the Bill with recommendations within 14 days. The Lok Sabha can reject these recommendations. In contrast, ordinary Financial Bills can be rejected or amended by the Rajya Sabha.
- Joint Sitting: A joint sitting of both Houses can be summoned by the President to resolve differences over an ordinary Bill, but no such provision exists for Money Bills.
4. Court's Views on Money Bills
- In November 2019, a five-judge Constitution Bench struck down amendments to the 2017 Finance Act, passed as a Money Bill, for altering the structure and functioning of tribunals.
- The court directed the formulation of fresh norms for appointing tribunal members.
- The court referred the issue of whether the amendments could have been passed as a Money Bill to a seven-judge bench for consideration.
5. Doubts Over Aadhaar Act Passed as a Money Bill
- The 2018 verdict upholding the 2016 Aadhaar Act, passed as a Money Bill, came under scrutiny.
- The Bench expressed doubts over the correctness of the previous ruling and its application to the present case.
- CJI Chandrachud, a dissenting judge in the 2018 Aadhaar ruling, criticized the government for passing the Act as a Money Bill, calling it a "fraud on the Constitution."
- Petitions seeking a review of the Aadhaar Act ruling are still pending in the Supreme Court.
6. The Way Forward
- Understanding the distinctions between Money Bills and other Financial Bills is crucial in the Indian legislative process.
- While Money Bills have a restricted role for the Rajya Sabha, other Financial Bills require agreement from both Houses.
- The Supreme Court's recent views on the Aadhaar Act and the Finance Act have added further complexity to the discussion on the appropriate use of the Money Bill route for specific legislation.
|
For Prelims: Money Bill, Financial Bill, Aadhaar Act, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Finance Act, Supreme Court,
For Mains:
1. What are the constitutional safeguards in place to prevent misuse of the Money Bill? Critically assess the mechanisms to ensure that only appropriate bills are categorized as Money Bills. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2018)
1. A bill shall be deemed to be a money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax.
2. A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India.
3. A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of money out of the Contingency Fund of India.
4. A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.
Answer: 3
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
2. Once issued, the Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
3. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill.
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants.
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
4. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
|
Source: The Indian Express
VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE
1. Context
Just six months after being grievously injured by a young religious fanatic, Salman Rushdie is back with his latest novel, Victory City. The book is a fictionalized telling of the story of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, narrated by a sorceress and poet named Pampa Kampana, who, over more than two centuries, witnessed Vijayanagara’s many victories and defeats.
2. Vijayanagara Empire
- The Vijayanagara Empire was a significant medieval South Indian empire that flourished between the 14th and 17th centuries.
- Established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I, the empire's capital was Vijayanagara, located in present-day Hampi, Karnataka, India.
- The empire's rise was a response to the decline of the preceding Hoysala and Kakatiya empires, and it marked a period of cultural, political, and economic renaissance in South India.
3. Caste system
In his famous work Manucharitam, Allasani Peddana mentions the four different castes that lived in the society of Vijayanagar.
- Brahmins or Viprulu followed the traditional profession related to teachers and priests. Sometimes, they also performed the duties of administrators. and soldiers. This is confirmed with the help of the narration of Domingo Paes.
- Rajulu or Rachavaru was generally linked with the ruling dynasty. The rulers and generals were actually Sudras but known as rachavaru due to their position. As in the case of other regions of South India, the Kshatriya Varna appears to be absent here.
- Matikaratalu or Vaishyas were merchants who were busy in trade and commerce activities.
- Nalavajativaru or Sudras were largely agriculturists, but some of them carried on several other professions. They were not segregated, although considered inferior.
4. Religion and Philosophy
- Early Vijayanagar rulers were followers of Shaivism and Virupaksha was their family God. After some time they came under the influence of Vaishnavism. But Siva continued to be worshipped by the people.
- Vaishnavism was professed in various forms. Srivaishnavism of Ramanuja was highly popular.
- The Dvaita system associated with Madhava was also practiced by the people.
- Epics and Puranas were famous amongst the masses, especially since they acted as a means of education among women.
5. Women
- The tradition of dancing girls associated with temples was also in vogue. Many historians interpreted from the account of Paes, that Devadasis held a highly respectable place in society, and were given land grants and maid-servants, etc.
- The condition of the widows was pitiable, but they could remarry.
- The state-supported widow remarriage by not levying any tax on It.
- The prevalence of Sati Pratha in the Vijayanagar Empire is proved from both inscriptions and foreign accounts during the period.
6. Economic Conditions under Vijayanagara Empire
- The Vijayanagar kingdom was one of the richest states then known to the world. Different foreign travellers, who visited the empire in the 15th and 16th Centuries have left glowing accounts of its splendour and wealth.
- Agriculture: It was in a flourishing situation. It was the strategy of rulers to promote agriculture in the different areas of the empire and to boost agricultural production by a clever irrigation policy. Nuniz (Portuguese traveller), speaks of the excavation of canals and the construction of a dam.
- Industries: The agricultural wealth was augmented by various industries, the most important of which were mining and metallurgy, textile sectors, and perfumery. Industries and crafts were regulated by guilds.
- It was common practice for people of the same trade to reside in one and the same quarter of the city.
- Malabar was the most valuable commercial region on the West coast, with its important port region of Cannanore. It had good commercial bonding with Burma, the Malay Archipelago, and China in the East, the islands of the Indian Ocean, and Persia, South Africa, Arabia, Abyssinia and Portugal in the West.
- Important items such as cloth, spices, rice, iron, saltpeter, sugar, etc. were exported. The main imports comprised pearls, copper, coral, mercury, horses, elephants, China silks and velvets.
- Ships were utilized for coastal and overseas trade purposes. Vijayanagara had its own ships; the art of shipbuilding was known, but we do not know if ocean-going ships were built.
7. Standard of Living
- Various accounts of different foreign travellers speak of the high standards of living of the upper and middle classes.
- The splendour of the capital city of Vijayanagara bears testimony to the wealth, which was, however, the domination of only a section of the population of the kingdom.
- The prices of several articles were low and the minimum necessities were probably not beyond the means of the common people of the kingdom.
- But the producers particularly agricultural producers, apparently got inadequate prices for their produce.
- Another main fault of the economic system was that the common people had to bear the brunt of taxation, which was quite heavy and the local authority’s sometimes adopted oppressive methods of collection.
8. Foreign Visitors of the Vijayanagara Kingdom
- Ibn Battuta (1333-1347 A.D.)-He was a Moroccan traveller, who came to India during the reign of Muhammad- bin-Tughlaq and visited Vijayanagar during the reign of Harihar I.
- Nicolo Conti (1420-1421 A.D.)-He was a Venetian traveller, who provided a comprehensive account of the Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar.
- Abdur Razzaq (1443-1444 A. D.) -He was a Persian traveller, who visited the court of the Zamorin at Calicut. He has provided a stunning account of Vijayanagar City while depicting the wealth and luxurious life of the king and the nobles of the Vijayanagara kingdom.
- Duarte Barbosa (1500-1516 A.D.) -He was a Portuguese traveller, who had presented a useful narrative about the government and people of the Vijayanagar kingdom.
- Domingos Paes (1520-1522 A.D) -He was a Portuguese traveller, who came to the court of Krishnadevaraya.
- Fernao Nuniz (1534-1537 A.D) -He was a Portuguese merchant, who described the history of the Vijayanagara empire from its earliest days to the closing years of Achyuta Deva Raya’s reign.
|
For Prelims: Vijayanagara Empire, Harihara I, Bukka Raya I, Hoysala and Kakatiya empire, Manucharitam.
For Mains: 1. Analyse the economic foundations of the Vijayanagara Kingdom and discuss how trade and a monetized economy contributed to the rise and prosperity. (250 words).
|
|
Previous year Questions
1. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were experts in which of the following areas? (UPSC 2021)
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 4
2. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the east coast on lands granted to them by the Gajapati rulers.
2. Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.
3. The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
3. Regarding Indian history, which of the following is/are correct? (UPSC 2021)
1. Arcot Nizamat emerged from Hyderabad state.
2. The Kingdom of Mysore emerged from the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. The kingdom of Rohilkhand was formed from the territories conquered by Ahmad Shah Durrani
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. Papers 1 and 2
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 only
Answer: B
|
Source: The Indian Express
THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT
1. Context
- Between 2019 and 2021, 136 people were arrested under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and two were convicted, the government told the Rajya Sabha recently.
- In a written reply to a question by MP and CPI leader Binoy Viswam, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said a chargesheet has been filed in 110 cases while the trial is pending in 354 cases.
- The minister said 39 cases were registered in 2019, 39 cases in 2020, and 55 cases in 2021.
2. About The Official Secrets Act
- The Official Secrets Act (OSA) in India, with its roots in the British colonial era, continues to be in effect today.
- Initially enacted as The Indian Official Secrets Act in 1904, it aimed to suppress nationalist publications that challenged the colonial administration's policies.
- Over the years, the Act has been amended and replaced, but its broad scope and provisions related to spying and disclosure of secret information remain contentious.
- It was Enacted during Lord Curzon's tenure as Viceroy of India in 1904, The Indian Official Secrets Act of 1904 aimed to silence newspapers and editors who opposed British colonial policies and fostered political consciousness among the people.
- A more stringent version, The Indian Official Secrets Act of 1889 (Act XIV), was amended and replaced in April 1923 by The Indian Official Secrets Act (Act No XIX of 1923), which extended secrecy and confidentiality provisions in governance.
3. The Act's Ambit
- The OSA addresses two main aspects: spying or espionage (Section 3) and disclosure of other secret information of the government (Section 5).
- Secret information includes official codes, passwords, sketches, plans, models, articles, notes, documents, or any other confidential information.
- Critics argue that the Act's broad classification of secret information conflicts with the Right to Information Act.
4. Use of the Act
- Notably, in recent years, there have been 136 arrests under the OSA between 2019 and 2021, with two convictions.
- The Act was used to convict former diplomat Madhuri Gupta in 2018 for passing sensitive information to Pakistan's ISI.
- Journalist Iftikhar Gilani was arrested in 2002 under the OSA for possessing documents related to troop deployment in Kashmir, but the case was later withdrawn.
- In 2017, journalist Poonam Agrawal faced charges under the OSA for conducting a sting operation on an Army official critical of the sahayak system.
5. Clash with the Right to Information Act
- The conflict between the Official Secrets Act and the Right to Information Act, which aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance, is a matter of concern.
- The OSA's secrecy provisions might limit citizens' access to crucial information, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
6. The Way Forward
- The Official Secrets Act, a colonial-era law, still holds sway in India and has been used to address matters of national security and confidentiality.
- However, its broad scope and potential conflicts with transparency and accountability laws warrant a thorough review to strike a balance between national interests and citizens' right to information.
|
For Prelims: Official Secrets Act, Right to Information Act, Lord Curzon,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the implications of using the Official Secrets Act for matters of national security and confidentiality and its impact on press freedom and investigative journalism. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Right to Information implies (KPSC AE 2017)
A. Freedom of the people to have access to government information.
B. That the citizens and non-governmental organizations should have free access to all files and documents pertaining to the government operations, decisions and performance.
C. Openness and transparency in the functioning of the government.
D. All of the above
Answer: D
2. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (UPSC 2014)
A. the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended.
B. King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.
C. Gandhiji launched his civil Disobedience Movement.
D. the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan.
Answer: B
|
Source: The Indian Express
POOMPUHAR
1. Context
The Chola Dynasty port city in Tamil Nadu that vanished from maritime history around 1,000 years ago will be digitally reconstructed by a consortium led by the Department of Science and Technology.
2. About Poompuhar
- Poompuhar, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, is an ancient port city located on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India.
- It holds significant historical and archaeological importance due to its association with the Sangam era, an early period of Tamil literature and culture, estimated to be between the 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
3. Key aspects of Poompuhar:
- Early History: Poompuhar is believed to have been a flourishing port city even before the Sangam era. It was an essential center for maritime trade with various regions, including the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia.
- Sangam Literature: Poompuhar finds mention in several poems and literary works from the Sangam period, which provide valuable insights into the city's socio-economic and cultural life during that time.
- Silappatikaram: One of the most renowned Tamil epics, Silappatikaram, written by the poet Ilango Adigal, is set in Poompuhar. The epic narrates the story of Kannagi, the virtuous woman who seeks justice for her husband's unjust execution.
- Tsunami and Submergence: Poompuhar's history is also marked by natural disasters. The city is believed to have been devastated by a massive tsunami in the 2nd century CE, leading to its partial submergence under the sea.
- Archaeological Excavations: In the 20th century, extensive archaeological excavations were carried out at Poompuhar, uncovering significant remains of the ancient city. These excavations have provided valuable insights into the city's urban planning, architecture, and trade activities.
- Sculptures and Artifacts: The excavations have revealed various sculptures, artifacts, and pottery, showcasing the artistic and cultural achievements of the ancient residents of Poompuhar.
- Tourism: Poompuhar is now a popular tourist destination, attracting history enthusiasts and archaeology aficionados. The Tamil Nadu government has developed a museum showcasing the artifacts discovered during the excavations.
- Cultural Significance: Poompuhar's association with the Sangam era and its mention in ancient Tamil literature contribute to its cultural significance. It serves as a reminder of the rich literary and maritime heritage of ancient Tamil Nadu.
Image Source: Divine Diyaas4. Reviving the Glory of Poompuhar: A Reconstruction Project
- The reconstruction project of Poompuhar aims to restore and preserve the ancient port city's historical and cultural significance.
- By leveraging modern techniques and incorporating historical research, this project seeks to revive the rich heritage of Poompuhar while making it accessible and engaging for visitors and researchers alike.
Phase 1: Archaeological Survey and Documentation
- Conduct a comprehensive archaeological survey of the Poompuhar site to identify the extent of the submerged and unexplored areas.
- Use advanced technologies such as remote sensing, LiDAR, and underwater exploration to map the submerged remains and assess the underwater cultural heritage.
- Document all findings, artifacts, and structures meticulously, preserving their historical context and significance.
Phase 2: Restoration and Conservation
- Prioritize the restoration of significant structures and sculptures, including temples, monuments, and city planning elements.
- Utilize traditional building techniques and local materials to retain the authenticity of reconstructed structures.
- Implement conservation methods to protect delicate artifacts and ensure their longevity.
- Establish an on-site laboratory for artifact conservation and preservation, providing training to local experts in conservation practices.
Phase 3: Development of a Heritage Site
- Create a visitor center with multimedia displays, interactive exhibits, and informative panels that narrate Poompuhar's history and cultural significance.
- Develop a guided tour system that allows visitors to explore the reconstructed city while learning about its unique features.
- Establish a research center that facilitates scholarly studies and encourages collaborations between archaeologists, historians, and linguists interested in the Sangam era and Tamil literature.
Phase 4: Tourism Infrastructure and Sustainability
- Develop eco-friendly and sustainable tourism infrastructure, including visitor amenities, accommodation options, and waste management systems.
- Promote community-based tourism initiatives to involve the local population in the conservation and promotion of Poompuhar's heritage.
- Encourage local handicrafts and traditional art forms as souvenirs to promote the region's cultural identity.
Phase 5: Educational and Outreach Programs
- Organize workshops, seminars, and symposiums on Poompuhar's history, architecture, and Tamil literature to raise awareness among students and scholars.
- Collaborate with schools and universities to integrate Poompuhar's heritage into their curricula, fostering a sense of pride in Tamil culture and history.
Phase 6: International Collaboration
- Foster collaboration with international organizations and institutions with expertise in maritime archaeology and cultural heritage preservation.
- Seek UNESCO's recognition as a World Heritage Site to ensure global recognition and support for Poompuhar's preservation and conservation.
5. About Digital India Heritage Project
- India Digital Heritage is a unique initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- The Digital Indian Heritage Project is an ambitious initiative aimed at preserving and promoting India's vast cultural and historical heritage through digital technologies.
- Launched by the Government of India, the Project seeks to harness the power of digitization to document, conserve, and disseminate the country's diverse heritage to a global audience.
- By leveraging modern tools and techniques, the project aims to make India's heritage more accessible, engaging, and sustainable for future generations.
Key Objectives of the Digital Indian Heritage Project
- Digital Documentation: The project focuses on digitally capturing and documenting various aspects of India's heritage, including historical monuments, artifacts, artworks, manuscripts, and intangible cultural practices, This documentation ensures that detailed records are available for research, conservation, and replication if required.
- Virtual Museum: The creation of a comprehensive virtual museum is a central aspect of the project. This online repository allows visitors from across the world to explore India's heritage virtually, providing an immersive experience through high-resolution images, 3D models, interactive exhibits, and curated content.
- Preservation and Conservation: The project aims to use digital technologies to aid in the preservation and conservation of fragile and endangered artifacts and structures. Digital preservation techniques help prevent deterioration due to physical handling and environmental factors while enabling virtual restoration where needed.
- Digital Libraries and Archives: The initiative involves the establishment of digital libraries and archives containing rare manuscripts, historical documents, and ancient texts. These digital repositories provide researchers and scholars with easy access to valuable resources that were previously difficult to obtain.
- Education and Outreach: The project is committed to enhancing awareness and education about India's heritage among students, teachers, and the general public. Through online learning platforms, educational modules, and outreach programs, the initiative aims to foster a sense of pride and understanding of India's rich cultural legacy.
|
For Prelims: Chola Dynasty, Poompuhar, Sangam Literature, Silappatikaram, Ilango Adigal, UNESCO, World Heritage Site, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Digital India Heritage Project.
For Mains: 1. The epic Silappatikaram portrays Poompuhar as the backdrop for the tragic tale of Kannagi. Analyze the literary significance of Poompuhar in the context of ancient Tamil literature and its impact on Tamil culture and identity. (250 words).
|
Previous year Questions1. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? (UPSC 2022)
A. Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
B. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
C. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics.
D. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.
Answer: B
|
Source: The Indian Express
