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Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor

Why in the News?

Recently, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor in Assam.

About Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor

• The corridor aims to enhance tourism in the region by making access easier and more comfortable for devotees.
• It is designed similarly to the Kashi (U.P) and Mahakal (M.P) corridors.
• This project was approved under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.
• PM-DevINE is a Central Sector Scheme that was introduced during the Union Budget 2022-23.

Objectives of the project include:

• Funding infrastructure projects.
• Supporting social development in the North East Region.
• Promoting livelihood activities for youth and women.
• Addressing development gaps.
• It is overseen by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region.

About Maa Kamakhya Temple:

• The temple is one of the Maha Shakti Peeths in India, dedicated to Maa Kamakhya/Kameswari, known as the Goddess of desire.
• Geographically, it is situated on the Nilachal Hills, overlooking the Brahmaputra River on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.

History highlights:

• Reconstructed in 1562 by Naranarayan, the King of the Koch dynasty, after the original temple was destroyed by Kala Pahar.
• It is mentioned in the inscription of the Allahabad pillar of Samudragupta.
• The temple is dedicated to various forms of Mother Shakti, including Sundari, Tripura, Tara, Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, and Chinnamasta.

Architectural features:

• The temple showcases the Nilachal Style of architecture, combining elements of the nagara (North Indian) and Saracenic (Mughal) styles.
• Its dome, built of bricks, is a sixteen-sided polygon adorned with horizontal bands.
• The temple complex has three main chambers: a rectangular western chamber, a square middle chamber, and a cave-like third chamber.
• The middle chamber contains inscriptions and images of Naranarayana, while the third chamber features a yoni-like cleft along with a natural spring.

Festivals celebrated include:

• The Ambubachi Mela, a week-long fertility festival held every June, during which the shrine is closed for three days, reflecting the goddess's annual menstrual cycle.
• During this period, all agricultural activities are prohibited, as it is believed that the goddess undergoes a cycle akin to that of Mother Earth.

Centre of Tantrism:

• The temple is recognized as a major center for Tantric Shaktism in India.
• Tantrism is the knowledge branch that aims to protect and liberate its followers, divided into three main streams:
  (a) Agama: Knowledge that comes directly from Lord Shiva.
  (b) Nigama: Knowledge originating from Shakti.
  (c) Yamala: Knowledge not directly attributed to either Shiva or Shakti.

Shakti Peeths:

• Shakti Peeths are sacred sites dedicated to Sati or Shakti, totaling 51 across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and Sri Lanka, of which 18 are classified as Maha Shakti Peeths.
• Some notable Shakti Peeths outside India include:
  (a) Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth (Nepal)
  (b) Kottari Devi Shakti Peeth (Pakistan)
  (c) Indrakshi Shakti Peeth (Sri Lanka)
  (d) Dakshayani Devi Shakti Peeth (Tibet, China)
  (e) Maa Bhabani Shakti Peeth (Bangladesh)

About Tantrism: Tantrism encompasses the quest for spiritual power and enlightenment through:

• Mantras: Repetition of sacred syllables.
• Mandals: Symbolic drawings.
• Looms: Secret rites detailed in Tantra texts.
• Tantric traditions exist in both Hinduism and Buddhism:
  (a) In Hinduism, it is divided into Shaivism and Shaktism, with Lord Bairava and Kali or Yoginis being worshipped, respectively
  (b) In Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism is notable for its Tantric practices, venerating figures such as Tara, Mahakala, and Yamantaka.

Other famous temples in the Nilachal Hills complex include:

• Bhubaneswari, Kali, Tara, Chhinnamasta, Bagala, Bhairavi, Doomavati, Matangi, and Kamala.
• These temples, along with Kamakhya, are collectively known as the Dasa-mahavidya.
• Additionally, five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, namely Kameswara, Siddheswara, Kedareswara, Amratokeswara, Aghora, and Kautilinga, are located on the Nilachal Hills, forming the Kamakhya temple complex.

Maratha Military Landscapes

Why in the News?

Maratha Military Landscapes will be India’s nomination for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.

About Maratha Military Landscapes

• Included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021.
• Represents an exceptional fortification and military system established by the Maratha rulers.
• Nominated under the cultural criteria category.
• The Maratha military ideology originated in the 17th century during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• It continued to evolve through subsequent leadership until the Peshwa rule ended in 1818 CE.
• Covers forts located in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Integrates the landscape, terrain, and unique physiographic characteristics of:

• Sahyadri mountain ranges
• Konkan Coast
• Deccan Plateau
• Eastern Ghats

Other World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra

Cultural Sites:

• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai

Natural Sites:

• Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat (serial property recognized in 2012).

Key Features of Forts in Maratha Military Landscapes

Hill forts:

• Salher: Site of a significant battle in 1672 between the Marathas and the Mughals.
• Shivneri Fort: Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• Lohgad: Located near the Buddhist caves at Bhaje.
• Raigad: Chhatrapati Shivaji's selection for his permanent capital.
• Rajgad: The first political base of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’; formerly known as Murumdev, based on the mountain Murumbadev.

Island forts:

• Sindhudurg: Situated on an islet in the Arabian Sea.
• Suvarnadurg: Likely built by the Bijapur rulers in the 16th century.
• Khanderi Fort: Constructed during Chhatrapati Shivaji's reign in 1679 CE to monitor the Siddhis at Murud-Janjira Fort.

Hill-forest fort:

• Pratapgad: Site of a major conflict with Afzal Khan.

Hill-plateau fort:

• Panhala Fort: Became the Maratha state capital under Tarabai.

Coastal fort:

• Vijay Durg: Captured by Shivaji from Adil Shah of Bijapur and renamed “Vijay Durg”; referred to as the “Eastern Gibraltar.”

Maratha Empire at a Glance

Foundation:

• The Maratha Empire officially began with the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674.
• It dominated a significant portion of India during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Capitals:

• Raigad Fort, Gingee, Satara, and Pune.

Reigned:

• At its height, the Maratha Empire extended from Peshawar in the north to Thanjavur in the south.

Administration: An administrative structure known as ‘Ashtapradhan’ was established by Shivaji, comprising a council of eight ministers, which included:

• Prime Minister (Peshwa)
• Amatya (Finance Minister)
• Sachiv (Secretary)
• Mantri (Interior Minister)
• Senapati (Commander-in-Chief)
• Sumant (Foreign Minister)
• Nyayadhyaksh (Chief Justice)
• Panditrao (High Priest)

Revenue Policy:

• Sardeshmukhi: A tax of 10% on revenues across the Maratha kingdom.
• Chauth: A levy of one-fourth of the total revenue claimed from neighboring chieftains whose lands were not part of the Maratha Empire.

Peshwa’s Domination and Decline:

• After the death of Shahu I ji Maharaj in 1749, Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao effectively became the ruler of the Maratha Empire.
• The decline of the Peshwa began after the defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat against Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761.
• Ultimately, the British took control of the Maratha Empire.

Conclusion

The Maratha Empire emerged as a formidable power during a time when the Mughal Empire was at its zenith. Through their robust forts and strategic tactics, they successfully expanded their territory. The inclusion of these forts in the UNESCO Heritage List will aid in their preservation.

About World Heritage Sites (WHS)

• WHS are areas or objects inscribed on the World Heritage List, recognized for their outstanding universal value under the World Heritage Convention of 1972.
• Sites are categorized into three types: cultural, natural, and mixed.
• India boasts 42 WHS, including 34 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed site.
• WHS nominations are based on a tentative list submitted by member states.
• For a site to be included in the World Heritage List, it must meet one of the ten selection criteria.

Bharat Ratna 

Why in the news?

P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, MS Swaminathan, L K Advani, and Karpoori Thakur have been awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

About Bharat Ratna

• It is awarded by the President of India to individuals for exceptional contributions in any field, without regard to race, occupation, position, or gender.
• Recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister to the President, with no formal procedure required.
• Recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President along with a medallion, but the award does not include any monetary benefits.
• Established by former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on January 2, 1954.
• As per Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution, awardees cannot use 'Bharat Ratna' as a title, prefix, or suffix, but can mention it in their biodata or on letterheads.
• The first awardees in 1964 were Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. CV Raman, and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari.
• The award is also available to non-Indians, with notable recipients including Mother Teresa, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Nelson Mandela.
• Initially, posthumous awards were not permitted, but this changed in 1966 with Lal Bahadur Shastri receiving it posthumously.
• Sachin Tendulkar became the youngest recipient and first sportsperson to be honored with the award in 2014.
• A maximum of three awards can be given each year, though exceptions were made in 2024 and 1999 when more individuals were honored.

Design of Bharat Ratna Medal

• Shape and Inscriptions: The medal is shaped like a peepal leaf and has 'Bharat Ratna' inscribed in Devanagari script beneath a sunburst figure.
• Reverse Side: The phrase 'Satyameva Jayate' is written in Devanagari script along with the state emblem.
• Materials: The emblem, sun, and rim are made of platinum, while the inscriptions are in burnished bronze.
• Production: The medals are produced at Kolkata's Alipore Mint.

About PV Narasimha Rao:

• Personal Life: Born on June 28, 1921, in Telangana, India, Rao was educated in law and literature and was multilingual.
• Political Career: Rao had a notable political journey, serving as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971 to 1973 and in various ministerial roles before becoming Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996.

Reforms Taken Up by Him:

• Economic Reforms: He initiated economic liberalization in India, moving away from restrictive policies and encouraging foreign investment.
• Constitutional Reforms: His tenure saw important amendments that decentralized governance, empowering local bodies through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Act.
• Diplomatic Initiatives: He played a key role in India's foreign relations, notably hosting the Seventh Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement and establishing ties with Israel.
• Improvement of Indo-US Relations: Rao worked to strengthen ties with the United States in trade, defense, and technology.

About Chaudhary Charan Singh:

• Born on December 23, 1902, in Nurpur, Uttar Pradesh, he was raised in a farming family and influenced by the Arya Samaj and Gandhi's rural development ideals.
• He served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and briefly as Prime Minister from July 1979 to 1980.

Reforms taken up by him:

• Debt Redemption Bill (1939): He played a crucial role in land reforms and the Debt Redemption Bill, which provided relief to rural debtors.
• Land Utilization Bill (1939): This bill aimed to transfer land ownership rights to tenants.
• Eradication of the Zamindari System: His efforts led to the abolition of Zamindari in Uttar Pradesh through significant legislation.
• Uttar Pradesh Consolidation of Holding Act (1953): This act facilitated the consolidation of land holdings among farmers.
• Uttar Pradesh Soil Conservation Act (1954): Aimed at preventing soil erosion and maintaining agricultural productivity.
• Land Holding Act (1960): This law sought to limit land holdings to ensure fairness across the state.

Rani Chennamma

Why in the News?

Recently, the 200th anniversary of the Kittur or Kitturu Revolt, led by Rani Chennamma, was commemorated.

About Rani Chennamma

• She was born in 1778 in Kakati village, located in present-day Karnataka.
• She married Raja Mallasarja of Kittur, who governed the region until his death in 1816.
• After Mallasarja's demise, their eldest son, Shivalingarudra Sarja, ascended to the throne but died shortly thereafter.
• Following these events, she adopted a child named Shivalingappa, designating him as the heir to the throne.

Clash with the British East India Company (EIC):

• The British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son as the legal heir, citing the Doctrine of Lapse.
• In 1824, she faced the first imposition of this doctrine, which was not officially articulated until later by Lord Dalhousie.
• Defying the EIC's order to exile her adopted son, she sent a letter to Lord Elphinstone, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bombay, advocating for Kittur, but her plea was dismissed.
• The EIC attempted to seize Kittur's treasures and jewels, triggering the Kittur Revolt.

About Kittur Revolt (1824):

• This revolt is considered the first armed rebellion against the British East India Company in India.
• It is also recognized as one of the earliest anti-colonial struggles led by a woman.
• During the initial battle in October 1824, British forces suffered significant losses.
• Rani Chennamma captured British officers as hostages, releasing them only after receiving assurances that the conflict would cease.
• However, the British reneged on their promise and resumed hostilities.
• The British army ultimately besieged and captured Kittur Fort, leading to her imprisonment along with her family in Bailhongal, where she passed away in 1829.
• Her lieutenant, Sangolli Rayanna, played a pivotal role in the revolt.

Doctrine of Lapse:

• This was one of the major annexation policies of the British East India Company.
• Under this doctrine, any princely state or territory under British paramountcy could be annexed if the ruler was deemed “manifestly incompetent” or died without a male heir.
• This policy undermined the traditional rights of Indian rulers to select their successors.
• Provinces such as Satara (1848), Jaipur (1849), Sambhalpur (1849), Bahat (1850), Udaipur (1852), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854) were annexed under this doctrine.
• The doctrine was ultimately revoked following the revolt of 1857.

Conclusion

• Rani Chennamma's revolt was not only against the East India Company but also a challenge to the societal norms that discriminated against women.
• Her resistance and sacrifices significantly contributed to the national awakening during India's freedom struggle.

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

Why in the News?

Recently, the 200th birth anniversary of renowned social and religious reformer Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati was commemorated.

About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883)

• Early Life
• Born in Tankara, Gujarat.
• Parents: Karsan Ji Tiwari (father) and Amritbai (mother).
• Childhood name was Moola Shankar; also known as Dayaram.
• Education and Enlightenment
• Attained enlightenment during fasting on Shivratri.
• By age 14, had mastered the Yajurveda and other Vedic hymns.
• Received education from Guru Virjanand Ji in Mathura.

Key Contributions and Relevance of Ideas and Principles in Present Scenario

• Socio-religious Contributions
• Regarded the Vedas as the foundation of Hinduism and considered them infallible.
• Aimed to restore the teachings of the Vedas.
• Advocated the Suddhi movement to reconvert individuals to Hinduism.
• Founded the Arya Samaj in 1875, a reformist organization.
• First Arya Samaj unit established in Mumbai, later moved its headquarters to Lahore.
• Condemned ritualistic practices such as polytheism, idol worship, and animal sacrifice.
• Opposed child marriages and promoted widow remarriage.
• Based on ten principles derived from the Vedas, emphasizing social upliftment.
• Critiqued superstitions and practices contrary to scientific reasoning.
• Promoted ideas that remain relevant today, addressing issues like corruption and caste discrimination.
• Established Gurukulas and Girls' Gurukulas for education.
• Founded DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools in 1886 to realize his educational vision.
• First DAV School was set up in Lahore under Mahatma Hansarj.
• Believed in education for all as a means to societal development, especially for marginalized groups.
• Political Consciousness
• Worked to promote national awakening among the populace.
• First to call for Swaraj (self-rule) with the slogan "India for Indians" in 1876.
• While the context has shifted, the quest for Swaraj remains relevant in addressing contemporary issues like communalism and poverty.
• Literary Work
• Authored significant texts including Satyarth Prakash, Sanskarvidhi, Yajurved Bhashyam, and Veda Bhashya Bhumika.
• Edited the journal Arya Patrika, which disseminated his thoughts widely.
• His writings continue to spread his philosophies to a broader audience.

Conclusion

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati made immense contributions across various spheres of life. His noble ideas and teachings remain relevant, serving as guiding principles for contemporary society.