History, Art & Culture: January 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GI Tags for Over 17 Products

Context

• Seventeen products from different states have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Geographical Indication (GI) refers to a name or symbol used on certain products that corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. It is recognized as a type of Intellectual Property Right (IPR).
• GI is safeguarded by international agreements such as the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications.
• Countries have their own systems in place for registering and safeguarding GI tags.

GI Tag in India

• India, as a World Trade Organization (WTO) member, enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
• It is a part of the IPR under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• Darjeeling tea became the first GI-tagged product in India in 2004–2005.

Registration

• The Geographical Indication Registry (Chennai) issues these tags under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• GIs can be registered for various products, including agricultural products, food products, handicrafts, and manufactured goods.
• GI Tag is valid for ten years and can be renewed.

Poila Baisakh

Context

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly recently took a significant step by declaring 'Poila Baisakh,' the first day of the Bengali calendar, as 'Bangla Dibas' or West Bengal Foundation Day. This decision comes after a dispute arose earlier in 2023 regarding West Bengal's Foundation Day when Raj Bhavan officially declared June 20 as the State Foundation Day.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal argued that June 20, which is associated with the partition, lacks relevance to the state's establishment. Additionally, the Assembly approved the proposal to designate Rabindranath Tagore's 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol' as the official song of West Bengal.

What is Poila Baisakh?

Poila Baisakh is an important festival celebrated by Bengali communities across West Bengal, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Assam. It is also celebrated in Bangladesh. It signifies the Bengali New Year and in 2023 it was celebrated on April 15th .

What is the Significance of June 20th For Bengal?

• On 20th June, 1947, the Bengal Legislative Assembly gathered to make a significant decision about Bengal's future. 
• They had three choices: keep Bengal whole within India, split it into East Bengal and West Bengal for Bengali Muslims and Hindus respectively, or divide it between India and Pakistan. 
• After significant rounds of voting, the decision was made to divide Bengal into West Bengal and East Pakistan (which later became Bangladesh) and the Radcliffe Line was drawn later to mark the boundary.

Nritya Kalanidhi Award

Context

At the 17th Dance Festival of The Music Academy, classical dancer and choreographer Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari was honored with the 'Nritya Kalanidhi' award. Ms. Narasimhachari, a prominent figure in the world of classical dance, is renowned for her expertise in dance forms like Kathakali and Odissi.

Kathakali Dance – The Classical Dance Drama of Kerala

• A Kathakali performance commences with the kelikottu, which grabs the audience's attention, followed by the todayam, a devotional piece where one or two characters seek the blessings of the gods.
• Key Aspects: Kathakali is a highly stylized art form encompassing four aspects of abhinaya – angika, aharya, vachika, and satvika Nritya Kalanidhi.
• Composition: It integrates elements of devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes, and makeup to narrate stories from Hindu epics like the 'Bhagavata Puranas,' 'Mahabharata,' and 'Ramayana.'
• Expressions: The dancer communicates through codified hastamudras and facial expressions, synchronizing with the verses (padams) being sung. The body weight rests on the outer edges of slightly bent and curved feet.
• Use of Color: Makeup using colors categorizes characters as gods, goddesses, saints, animals, demons, and demonesses, following the guidelines of the Natya Shastra.
• Characters: Kathakali performances feature characters classified into satvika, rajasika, and tamasika types. Various colors symbolize different attributes: green denotes royalty and virtue, red signifies royalty, black represents evil, yellow denotes saints and women, complete red symbolizes evil, and a white beard indicates a character with higher consciousness and divinity.
• Stage: A large oil-fed lamp is positioned in front of the stage, and two individuals hold a curtain called Tirasseela on the stage, behind which the main dancers stand before the performance.
• Instruments: Instruments include drums like the maddalam and chenda, the chengila (a bell metal gong), and ilathalam or cymbals.
• Music: Kathakali music follows the traditional sopana sangeet of Kerala and incorporates Carnatic ragas.
• Famous Proponents: Notable figures in Kathakali include Kavungal Chathunni Panicker and Kalamandalam Gopi.

West Bengal seeks Classical Language Status for Bangla

Context

Recently, the Chief Minister of West Bengal urged the central government to formally recognize Bengali as a "classical language." Bengali ranks as the second most widely spoken language in India (after Hindi, according to the 2011 Census) and the seventh most spoken language worldwide.

Classical Language Recognition: Guidelines and Benefits for Preserving Linguistic Heritage

• Origin: The idea of Classical Languages of India was initially introduced in 2004.
• Guidelines for declaring a language as “Classical”: The Ministry of Culture provides the guidelines regarding Classical languages which include:
• An Ancient Record: High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
• A Valuable Heritage: A body of ancient literature/texts that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
• Original Tradition: The literary tradition needs to be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• Distinct from Modern: Classical language and literature are distinct from modern, but there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or offshoots.

Classical Languages in India: A Journey through Recognition, Significance, and Linguistic Heritage

• Currently six languages enjoy the ‘Classical’ status in India:
• Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada, Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
• All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages of India. Part XVII of the Indian constitution deals with the official languages in Articles 343 to 351.
• Significance: Classical languages are made up of various alterations that have evolved over time and diverged over centuries and the golden age of Indian literature is characterized by the languages of this time.

Saint Thiruvalluvar

Recently, the Prime Minister of India paid tributes to Saint Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day.

About Thiruvalluvar Day

• Thiruvalluvar Day was first celebrated on May 17 and 18 in 1935.
• In the present time, it is usually observed either on January 15 or 16 in Tamil Nadu and is a part of Pongal celebrations.
• The occasion is named after and honours the poet, Thiruvalluvar

Who is Thiruvalluvar?

• He was a poet and philosopher, is regarded as a cultural icon by Tamils.
• He is fondly referred to as Valluvar by Tamils.
• His most popular work is Thirukkuṛaḷ, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economy and love.
• Thiruvalluvar’s primary work Thirukkural contains 1330 couplets (kurals) that are divided into 133 sections of 10 couplets each.
• The text is divided into three parts with teachings on dharma, artha, and kama (virtue, wealth and love).
• Each section covers a wide range of topics and imparts moral, ethical, and practical guidance to the readers.
• The couplets are composed in a concise and poetic form, making them easily memorable and quotable.

Chittorgarh Fort

Taking note of the history and legacy of the Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, the Supreme Court recently issued directions for its protection against blasting activities.

About Chittorgarh Fort

• Built by local Maurya rulers in the 7th century A.D., the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan is one of the largest forts in India. 
• The common belief is that Chitrangada Mori, the local Maurya ruler, developed the fort originally. Later, the fort was captured by the Mewar rulers in 728 CE. 
• It used to be the capital of the Mewar rulers.
• It is situated on a 180-meter-high hill that rises from the banks of river Berach.
• The Fort has been witness to several legendary warriors in Indian history, including Badal, Gora, Maharana Pratap, Rana Kumbha, Patta, and Jaimal, among others.
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
• Features:
  • The fort is known for its seven gates, namely Padan Gate, Ganesh Gate, Hanuman Gate, Bhairon Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate, and the main gate, which is named after Lord Ram.
  • These gates were built to protect the fort from the enemy attacks, and the arches even protect the elephants from entering.
  • Sprawling across 700 acres and a circumference of 13 km, the fort has a kilometre-long road that takes up to the rampart after passing through the seven gates.
  • The walls are made of lime mortar and rise up to 500 metres above ground level.
  • The fort houses four palaces, 19 temples, including Jain and Hindu temples, 20 water bodies, and four memorials.
• Jauhar Mela:
  • Every year, a Jauhar Mela is held in Chittorgarh.
  • This Rajput festival celebrates the anniversary of one of the jauhars.
  • Though there’s no specific name given, it is believed that the fair commemorates Rani Padmini’s jauhar and celebrates Rajputana valour.

What is Jauhar?

• Jauhar was a Hindu tradition practiced by Rajput women who wanted to avoid falling into the hands of the enemy.
• Instead of consuming poison, they preferred to burn in flames, as fire symbolised purity.
• It is said that the practice was performed only during wars. The women did this to avoid being enslaved and raped by the invaders.

Jagannath Temple Corridor

Context

Chief Minister of Odisha has launched the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa, which is a massive peripheral development project around Puri’s 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple.

More about the news

• Heritage Corridor: 75-metre-wide space encircling the temple, known as the heritage corridor is divided into nine different zones.
• It has a 7-metre green buffer zone, adjacent to the Meghanada Pacheri, or the boundary of the temple.
• A 10-metre Antar Pradakshina will allow space for ceremonial processions of the deities throughout the year. 
• There is also a public convenience zone having restrooms, drinking water facilities, information-cum-donation kiosks, mini cloakrooms, and a dedicated emergency lane.
• The State government organised a massive outreach programme, with Arpan Raths taken out in every village to promote, preserve and protect Jagannath culture through people’s participation.

• An important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. 
• Location: Puri, Odisha (eastern coast of India). 
• Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are deities worshipped at the temple. 
• The temple is sacred to all Hindus, and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions and is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Vaishnavite tradition.
• Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple.
• Ramanuja established the Emar Matha in the south-eastern corner of the temple. 
• Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas.
• It is also of particular significance to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath. 
• The worship is performed by the Bhil Sabar tribal priests, as well as priests of other communities in the temple.
• Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood (neem wood, known as Daru) and is ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years by an exact replica.
• The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the other being Rameshwaram, Badrinath and Dwarka.

Construction

• The present temple was rebuilt by the King of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, Anantavarman Chodaganga, in the 10th century CE, as described by the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription of his descendant, Narasimhadeva II.
• Anantavarman was originally a Shaivite, and became a Vaishnavite sometime after he conquered the Utkala region, in which the temple is located, in 1112 CE.
• A 1134–1135 CE inscription records his donation to the temple.
• The temple complex was further developed during the reigns of the subsequent kings, including those of the Ganga dynasty and the Gajapati dynasty (1434-1541). 
• The temple is built in the Kalinga Architecture. The temple has distinct sectional structures: Deula, Vimana or Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

Rath Yatra

• The Ratha Yatra, also known as the Ratha Jatra or chariot festival, is a magnificent Hindu celebration held annually in the city of Puri, Odisha, India.
• It is considered the oldest and largest chariot festival in the Hindu tradition, taking place during the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh (June or July).
• The festival revolves around the worship of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.
• During the Ratha Yatra, the three deities are ceremoniously pulled in massive wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
• The deities reside in the Gundicha Temple for a week and then return to their abode in the Jagannath temple (Bahuda Yatra)

Somnath: A Brief History of the Temple

Context

The Prime Minister of India is to inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 22nd January. This brought back the memory of inauguration of Somnath temple, that was 73 years ago by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad.

More from the news article

• British Governor General Lord Ellenborough (1842-1844) presented the temple as a symbol of Islam’s excesses on Hindus. 
• After the British army was defeated in Afghanistan (1842) and faced heavy losses, a retaliatory strike was carried out. 
• ‘The gates of Somnath’, during this time became a major issue. A pair of sandalwood gates from Ghazni, were brought back by the British, claiming they were the original gates of Somnath taken by the invaders. 
• Lord Ellenborough proclaimed this as the avenging of an insult that Mahmud of Ghazni inflicted upon Hindus 800 years ago (1026). 
• The Nawab of Junagadh, where Somnath was located, decided to accede to Pakistan in August 1947. However, he fled when the rebellion started. 
• Sardar Patel, the then Home Minister, visited Junagadh (Saurashtra region, Gujarat) and announced the reconstruction of the Somnath temple. 
• As per the suggestion given by Gandhiji, a trust was set up under K. M. Munshi for funding the project. (The idea was, people of the country should collectively fund the project, instead of the Government, a secular entity). 
• In 1951, the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad was approached by K. M. Munshi for inauguration (Pran-Pratistha) of the temple.

About Somnath Temple

• Location: Along the coastline in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
• Veraval was an ancient trading port. 
• During the Indus Valley Civilisation, the site of Prabhas Patan was occupied. After abandonment in 1200 BCE, it was reoccupied in 400 BCE. 
• As per the temple’s website, it is the holy place of the first Aadi Jyotirlinga Shree Somnath Mahadev and the sacred soil where Lord Krishna took his last journey. 
• Since ancient times, the site has been a pilgrimage site on account of being a Triveni Sangam, i.e., the confluence of three rivers, Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati.

Descriptions of the Temple

• No mentions of ‘Somnath nomenclature’ have been found in ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism.
• However, mentions of ‘Prabhas-Pattan’ as tirtha (Pilgrimage site), where the temple is located is found. 
• Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa (a 5th century poem) mentions some of the sacred Shiva Pilgrimage sites: Banaras (Varanasi), Mahakal-Ujjain, Tryambaka, Prayaga, Pushkara, Gokarna and Somnath-Prabhasa. This clearly indicates tirthas of his time. 
• 11th -century Persian historian Al-Biruni has also stated that, “Somnath has become so famous because it was the harbour for seafaring people and a station for those who went to and fro between Sufala in the country of Zanj (east Africa) and China.”
• The 14th century description was given by Amir Khusrow, where he noted, Gujarati Muslim pilgrims paid their respects before departing for the Hajj Pilgrimage (Mecca, Saudi Arabia).

Origin, Construction and Reconstruction

• First temple is said to have existed 2000 years ago. 
• 649 AD: King Maitre of Vallabhini built a second temple. 
• Ruler of Sindh in 725, attacked and destroyed the temple. 
• 815: Pratishtha King Nag Bhatt II constructed the temple for the third time, using Red Sandstone. 
• 1026: Turkish ruler, Mahmud of Ghazni raided and plundered Somnath temple and destroyed it, during the reign of Solanki King Bhimdev I. This raid was confirmed by Al-Biruni, who worked in the court of Mahmud of Ghazni. 
• King Bhimdev in between 1026-1042, rebuilt the temple for the fourth time. 
• Kumarapala of the Chalukya-Solanki dynasty of Gujarat (his capital was Anahilapataka) rebuilt the temple and studded it with jewels, as per the inscription of 1169. 
• In 1299, during the Gujarat invasion, Allaudin Khilji’s army, led by Ulugh khan, sacked the temple after defeating Vaghela king Karna. 
• 1308: It was rebuilt by Mahipala I (Chudasama king of Saurashtra) and the lingam in the temple was re-installed by his son Khengara. Chudasama dynasty ruled the part of present-day Saurashtra region of Gujarat, sometime between the 9^th and 15^th centuries. Capital: Junagadh and Vamanasthali. 
• 1395: Attacked by Zafar khan. Zafar Khan was the last governor of Gujarat under the Delhi Sultanate and the founder of Gujarat Sultanate.
• 1451: Sacked by Mahmud Begada, the Sultan of Gujarat.
• As per the book: ‘Somanatha: the many voices of the 16th century’ by Romila Thapar, Mughal ruler Akbar permitted the worship of Linga in the temple and also appointed Desai/officers to administer it. 
• 1706: Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb again demolished the temple and gradually the temple fell into disuse. 
• 1782: Somnath temple was in dilapidated state when Maratha queen from Indore, Ahilya bai Holkar built a small temple and placed an idol. The Ahilyabai-built temple is now known as ‘Old Somnath’. 
• After India’s independence: The present Somnath temple was reconstructed in the Maru-Gurjara style. 

Architecture of the temple

• Pre-11th century temple: Remains of the foundation, the lower structure suggests an exquisitely carved temple. The garbhagriha (sanctum) was connected to a mukha-mandapa (entrance hall). It opened to the east. 
• 19th-century ruined Somnath temple: British official and scholar, Alexander Burnes surveyed the site in 1830 and stated that the temple was converted into a Muslim structure (mosque) with an arch. 
• Present temple: Temple has a ‘Kailash Maha Meru Prasad’ form. The new temple is intricately carved, with pillared mandapa and 212 relief panels.

Madhika Language

In the remote colony of Kookanam, near Karivellur grama panchayat in Kerala, the Chakaliya community is grappling with the imminent loss of its unique language Madhika.

About Madhika language

• It is a language spoken by the Chakaliya community.
• It does not have a script.
• Despite sounding similar to Kannada it can still bewilder listeners due to its diverse influences.
• It is a blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
• It is largely influenced by Havyaka Kannada, an old form of Kannada.
• It is fast becoming extinct with the younger generation opting for Malayalam.

Key facts about Chakaliya community

• The community was nomadic and worshippers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma.
• They migrated to northern Malabar from the hilly regions of Karnataka centuries ago.
• Initially they were recognised as Scheduled Tribe, but were later included in the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
• The mention of the community can be found in the book Caste and Tribes of Southern India.

Government of India’s Initiative to preserve languages

• The Government of India has initiated a Scheme known as “Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” (SPPEL). 
• Under this Scheme, the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore works on protection, preservation and documentation of all the mother tongues/languages of India spoken by less than 10,000 people which are called endangered languages.

Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute

Context

Lately, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted an examination of the Gyanvapi mosque compound, uncovering 55 stone sculptures, among them Hindu deity idols. The ASI findings indicate that a temple likely suffered destruction in the 17th century, under Aurangzeb's rule, with some of its elements repurposed in the present structure.

What are the Key Highlights of the ASI Report?

• Discovery of Broken Idols:
  • The survey uncovered fragments of what appear to be statues of Hindu Deities, including those of Hanuman, Ganesha, and Nandi, within the mosque complex.
  • Various sculptures and statues were found in varying states of damage, including those of Shiva linga, Vishnu, Ganesha, Krishna, and Hanuman.
• Yonipattas and Shiv Linga:
  • Several yonipattas, the base of a shivling, were discovered during the survey.
  • A shiv linga with its bottom part missing was also found.

• Indian Inscription:
  • 32 inscriptions written in the Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu and Kannada scripts.
  • These are in fact inscriptions on the stone of a preexisting Hindu temple which have been reused during the construction, repair of the existing structure.
  • The reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure suggests that the earlier structures were destroyed and their parts were reused in the construction and repair of the existing structure.
• Swastik and Trident Marks:
  • There were marks found on the structure, including the swastika and the trident.
  • Swastika is known to be one the most ancient symbols in the world, and has been used in all old civilisations.
  • Trishula (trident -- the distinct weapon of Lord Shiva), symbol is commonly used as one of the principal symbols by Hindus, particularly by Shaivites and also Shaktas.
• Coins and Sandstone Slab with Persian Inscription:
  • Objects such as coins, a sandstone slab inscribed in Persian, and other artifacts were unearthed during the survey.
  • Inscriptions in Persian on stone slabs were found, providing an account of the demolition of the temple during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.
    

What Method was Used in the Survey at Gyanvapi Mosque?

• The ASI has conducted a detailed non-invasive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi to determine if the mosque was built atop a temple.
• Non-invasive methods are used when investigations are undertaken inside a built structure and no excavation is permitted.
• Types of Methods:
  • Active Methods: Inject energy into the ground and measure the response. The methods provide an estimate of the ground’s material properties, such as density, electrical resistance, and wave velocity.
  • Seismic Techniques: Use shock waves to study subsurface structures.
  • Electromagnetic Methods: Measure electromagnetic responses after energy injection.
  • Passive Methods: Measure existing physical properties.
  • Magnetometry: Detect magnetic anomalies caused by buried structures.
  • Gravity Surveying: Measure gravitational force variations due to subsurface features.
• Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR):
  • ASI used GPR to produce a 3-D model of buried archaeological features.
  • GPR operates by introducing a short radar impulse from a surface antenna and records time and magnitude of return signals from the subsoil.
  • Radar beam spreads like a cone, causing reflections before the antenna passes over the object.
  • Radar beams spread out in a cone, leading to reflections that may not directly correspond to physical dimensions, creating false images.
• Carbon Dating:
  • Method used to establish the age of organic materials based on the radioactive decay of Carbon-14 (C-14).

What is the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute?

• Demolition of Temple:
  • It is a popular belief that the Gyanvapi Mosque was built in 1669 by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb by demolishing the ancient Vishweshwar temple.
  • Saqi Mustaid Khan’s Maasir-i-Alamgiri, a Persian-language chronicle (written shortly after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707) also mentioned that Aurangzeb had demolished the temple in 1669 by ordering Governor Abul Hassan.
  • The ASI report stated that the Arabic-Persian inscription found inside a room in the mosque mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regal year of Aurangzeb (1676-77 CE).
  • Historian Audrey Truschke wrote that Aurangzeb brought the bulk of Benares’s Vishvanatha Temple (Vishweshwar) down in 1669. The temple had been built during Akbar’s reign by Raja Man Singh, whose great-grandson, Jai Singh, many believed helped Shivaji flee from the Mughal court in 1666.
• Legal Battle:
  • The case of Gyanvapi mosque has been in court since 1991, when three persons, including a descendant of the priests of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, filed a suit in the court of the civil judge of Varanasi claiming that Aurangzeb had demolished the temple of Lord Vishweshwar and built a mosque on it so that the land should be returned to them.
  • On 18th August 2021, in the same court in Varanasi, five women filed a petition demanding to worship in the temple of Mata Shringar Gauri, accepting which the court constituted a commission to know the present status of the Mata Shringar Gauri Temple.
  • Varanasi court had asked the Commission to give the survey report by videographing the idol of Mata Shringar Gauri and the Gyanvapi complex.
  • The Hindu side has presented a comprehensive map of the Gyanvapi complex as evidence in court. This map identifies Hindu deity temples located around the mosque entrance, along with landmarks such as the Vishweshwar temple, Gyankoop (Mukti Mandap), the prominent Nandi statue, and the Vyas family basement.
  • The Muslim side argued that no decision can be given on the dispute under the The Places of Worship Act, 1991.
  • Under Section 3 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, it is prohibited to convert a place of worship into a place of worship of a different religious denomination or a different class of the same religious denomination.
  • Gyanvapi Case is still pending before judiciary.