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

TRIFED Showcases India’s Tribal Craftsmanship at G20 Summit 

News

• The G20 Summit witnessed a showcase of India’s rich tribal heritage and craftsmanship, curated and presented by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Longpi Pottery

• Named after the village of Longpi in Manipur. The Tangkhul Naga tribes practice this exceptional pottery style.
• Unlike most pottery, Longpi does not resort to the potter’s wheel. All shaping is done with the hand and with the help of molds. 
• The characteristic gray- black cooking pots, the stout kettles, quaint bowls, mugs and nut trays, at times with a handle of fine cane are trademarks of Longpi.

Chhattisgarh Wind Flutes

• It is curated from the ‘Sulur’ bamboo  by the Gond Tribe of Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
• Unlike traditional flutes, it produces melodies through a simple one-handed twirl.Craftsmanship involves meticulous bamboo selection, hole drilling, and surface etching with fish emblems, geometric lines, and triangles.
• Beyond music, the ‘Sulur’ serves utilitarian purposes, helping tribal men ward off animals and guide cattle through jungles.

Gond Paintings

• The Gond tribe’s artistic brilliance shines through their intricate paintings, reflecting their deep connection to nature and tradition.
• They start with dots, calculating image volume, which they then connect to form outer shapes filled with vibrant colors.

Gujarat Hangings

• The Gujarati Wall Hangings are crafted by the Bhil & Patelia Tribe in Dahod, Gujarat.
• The material used is cotton cloth and recycled materials along with mirror work, zari, stones, and beads.

Araku Valley Coffee

• Araku Valley Arabica Coffee is from the picturesque Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is produced organically and boasts a distinguished reputation for its rich flavor, invigorating aroma, and unmatched purity.

Sheep Wool Stoles

• Bodh, Bhutia and Gujjar Bakarwal tribes from Himachal Pradesh/Jammu & Kashmir exhibit their ingenuity with pure sheep wool, fashioning a diverse range of apparel, from jackets to shawls and stoles. 
• Sheep wool threads are woven into intricate diamond, plain, and herringbone patterns. Originally they were made in monochromatic colors white, black, and gray, however dual-colored designs now dominate.

Rajasthan Artistry Unveiled: Mosaic Lamps, Ambabari Metalwork, and Meenakari Crafts

• Glass Mosaic Pottery captures the mosaic art style, meticulously crafted into lamp shades and candle holders. When illuminated, they unleash a kaleidoscope of colors, adding vibrancy to any space.
• Meenakari is an art of decorating metal surfaces with vibrant mineral substances, a technique introduced by the Mughals. Delicate designs are etched onto metal, creating grooves for colors to nestle in. Each hue is fired individually, creating intricate, enamel-adorned pieces.
• Metal Ambabari Craft curated by the Meena Tribe, also embraces enameling, a meticulous process that elevates metal decoration. Today, it extends beyond gold to metals like silver and copper.

Indian Gifts to G-20 Leaders Full of Rich Crafts

Why in News?

The G20 Summit 2023 held in Delhi recently served as a platform for world leaders to experience India's rich traditions and cultural diversity through a curated selection of handcrafted gifts.

• These gifts included a variety of handcrafted items sourced from different regions of India, showcasing Bharat’s cultural and artisanal heritage.

What are the Gifts Presented to the Leaders?

• Sandook:
  
  • All the Gift items were meticulously packaged in a Sandook (chest) adorned with intricate brass detailing.
  • This chest was handcrafted using Sheesham (Indian rosewood), known for its durability and distinctive grain pattern.
• Aromatic and Culinary Delights:
  • The gift hamper included a pack of Saffron from Jammu and Kashmir, renowned as the world's most expensive spice, celebrated for its culinary and medicinal properties.

• The Champagne of Teas:
  

• Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea are two illustrious gems from India's tea tapestry, epitomizing the delicate art of tea cultivation and infusion.
  • Darjeeling Tea is the most valued tea in the world, located on the misty hills of West Bengal at altitudes of 3,000-5,000 feet. The soil's unique character gets reflected in a highly aromatic and invigorating cup of tea.
  • Nilgiri Tea comes from the most spectacular mountain range in south India. Cultivated amidst the mountains' lush terrain at an elevation of 1,000-3,000 ft, the tea is relatively mild.
• Araku Coffee:
  • Araku Coffee is the world's first terroir-mapped coffee, grown on organic and sustainable plantations in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Farmers work by hand in small farms and grow the coffee naturally, without the use of machines or chemicals.

• Traditional Honey from the Sundarbans:
  

  • From the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest globally, located in the Bay of Bengal, came a special honey harvested by traditional honey collectors.
  • Besides being 100% natural and pure, Sundarban honey is also high in flavonoids (various compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables) and provides valuable health benefits.
• Perfume from Kannauj
  
  • The Zighrana Ittar from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh showcased India's centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite perfumes, adding a sensory dimension to the gifts.
• Exquisite Shawls from Kashmir:
  
  • The gift package also featured a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl sourced from the Changthangi goat, found only at elevations of 14,000 feet above sea level.
  • The wool is collected by combing (and not shearing) the undercoat of this goat.
• Khadi Scarves:
  • The Khadi scarf, personally presented to each leader during their visit to the Rajghat, held immense symbolic value.
  • Khadi, with its origins in India's independence movement and its evolution into a symbol of sustainable fashion, epitomizes high-quality and eco-conscious clothing.
• Commemorative Coins and Stamps:
  • In July 2023, the Prime Minister of India released special coins and stamps to commemorate India's G20 Presidency during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam.
  • These designs drew inspiration from India's G20 logo and the theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.'
  • One of the postage stamps, rendered in gold color, took inspiration from the lotus, India's national flower, as represented in the G20 Presidency logo.

Konark Wheel Shines at G-20 Summit Venue

Context

Recently, the Konark wheel became the centre of attraction during the 18th G20 summit held in New Delhi.

More About the News

• The venue of the summit was the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• As part of promoting India’s cultural diversity and heritage, a wall depicting the mural of the historic Konark wheel of Odisha’s Sun Temple is placed as the backdrop for welcoming world leaders at the summit venue.

About Konark Sun Temple

• Historical Significance: The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was constructed as a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot.
• Architectural Marvel: The temple is known for its great architecture and intricate stone carvings. It was designed in the form of a colossal chariot with 24 elaborately carved stone wheels, each representing a day of the week. The temple was designed in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun would illuminate the main sanctum.
• Main Sanctum: The main sanctum of the temple once housed a huge statue of the sun god Surya, which is said to have been about 12 feet tall. Unfortunately, the original statue and the temple's superstructure are no longer intact due to various reasons including invasions and natural disasters.
• Erotic Sculptures: One distinctive feature of the Konark Sun Temple is the presence of numerous erotic sculptures. These intricate carvings depict various aspects of human life and have generated significant interest and debate among scholars.
• Konark Dance Festival: The temple complex hosts an annual dance festival called the Konark Dance Festival, usually held in December, featuring classical and traditional dance forms from across India.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Konark Sun Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognizing its cultural and historical significance as well as its architectural brilliance.
• Location: The temple is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is approximately 35 kilometers from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. It is easily accessible by road and is a popular tourist destination.
• Preservation and Conservation: Over the years, the temple has faced various challenges, including erosion, decay, and structural instability. Efforts have been made by the Archaeological Survey of India and other organizations to preserve and protect this cultural treasure.
• Religious Significance: While the temple was originally built as a place of worship for the sun god Surya, it also has connections to other Hindu deities, and it played a role in the integration of various religious beliefs and practices.

Nataraja Artistry of Lord Shiva

Context

Greeting G20 leaders in front of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan this weekend will be a magnificent 27-foot Nataraja, the tallest statue of Lord Shiva’s dancing form in the world.

Details

• The Nataraja Statue
  • The 27-foot-tall Nataraja statue is crafted from 'Ashtadhatu,' an eight-metal alloy, making it one of the world's tallest statues depicting Lord Shiva in his dancing form.
  • Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty, hailing from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu, created this masterpiece, weighing approximately 18 tonnes.
• Inspiration from Revered Temples
  • The design of the Nataraja statue draws inspiration from three revered Nataraja idols in prominent South Indian temples:
    • Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.
    • Uma Maheswarar Temple in Konerirajapuram.
    • Brihadeeswara (Big) Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Cholas and Nataraja
  • The Nataraja form of Lord Shiva has strong historical ties to the Chola dynasty, which thrived from the 9th to the 11th centuries AD.
  • The Cholas, known for their patronage of art and culture, constructed elaborate Shiva temples, including the famous Brihadeeswara Temple.
• Chola Art and Culture
  • The Chola empire, during its zenith, was a prosperous and culturally rich civilization in South India.
  • Their art and architecture, including the creation of intricate sculptures, flourished during this period.
• Evolution of the Nataraja Form
  • While Shiva has been worshiped for centuries, the portrayal of Shiva as Nataraja, or the Lord of Dance, emerged in sculpture during the 5th century AD.
  • However, it was under the Cholas that the Nataraja form gained iconic status, particularly in bronze sculptures.
• Shiva's Complex Identity
  • Shiva is a multifaceted deity in Hinduism, encompassing various attributes and roles.
  • He is both a destroyer (Mahakala) and a great ascetic, as well as the patron of ascetics.
  • As Nataraja, Shiva is celebrated as the 'Lord of Dance' and is said to have created 108 different dances, each symbolizing different aspects of existence.

Comprehensive overview of Shiva's Nataraja form

• Iconography
  • Nataraja is typically depicted as a four-armed deity.
  • He stands in the dancing posture on a circular platform, representing the universe.
  • The upper right hand holds the damaru (a small drum) symbolizing the rhythm of creation.
  • The upper left hand holds the fire (or a flame), symbolizing destruction and transformation.
  • The lower right hand is in the abhaya mudra (a gesture of fearlessness).
  • The lower left hand points towards the raised left foot, symbolizing liberation.
• Cosmic Dance
  • Shiva's dance represents the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction (Srishti, Sthiti, and Samhara).
  • The dance also signifies the passage of time, from creation to dissolution.
  • The rhythm of the dance symbolizes the heartbeat of the universe.
• Apasmara
  • Under Shiva's right foot, there is a demon-like figure known as Apasmara Purusha or Muyalaka, representing ignorance and illusion.
  • Shiva's act of crushing this demon signifies the victory of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance.
• Tandava and Lasya
  • Nataraja's dance can be classified into two forms: Tandava and Lasya.
  • Tandava is the vigorous, masculine dance representing destruction and power.
  • Lasya is the gentle, feminine dance representing creation and grace.
• Cultural Significance
  • The Nataraja form is not only a religious symbol but also a prominent motif in Indian art and culture.
  • It has inspired countless sculptures, paintings, and dance forms like Bharatanatyam.
  • The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Tamil Nadu, India, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Nataraja.
• Philosophical Interpretation
  • Nataraja's dance is often interpreted as a representation of the concept of Advaita (nondualism), where the apparent duality of the universe is an illusion, and everything is a manifestation of the same divine essence.
• Spiritual Significance
  • Devotees of Shiva see the Nataraja form as a source of inspiration for their spiritual journey.
  • It reminds them of the transient nature of the material world and the need to seek inner transformation and realization.
• Symbolism of Nataraja
  • Nataraja's dance symbolizes the balance between opposites - creation and destruction, chaos and order, birth and death.
  • It represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
  • Shiva's Nataraja form also signifies the ultimate goal of life - liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
  • The Nataraja sculpture is characterized by several symbolic elements:
    • Flaming aureole or halo: Represents the circle of the world, which Shiva both fills and transcends.
    • Long dreadlocks: Indicate the energy of Shiva's dance.
    • Four arms: Each holding symbolic items, such as a hand drum (damru) and fire (agni).
    • Dwarf-like figure underfoot: Symbolizes illusion and ignorance, which Shiva triumphs over.
    • 'Abhayamudra' (fear-alleviating gesture): Signifies Shiva's role as a protector and source of reassurance.

The Lost Wax Method

• The Nataraja statue's creation followed the traditional 'lost-wax' casting method, a technique with roots dating back over 6,000 years.
• In this method, a wax model is covered in a special soil paste, dried, and then heated, allowing the wax to melt away, leaving a mold. Molten metal is then poured into the mold to create the sculpture.

Artistic Heritage

• The sculptors responsible for the Nataraja statue trace their lineage back 34 generations to the Chola period, preserving ancient techniques.
• The project, involving the creation of such a monumental statue, took seven months to complete and cost around Rs 10 crore.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva, with its rich history and symbolism, represents a cultural and artistic legacy that continues to captivate and inspire people around the world. The installation of the 27-foot Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam serves as a symbol of this enduring tradition and will greet world leaders during the G20 summit.

Adopt a Heritage 2.0 and e-Permission Portal

Why in News?

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program to come forward and help in better upkeep and rejuvenation of India's rich cultural heritage, in line with the vision of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’.

• An easy-to-use mobile application called 'Indian Heritage' has been introduced, alongside the launch of an e-permission portal.

What is the Indian Heritage App and e-Permission Portal?

• Indian Heritage App:
  • It will showcase the heritage monuments of India.
  • The app will feature state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, a list of public amenities available, geo-tagged locations, and feedback mechanism for citizens.
• e-Permission Portal:
  • An e-permission portal is for obtaining permission for photography, filming, and developmental projects on monuments.
  • The portal will fast-track the process of obtaining various permissions and solve operational and logistical bottlenecks.

What is the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme?

• The programme is a revamped version of the earlier scheme (Adopt a Heritage Scheme) launched in 2017 and clearly defines the amenities sought for different monuments as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR), 1958.
• The stakeholders can apply for adopting a monument or specific amenities at a monument through a dedicated web portal that contains details of monuments sought for adoption.
• Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme seeks to foster collaboration with corporate stakeholders through which they can contribute to the preservation of these monuments for the next generations.
  • The term of the appointment will be for a period of five years initially, which may be further extended up to five years.

What is the Adopt a Heritage Scheme?

• About:
  • It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture ASI, and State/UTs governments.
  • It was launched on 27 September 2017 (World Tourism Day) by the President of India.
• Aim:
  • The Project aims to develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote ‘responsible tourism’.
  • It aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies, and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable.
  • It is to be done through the development, operation, and maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities at ASI/ State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.
• Monument Mitras:
  • Agencies/Companies would become ‘Monument Mitras’ through the innovative concept of ‘Vision Bidding’, where the agency with the best vision for the heritage site will be given an opportunity to associate pride with their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities.
• Rationale Behind ‘Adopt a Heritage:
  • The heritage sites are facing common challenges primarily related to the operations and maintenance of the various infrastructural as well as service assets.
  • There is a need to develop a robust mechanism for the provision of basic amenities on an immediate basis and advanced amenities on a long-term basis.

What are the Previous Attempts for Corporate Involvement in Heritage Management?

• National Culture Fund: The government of India in 1996 formed a National Culture Fund. Since then, 34 projects have been completed under it through public-private partnerships.
• Campaign Clean India: ‘Campaign Clean India,’ in which the government had identified 120 monuments/destinations.
  • Under this scheme, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) adopted Qutab Minar as a pilot project in 2012, while ONGC adopted six monuments — Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Golkonda Fort, Mamallapuram, Red Fort, and Taj Mahal — as part of its CSR.