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Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas

The renowned Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapur in Karnataka, collectively known as the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, have earned a place on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list. This designation signifies the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Additionally, Santiniketan, situated in West Bengal's Birbhum district, has recently joined UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Key Points About the Hoysala Temples

Chennakeshava Temple in Belur:

• Commissioned by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate his triumph over the Cholas in 1116 AD.
  • Beluru (formerly known as Velapuri, Velur, and Belapur in ancient times) is located on the banks of the Yagachi River and served as one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire.
• This star-shaped temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu, stands as the central shrine in the Belur temple complex.

Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid:

• This twin-shrined temple is perhaps the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas.
• The sculptures depict various aspects of Shiva, as well as scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.
• Halebid has a walled complex containing three Jaina basadi (temples) of the Hoysala period as well as a stepped well.

Keshava Temple of Somanathapur:

• It is a beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms-Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala.
• The main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.

What are the Key Facts about Hoysala Architecture?

Overview:

• The Hoysala Temples, constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries CE, display the distinctive architectural and artistic excellence of the Hoysala dynasty.
• All three Hoysala temples are safeguarded monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Key Components:

• Mantapa
• Vimana
• Sculpture

Distinctive Features:

• These temples not only stand as architectural marvels but also serve as repositories of the cultural and historical legacy of the Hoysala dynasty.
• The Hoysala temples, sometimes referred to as hybrid or vesara, exhibit a unique style that is neither purely dravida nor nagara but lies somewhere in between, making them easily recognizable among other medieval temples.
• Hoysala architecture is renowned for its fusion of the Bhumija style from Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karnataka Dravida styles favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
• The temples feature multiple shrines arranged around a central pillared hall, forming intricate star-shaped layouts.
• Constructed using soapstone, a relatively soft stone, these temples showcase intricate sculptures, particularly evident in the detailed jewelry adorning the temple walls.

Hoysala Dynasty

Origin and Ascent:

• Spanning over three centuries, the Hoysalas ruled territories across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Sala as the founding figure of the dynasty.
• Emerging from the hills northwest of Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid), the region became their capital around 1060.

Political Background:

• Initially, the Hoysalas served as feudatories to the Chalukyas of Kalyana, also recognized as the Western Chalukya Empire.
• Prominent rulers of the Hoysala dynasty included Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III.
• Vishnuvardhana, also known as Bittideva, emerged as the preeminent monarch of the Hoysala dynasty.

Religious and Cultural Landscape:

• The Hoysala dynasty fostered a culture of tolerance and pluralism, supporting diverse religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
• King Vishnuvardhana, initially a Jain follower, later embraced Vaishnavism influenced by the teachings of the saint Ramanuja.

Santiniketan

Santiniketan, situated in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, has recently secured a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

• The endeavor to designate Santiniketan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has been underway since 2010, culminating in its recognition as India's 41st World Heritage Site.

Why is Santiniketan Notable?

• Historical Significance: In 1862, Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore's father, discovered this picturesque setting and established an ashram, erecting a residence named Santiniketan, translating to "abode of peace."
• Name Transformation: Originally known as Bhubadanga, Debendranath Tagore renamed the area Santiniketan due to its serene atmosphere suitable for contemplation.
• Educational Legacy: In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore selected a significant parcel of land to establish a school based on the Brahmachary Ashram model. This educational institution eventually evolved into Visva Bharati University.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Santiniketan was proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by the Ministry of Culture, emphasizing its significance in human values, architecture, arts, town planning, and landscape design.
• Archaeological Conservation: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has actively participated in the restoration of various structures in Santiniketan, safeguarding its historical and cultural heritage.

Who was Rabindranath Tagore?

Early Life:

• Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, India, into a prominent Bengali family. He was the youngest of thirteen children.
• Tagore was a polymath and excelled in various fields. He was not only a poet but also a philosopher, musician, playwright, painter, educator, and social reformer.

Nobel Laureate:

• In 1913, Rabindranath Tagore became the first Asian to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems titled "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings).
• Knighthood:
• Rabindranath Tagore was awarded with Knighthood for Services to Literature by King George V in 1915.
• Tagore renounced his title of Knighthood after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• Composer of National Anthems:
• He wrote the national anthems of two countries, "Jana Gana Mana" (the Indian national anthem) and "Amar Shonar Bangla" (the Bangladesh national anthem).

Literary Works:

• His literary works include poems, short stories, novels, essays, and plays. Some of his notable works include "The Home and the World," "Gora," Gitanjali, Ghare-Baire, Gora, Manasi, Balaka, Sonar Tori, and "Kabuliwala."
• He is also remembered for his song ‘Ekla Chalo Re’.

Social Reformer:

• He was an advocate for social reform, promoting ideas of unity, harmony, and tolerance. He criticised British colonial rule and worked for Indian independence.

Tagore's Philosophy:

• His philosophy emphasised the importance of humanism, spirituality, and the connection between nature and humanity.

Literary Style:

• Tagore's writing style was marked by its lyrical and philosophical qualities, often exploring themes of love, nature, and spirituality.

Death:

• He passed away on August 7, 1941, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature and a lasting impact on Indian and world culture.

Maa Danteshwari Temple (Chhattisgarh)

The Prime Minister paid a visit to the Maa Danteshwari Temple in Chhattisgarh.

About Maa Danteshwari Temple:

• This temple is dedicated to Mahisasuramardini, represented as Danteswari, and is intricately carved on black stone.
• It holds significance as one of the 51 Sakti-pithas in India.
• Situated at the confluence of rivers Sankhini and Dankini, the temple was constructed by the rulers of Chindak Nagvanshi during the 11th-12th century A.D.
• In the 14th century AD, Annamdev, the brother of Prataprudra from the Kakatiya dynasty, initiated the renovation of this temple.

About Kakatiyas:

• The Kakatiyas were the political successors of the Kalyana Chalukyas and, along with the Hoysalas and Yadavas, declared their independence from the Chalukyas.
• Their rule extended over the Eastern Deccan region, comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, eastern Karnataka, and southern Odisha.
• The capital of the Kakatiya dynasty was Orugallu, present-day Warangal, and they had a major port at Motupalli, which was visited by Marco Polo.
• Key rulers included Prolla II, Rudradeva (1163-1195), succeeded by his brother Mahadeva (1195–1198), and later, Mahadeva's son Ganapati (1199–1261). Rudrama Devi, one of the few queens in Indian history, succeeded Ganapati.
• In 1303, Alauddin Khilji's invasion of Kakatiya territory ended in disaster for him.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Discover the captivating journey of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a distinguished 19th-century Muslim reformer and an illustrious pioneer of modern education in British India. In this exploration, we delve into his vision for social reform, his profound contributions to modern education, and his relentless efforts to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: The Visionary Knight of British India

• Born in Delhi in 1817 into a respected Muslim family, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan emerged as a notable figure in the 19th century. 
• With a background in the British government’s judicial service, he later became a distinguished Muslim reformer and thinker. His dedication led to his knighthood in 1888, marking a testament to his unwavering commitment.

Navigating British Patronage for Muslim Progress

• In the turbulent times of the 19th century, the British initially viewed Muslims as instigators of the 1857 revolt. However, a shift in perspective occurred when they recognized the potential for Muslims to counter nationalist movements. 
• Intellectuals like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan embraced this patronage to advance Muslim progress through improved education and employment opportunities.

Catalyst for Change – Bridging Tradition and Modernity

On Religion: Harmony of Faith and Reason

• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan sought to harmonize Western scientific education with the teachings of the Quran, interpreting them in the context of contemporary rationalism and science. Advocating adaptability, he maintained the Quran's authority while discouraging blind adherence to tradition, promoting critical thinking and freedom of thought.

On Education: Architect of Educational Reform

• As a devoted educationist, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established schools, facilitated book translations, and founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875. His vision aimed to empower Muslims through knowledge, urging them to prioritize education to catch up with their Hindu counterparts.

Champion of Women’s Empowerment

• Working to transform social norms, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan advocated for enhanced education, opposed purdah and polygamy, supported easier divorce, and condemned the Piri and Muridi systems, thus contributing to the empowerment of women in 19th century India.

On Hindu-Muslim Unity

• Believing in the fundamental unity of religions, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan preached common interests between Hindus and Muslims, fostering unity in a diverse society.

On Politics: Navigating Political Realities

• Strategically approaching Muslim engagement in 19th-century India, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan opposed direct political involvement, recognizing the potential backlash from the government against Muslim masses.

Literary Luminary: Illuminating Social Progress

• Disseminating progressive social ideas through his magazine, "Tahdhib-ul-Akhlaq" (Improvement of Manners and Morals), Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a vital role in the literary and intellectual landscape of his time.

A Renaissance of Modern Muslim Identity – The Aligarh Movement

• The Aligarh Movement, centered around the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, represented a liberal, modern trend among Muslim intelligentsia in 19th-century India. It advocated for modern education without compromising Islamic values and addressed social issues like purdah, polygamy, widow remarriage, women’s education, slavery, and divorce. 
• Embracing a liberal interpretation of the Quran, followers sought to establish a distinct socio-cultural identity for Muslims along modern lines.

Conclusion

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's impactful journey concluded on March 27, 1898, in Aligarh at the age of 80. His biography, "Hayat-e-Javed," and works by scholars like Shafey Kidwai continue to illuminate his reasoning, religious beliefs, and contribution to the nation. As the most influential Muslim leader in India, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's beliefs left an indelible mark on the thinking of many Muslims, shaping the course of history.

Rani Durgavati

Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to participate in the six-day "Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra" in Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to honoring the 16th-century queen of the Gondwana kingdom, Rani Durgavati.

About Rani Durgavati

Background:

• Rani Durgavati (1524 – 1564) served as the reigning Queen of Gondwana from 1550 until 1564, gaining notable recognition for her resilient defense against the Mughal Empire.

Heritage:

• She hailed from the Chandel dynasty, renowned for its courageous king Vidyadhar and architectural marvels exemplified by structures like Khajuraho.

Marriage and Alliance:

• Rani Durgavati married Dalpatshah, the eldest son of the Gond dynasty's King Sangramshah, fostering a robust alliance between the Chandel and Gond dynasties.

Leadership:

• Assuming leadership of the Gond kingdom around 1550 following her husband's demise, she showcased remarkable governance skills.

Defeating Bajbahadur:

• In 1556, Rani Durgavati defeated Bajbahadur, who had seized control of the Malwa province.

Interactions with the Mughals:

• Rani Durgavati's realm had direct interactions with the Mughal Empire. Abdul Majid Khan, a Mughal subedar, invaded her territory with the approval of Akbar.

Battle and Sacrifice:

• Facing the Mughal army, she defended her realm, setting up camp in Narrai valley. Refusing to abandon the battlefield, she valiantly took her own life with a dagger.

Legacy and Honours:

• Her legacy endures with the University of Jabalpur renamed as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya. The Indian government commemorated her with a postal stamp. The Durgavati Express, a train, and ICGS Rani Durgavati, an Inshore Patrol Vessel, are named in her honor. Regarded as a patriotic ruler and defender of culture, Rani Durgavati remains a symbol of pride and honor.

Nobel Prize In Literature For 2023

The Nobel Prize in Literature for the year 2023 has been conferred upon Jon Fosse. He is recognized for his groundbreaking plays and prose that articulate the ineffable.

Who is Jon Fosse?

• Jon Fosse, a Norwegian author and playwright, chooses to write in Norwegian Nynorsk, one of the two official versions of the Norwegian language, although less common. 
• Renowned for his distinct writing style, often labeled as "Fosse minimalism," he employs simple, concise, and impactful dialogue, drawing parallels with literary luminaries such as Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter, both previous recipients of the Nobel Prize in Literature. 
• Fosse's themes delve into the absurdity, futility, and yet the potency of the human condition, exploring everyday perplexities, uncertainties, and the challenges of forging genuine connections. 
• Some of Fosse's notable works include "A New Name: Septology VI-VII," "I Am the Wind," "Melancholy," "Boathouse," and "The Dead Dogs."

Other Recent Nobel Laureates in the Field of Literature:

• 2022: Annie Ernaux was honored "for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements, and collective restraints of personal memory."
• 2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah received the accolade "for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents."
• 2020: Louise Glück was recognized "for her unmistakable poetic voice that, with austere beauty, makes individual existence universal."