History, Art & Culture: April 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism

Why in News?

• The Dalai Lama has named a US-born Mongolian boy as the 10^th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, the head of the Janang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddhist spiritual head of Mongolia.
• This announcement has brought attention back to the larger question of the Dalai Lama's own reincarnation, which is a civilizational struggle between China and Tibetans over who controls Tibetan Buddhism.

What is the Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism?

• Buddhism Schools in Tibet:
  • Buddhism became the predominant religion in Tibet by the 9^th century AD. Tibetan Buddhism has four major schools: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug.
  • The Janang school is one of the smaller schools that grew as an offshoot of the Sakya school. The Dalai Lama belongs to the Gelug school.
• History of Reincarnation:
  • The cycle of birth, death and rebirth is one of Buddhism's key beliefs, although early Buddhism did not organise itself based on this belief in reincarnation.
  • However, Tibet's hierarchical system seemingly emerged in the 13^th century, and the first instances of formally recognizing the reincarnations of lamas can be found at this time.
  • The Gelug school developed a strong hierarchy and instituted the tradition of succession through reincarnation, with the 5^th grand lama of the school being conferred the title of Dalai Lama.
• Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism:
  • According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the spirit of a deceased lama is reborn in a child, which secures a continuous line of succession through successive re-embodiments.
  • Several procedures are followed to recognize ‘Tulkus’ (recognised reincarnations), including the predecessor leaving guidance regarding his reincarnation, the prospective child undergoing multiple 'tests', and other oracles and lamas with the power of divination being consulted before the final proclamation is made.
  • There are also procedures to iron out disputes, such as making the final decision by divination employing the dough-ball method before a sacred image.

What About India’s Association with the Dalai Lama?

• India and the Dalai Lama have had a long-standing relationship dating back to 1959 when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and sought refuge in India.
• India has since been the home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, providing them with political asylum, and has supported the Tibetan cause for autonomy from China.
• Over the years, India has taken a diplomatic stance on the Tibetan issue. India has also refused to endorse China's position on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, insisting that it is a religious matter that should be decided by the Tibetan people themselves.
• In recent years, India-China relations have been strained, and the Dalai Lama's presence in India has become a contentious issue for China.

Pattanam

Context

• In the village of Pattanam in central Kerala lies the only multicultural archaeological site on the southwestern coast of the Indian subcontinent.

About the site

• Often referred to as the ‘first emporium’ of the Indian Ocean, Muziris — of which Pattanam is part — is an example of the Greco-Roman classical age coming into direct contact with an ancient South Indian civilisation.

Society

• There is no evidence that institutionalised religion existed in ancient Pattanam.
• There was certainly no indication of the graded inequality embodied in the caste system that has characterised contemporary Kerala and most of the rest of India.
• There were rigorous cultural and commercial exchanges.
• The excavations have unearthed over 45 lakh sherds; these include approximately 1.4 lakh belonging to the littoral regions of the Mediterranean, the River Nile, the Red Sea, the western and eastern Indian Oceans, and the South China Sea.
• Recent findings include the seal of a sphinx, native to the ancient Greek city of Thebes.
• This wide span of locations confirms the existence of a thriving urban centre from the 5th century B.C. till the 5th century A.D., with its peak phase from 100 B.C. to A.D. 300.
• Pattanam society may have lived in harmony with nature, like several indigenous societies did.

No war and religion

• No idols of gods and goddesses, or the remains of grandiose places of worship have been found.
• This iron-age and post-iron-age site was also bereft of sophisticated weaponry.
• This is in sharp contrast with some Pattanam-contemporary sites such as Berenike in Egypt and Khor Rori in Oman.

Burial

• The grave remains at the Pattanam site were confined to fragmentary skeleton remains.
• The burials were of a “secondary” nature, where the dead were cremated first and the osseous remains ceremoniously buried later.
• Large terracotta urn burials and a wide variety of stone monuments abound in the Periyar delta and basin regions, showing the ceremonious nature of the later burial practices.
• No artefact found indicates any religious customs.

Lineage

• The genotype results point to South Asian, West Asian, and Mediterranean lineages.
• People of widely differing backgrounds were buried the same way, strongly suggesting the prevalence of a secular ethos.

Vaikom Satyagraha

Why in News?

As the year 2024 marks the centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha, Chief Minister of Kerala and Tamil Nadu jointly inaugurated the centenary celebrations.

What is Vaikom Satyagraha?

• Background:
  • The princely state of Travancore had a feudal, militaristic, and ruthless system of custom-ridden government, some of the most rigid, refined and ruthless social norms and customs were seen in Travancore.
  • Lower castes like the Ezhavas and Pulayas were considered polluting and various rules were in place to distance them from upper castes.
  • These included a prohibition, not just on temple entry, but even on walking on the roads surrounding temples.
• Contribution of Leaders:
  • In 1923, Madhavan presented the issue as a resolution at the Kakinada meet of All India Congress Committee. Subsequently, it was taken up by the Congress Untouchability Committee formed by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee in January 1924.
  • Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon who was the then secretary of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and Congress leader and educationist K. Kelappan (also known as Kerala Gandhi) are considered the pioneers of the Vaikom Satyagraha movement.
• Factors Leading to Satyagraha:
  • Christian missionaries, supported by the East India Company, had expanded their reach and many lower castes converted to Christianity to escape the clutches of an oppressive system that continued to bind them.
  • Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal, took many progressive reforms.
  • Most important of these was the introduction of a modern education system with free primary education for all – even lower castes.
  • Forces of capitalism and these reforms created new social hierarchies – which were not always congruent with traditional ones.
• Beginning of Satyagraha:
  • On March 30, 1924, the Satyagrahis walked in procession towards the forbidden public roads. They were stopped 50 yards away from the place where a board cautioning the oppressed communities against walking on the roads (surrounding the Vaikom Mahadeva temple), was placed.
  • Dressed in khadi and wearing khadi caps, Govinda Panikkar (Nair), Bahuleyan (Ezhava) and Kunjappu (Pulaya),defied the prohibitionary orders.
  • The police stopped them. In protest, the three men sat on the road and were arrested.
  • Then on, every day, three volunteers from three different communities were sent to walk on the prohibited roads.
  • Within a week, the leaders of the movement were all arrested.
• Role of Women:
  • Periyar’s wife Nagammai and sister Kannammal, played an unprecedented role in the fight.
• Arrival of Gandhi:
  • Gandhi arrived at Vaikom in March 1925, held a series of discussions with leaders of various caste groups and met Maharani Regent at her Varkala camp.
  • The Vaikom Satyagraha was officially withdrawn on November 30, 1925 after consultations between Gandhi and W.H. Pitt (police commissioner of Travancore).
  • A compromise was reached following the release of all prisoners and grant of access to roads.
• Temple Entry Proclamation:
  • In 1936, the historic Temple Entry Proclamation was signed by the Maharaja of Travancore which removed the age-old ban on the entry of temples.
• Significance:
  • Amidst rising nationalist sentiment and agitations across the country, it foregrounded social reform.
  • For the first time, it brought Gandhian methods of nonviolent protest to Travancore.
  • The movement continued for over 600 days, non-stop, through social pressure, police crackdowns and even natural disaster in 1924, is admirable.
  • The Vaikom satyagraha saw previously unseen unity across caste lines.

Conclusion

Till 1917, the Indian National Congress refused to take up social reform. But with the rise of Gandhi and increased activism within lower caste communities and untouchables, social reform soon found itself front and Centre of Congress’s and Gandhi’s politics.

Thirunelly Temple

Context

• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the historically significant structures, including the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, an exquisite granite structure, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelly in Wayanad district of Kerala during the on-going renovation of the temple.

About the temple

• Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala, India, near the border with Karnataka state.

History

• There exists documentary proof that Thirunelli at the time of Chera king Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE) was an important town and pilgrim center in South India.
• The name Thirunelli derives from the nelli, the Tamil/Malayalam word for Indian gooseberry of the Amla tree.

The legend

• The Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana, Padma Purana, and many other Puranas and Hindu texts mention the beautiful Vishnu temple as being built by Lord Brahma, located in the picturesque Sahya valley, deep in the middle of forest of unmatchable beauty, and in these texts, it is referred to as "Sahyamalaka Kshetra”.
• According to tradition, Lord Brahma was traveling round the Universe on his hamsa, when he became attracted by the beauty of the area now known as Brahmagiri Hill.
• Descending on that spot, Brahma noticed an idol, set in an Amla tree.
• Brahma recognized the idol as Lord Vishnu Himself and the place as Vaikuntha (Vishnuloka) itself.
• With the help of the Devas, Brahma installed the idol and called it Sahyamalak Kshetra. At Brahma’s request Vishnu promised that the waters of the area would wash away all sins.

About Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India.
• Today INTACH is recognized as one of the world’s largest heritage organizations, with over 190 Chapters across the Country.
• Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates through various divisions.
• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage is a non-profit charitable organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• In 2007, the United Nations awarded INTACH a special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Global Buddhist Summit 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Culture in partnership with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has organized the 1^st Global Buddhist Summit 2023, which aims to enhance cultural and diplomatic relations with other countries.

What is the Global Buddhist Summit 2023?

• About:
  • Buddhist monks from various countries took part in the two-day Summit.
  • Eminent scholars, Sangha leaders and Dharma practitioners from all over the world attended the conference.
  • There are 173 international participants comprising 84 Sangha member and 151 Indian delegates comprising 46 Sangha members, 40 nuns and 65 laity from outside Delhi.
  • Theme: Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.
• Sub Themes:
  • Buddha Dhamma and Peace
  • Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health and Sustainability
  • Preservation of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition
  • Buddha Dhamma Pilgrimage, Living heritage and Buddha Relics: a resilient foundation to India’s centuries-old cultural links to countries in South, Southeast and East Asia.
• Objectives:
  • The summit aims to discuss today’s pressing global issues and look for answers in the Buddha Dhamma that is based on universal values.
  • The aim is to set up a forum for the lay Buddhist scholars and Dharma Masters.
  • It seeks to delve into Buddha’s message for Peace, Compassion and Harmony with the objective of working towards Universal Peace and Harmony, in accordance with the core values of Dharma and produce a document for further academic research, to study its viability for use as a tool for the conduct of international relations on the global stage.
• Significance for India:
  • This global Summit will mark the significance and importance of India in Buddhism, as Buddhism was born in India.
  • This summit will also be a medium to enhance the cultural and diplomatic relationships with other countries, especially with the countries which embrace the Buddhist Ethos.

What is the Role of Buddhism in India’s Soft Power Strategy?

• Cultural Diplomacy:
  • One of the ways in which Buddhism has been used in India's soft power strategy is through cultural diplomacy.
  • This involves promoting Indian culture, including Buddhism, through various channels such as art, music, films, literature, and festivals.
  • For example, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has organized several cultural events in Buddhist countries, such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bhutan, to showcase India's cultural heritage and strengthen cultural ties.
• Education and Capacity-Building:
  • Another way in which Buddhism can be used in India's soft power strategy is through education and capacity-building.
  • India has established several Buddhist institutions and centers of excellence, such as the Nalanda University and the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, to promote Buddhist studies and research.
  • In 2022, the foundation stone for the Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University (DDIBU) in Tripura was laid,
  • DDIBU is the first Buddhist-run university in India to offer Buddhist education along with courses in other disciplines of modern education as well.
  • India also offers scholarships and training programs to Buddhist students and monks from other countries, such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Nepal, to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• Bilateral Exchanges and Initiatives:
  • In terms of bilateral relations, India has sought to deepen its ties with Buddhist countries, such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Bhutan, through various initiatives.
  • India has signed several agreements with Sri Lanka, such as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA), to boost economic cooperation.
  • India has also provided assistance to Buddhist countries for the restoration and preservation of their cultural heritage sites, such as the Bagan temples in Myanmar and the Stupa in Nepal.
  • India and Mongolia also renewed the Cultural Exchange Program until 2023 under which 10 dedicated ICCR scholarships for studying ‘Tibetan Buddhism’ have been allocated for Mongolians to study in specialized institutes of CIBS, Leh and CUTS, Varanasi.

Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat)

Context 

The Prime Minister extends his best wishes to the participants of the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam.

Details

Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam

• It is a 10-day festival that celebrates the age-old ties and cultural links between the two coastal States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• The festival was inaugurated on 17th April 2023 at Somnath, the sacred site of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The festival will conclude on 30th April 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• The festival will also feature various cultural programs and exhibitions that will showcase the art, craft, music, dance, literature and cuisine of both Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Participants

• Nearly 3,000 people from Tamil Nadu, mostly Gujaratis settled in the southern State, participate. They will be brought on a special train, named 'Saurashtra Tamil Express', and will visit various places of historical, religious and cultural significance in Gujarat.
• They will also explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Gujarat, such as the Gir Forest, home to the Asiatic lions, and the Statue of Unity (dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel).
• The participants will get an opportunity to interact with each other and learn about each other's culture and traditions.
• They will also witness the similarities and differences between the two regions and appreciate their unique contributions to India's freedom struggle and development.

Conclusion

• The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a unique exercise to facilitate a consistent and improved exchange between people from diverse regions and lifestyles. It is an initiative that reflects the cultural diversity and strength of India. It also demonstrates the oneness of India to the world by highlighting how the Saurashtra Tamils have assimilated with the traditions of Tamil Nadu and as well as preserved their language and culture.
• The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a celebration of India's might and characteristics. It is a celebration of India's unity in diversity. It is a celebration of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

World Heritage Day

Why in News?

• The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) declared April 18^th as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, in 1982.
• The theme for this year is "Heritage Changes," which focuses on the role of cultural heritage in climate action and its importance in protecting vulnerable communities.

What is the Status of Heritage Sites in India?

About:

• India is currently home to 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the country with the sixth-largest number of sites in the world.
• Out of these, 32 are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites, and one is a mixed-type site, the Khangchendzonga National Park.
• The cultural heritage sites in India include ancient temples, forts, palaces, mosques, and archaeological sites that reflect the rich history and diversity of the country.
• The natural heritage sites in India include national parks, wildlife reserves, and natural landscapes that showcase the country's unique biodiversity and ecological significance.
• The mixed-type site in India, the Khangchendzonga National Park, is known for its cultural significance as well as its biodiversity, as it is home to several rare and endangered species.
• Constitutional and Legislative Provisions Related to Indian Heritage:
  • Directive Principles of State Policy: Article 49 puts obligation on the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance.
  • Fundamental Duty: Article 51A of Constitution states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to value and preserve the rich heritage of our culture.
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958: It is an act of the Parliament of India that provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for the protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
• Heritage Influence on India’s Cultural Identity:
  • StoryTellers of India’s Glory: Heritage is the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and preserved for the benefit of future generations.
  • Reflection of Unity in Diversity: India is a museum of different types, communities, customs, traditions, religions, cultures, beliefs, languages, castes and social system.
  • But even after having so much external diversity, in Indian culture there is Unity in Diversity.
  • Tolerating Nature: Indian society gave every culture the opportunity of prospering that is reflected in its diverse heritage. It does not try to suppress diversity in favour of uniformity.
• Issues Related to Heritage Management in India:
  • Lack of Centralised Database for Heritage Sites: India lacks a complete national level database with state wise distribution of heritage structure.
  • Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has inventoried about 60,000 buildings in around 150 cities which is still only the tip of the iceberg as there are estimated more than 4000 heritage towns and cities in the country.
  • Outdated Mechanism of Excavation and Exploration: Due to the prevalence of outdated mechanisms, Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing are rarely used in exploration.
  • Also, local bodies involved in urban heritage projects are often not equipped enough to handle heritage conservation.
  • Environmental Degradation and Natural Disasters: Heritage sites in India are vulnerable to environmental degradation and natural disasters, such as pollution, erosion, flooding, and earthquakes, which can cause irreversible damage to their physical structures and cultural significance.
  • For example, the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of India's cultural heritage, has faced challenges due to air pollution, which has caused yellowing and deterioration of its marble.
  • Unsustainable Tourism: Popular heritage sites in India often face high tourism pressure, which can result in issues such as overcrowding, unregulated visitor activities, and inadequate visitor management.
  • Uncontrolled tourism can cause damage to heritage structures, impact the local environment, and disrupt the local community's way of life.
  • Recent Government Initiatives Related to Heritage Conservation: 
  • Adopt a Heritage Programme
  • Project Mausam

Way Forward

• Sustainable Funding Models: Exploring and implementing innovative funding models for heritage conservation, such as public-private partnerships, corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding, and community-based funding.
• This can help generate additional financial resources for heritage sites and ensure their sustainable conservation and maintenance.
• Example: Encouraging corporate sponsorships for specific conservation projects, where companies can contribute funds and resources in exchange for brand recognition and promotional opportunities.
• Technology- enabled Conservation: Leveraging advanced technologies such as remote sensing, 3D scanning, virtual reality, and data analytics for documentation, monitoring, and conservation of heritage sites.
• This can enable more efficient and effective heritage management practices, including condition assessment, preventive conservation, and virtual tourism experiences.
• Example: Using 3D scanning and virtual reality to create digital replicas of heritage structures, which can be used for virtual tours, educational purposes, and as a reference for restoration and conservation work.
• Innovative Measures to Increase Engagement: Monuments that do not attract a large number of visitors and those which have no associated cultural/religious sensitivity should be used as venues for cultural programmes with the twin objectives:
• Promoting the associated intangible heritage
• Increasing visitor numbers to such sites.

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar

Why in News?

India Celebrates Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar on April 14, 2023.

Who was Dr. BR Ambedkar?

• About:
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, social reformer, and politician.
  • He was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
  • His father, Subedar Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a well-read person and follower of Sant Kabir.
• Education:
  • Ambedkar earned his Bachelor's degree from Bombay University and went on for further studies to Columbia University in New York and London School of Economics.
• Contributions:
  • In 1924, he started an Association for the welfare of the depressed classes and in 1927, he started the Bahishkrit Bharat newspaper to address the cause of the depressed classes.
  • He also led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927.
  • He participated in all three Round Table Conferences.
  • In 1932, Dr. Ambedkar signed the Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi, which abandoned the idea of separate electorates for the depressed classes (Communal Award).
  • In 1936, he formed the Independent Labour Party to safeguard the interests of the depressed classes.
  • In 1942, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed to the Executive Council of the Governor General of India as a Labour member and elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bengal in 1946.
  • He was the Chairman of Drafting Committee and remembered as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
  • In 1947, Dr. Ambedkar became Minister of Law in the first Cabinet of independent India.
  • He resigned from the cabinet in 1951, over differences on the Hindu Code Bill.
• Additional Details:
  • Later in life, He converted to Buddhism. He passed away on December 6, 1956, which is commemorated as Mahaparinirvan Diwas
  • Chaitya Bhoomi is a memorial to B R Ambedkar, located in Mumbai.
  • He was also awarded India’s highest civilian honour the Bharat Ratna in 1990.

Important Works

• Journals:
  • Mooknayak (1920)
  • Bahishkrit Bharat (1927)
  • Samatha (1929)
  • Janata (1930)
• Books:
  • Annihilation of Caste
  • Buddha or Karl Marx
  • The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become Untouchables
  • Buddha and His Dhamma
  • The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women
• Organisations:
  • Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923)
  • Independent Labor Party (1936)
  • Scheduled Castes Federation (1942)
• Relevance of Ambedkar in Present Times:
  • His ideas and contributions continue to shape India's social and political landscape, particularly in the fight against caste-based discrimination and the struggle for social justice.
  • His vision for an inclusive and egalitarian society, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, remains a guiding principle for the country's future development.
  • Additionally, his emphasis on education as a means of empowerment is particularly relevant today as India seeks to achieve its full potential as a global leader.
  • Dr. Ambedkar's legacy is an integral part of India's national identity and his ideas continue to inspire generations.