ART & CULTURE

GS1 – Art & Culture Context: The ancient Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple located at Simhachalam is facing structural deterioration due to its age. Location & Deity Situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Narasimha (boar-lion) incarnation. Architectural Style A …

GS1 – Art & Culture Context: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has granted Geo-Heritage Site status to the Belum Caves located in Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district. Key Details about Belum Caves Initially identified in 1884 by Robert Bruce Foote, the caves were later extensively surveyed between 1982 and 1984 …

GS-1: Post-independence reorganization Key Points: The Samyukta Maharashtra Movement (SMM) created Maharashtra in 1960, driven by Marathi linguistic identity. Cultural figures, workers, and socialist ideals fueled the movement. Leaders like Annabhau Sathe, Prabodhankar Thackeray, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar shaped its ideology. Mumbai was a contentious focal point despite elite opposition. …

UPSC Relevance GS-1: Indian Society & Modern History – Social Reformers, Caste Inequality, Education for Marginalized GS-2: Governance & Social Justice – Welfare for SCs/STs/OBCs, Educational Equity, Secularism GS-4: Ethics & Integrity – Social Reform, Humanism, Moral Leadership Key Points: Life & Context Jyotiba Phule, born April 11, 1827, into …

GS1 – Art & Culture – Archaeological Sites Ancient megalithic-era relics dating back around 2,000 years have been discovered at Manimoola, located in Kasaragod district, Kerala. About the Megalithic Period This era, classified as prehistoric, is noted for its use of large stones in constructing monuments and burial structures. Nearby, …

GS1 – Art & Culture The Indian Prime Minister recently paid homage to the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Overview  Brought by Sanghamitta: The sacred sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist nun, in the 3rd …

GS I Art and Culture Origins and Historical Background Gotipua originated in Odisha during the 16th century, under the reign of Bhoi king Rama Chandra Dev. The term ‘Gotipua’ is derived from the Oriya language, where ‘Goti’ means single and ‘Pua’ means boy. This dance form developed as a male …

GS I-Culture The Panchamasali Lingayats, a subgroup within Karnataka’s Lingayat community, are advocating for inclusion under the OBC reservation category. Who Are the Lingayats? Lingayats are followers of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and saint. They oppose the caste hierarchy and Vedic traditions, adhering to monotheistic worship centered on Linga (Shiva). …

GS I-Culture Context: Several Indian heritage sites, including Santiniketan, Khajuraho Temples, and Rani-ki-Vav, have recently gained attention. Santiniketan Overview: Santiniketan is a residential educational institution and cultural hub rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It embodies a vision of global unity, transcending religious and cultural divides. Significance: Represents an exceptional Indian …

GS1 ART AND CULTURE:  Introduction Amir Khusrau was a pioneer of Indo-Persian literature, music, and Sufi poetry. His legacy continues to be celebrated at the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, reflecting the fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Early Life & Background Born in 1253 to a Turkic father and Indian mother. His …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, a cultural initiative fostering ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, commenced on February 15, 2025, with a special train flagged off from Chennai. Coinciding with the Maha Kumbh Mela, this event celebrates the legacy of Sage Agasthyar and is …

GS1 ART & CULTURE:  Recent Incident: In February 2025, the Pune rural police presented a report to the NCST regarding Bhil families’ complaint against Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) for alleged attempts to displace them from a 200-acre land leased by the Maharashtra government. VSI’s Director General denied these claims. Court …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Context: The recent visit by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Sun Temple has spotlighted its global significance and Odisha’s exceptional craftsmanship. Location: Situated in the town of Konark, Odisha, close to the Bay of Bengal. Historical Background: Period of Construction: Built during the …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Context: The 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand has drawn criticism due to the decision to place Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, in the demonstration category rather than the main events. What is it? Kalaripayattu is among the world’s oldest martial art forms, known …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE President Droupadi Murmu’s special guests will receive a unique gift box showcasing some of South India’s finest GI-tagged crafts. Here are the notable items featured in the hamper: Pochampally Ikat Pencil Pouch: Hailing from Telangana, the Pochampally Ikat is renowned for its distinct geometric …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Why in the News? The recent passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has reignited discussions on the origins and development of the tabla. Etymology – The term “tabla” is derived from the Arabic word tabl, which means drum. Origins The origin of the tabla is …

GS 1-ART AND CULTURE Ingenious system consisting of 103 well-like structures called Kundis (aqueducts). Operates based on the law of gravity, ensuring smooth water flow from the first to the last Kundi. Water recharge mechanism: Intercepts subsoil groundwater through underground channels. Stores water in structures known as Bhandaras, partially underground …

GS1 ART & CULTURE Jatra is a vibrant form of folk theatre that originated in Bengal and has spread to parts of Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Eastern India. Known for its dramatic storytelling, music, and exaggerated performances, Jatra serves as an important cultural and social medium for entertainment and education …

GS 1 ART & CULTURE The Vaishno Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, a form of the Goddess Durga. Key Points: Religious Significance: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, believed to be …