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

Muradabad ki Pahadi

Why in news?

Muradabad ki Pahadi, a historical site located in Delhi, has gained attention recently. It is named after the 14th-century Sufi saint Syed Murad Ali and features two mosques from different historical periods, drawing interest from both historians and the local community.

What are the Key Facts About Muradabad ki Pahadi?

• The site includes two mosques representing the Tughlaq and Lodi dynasties, showcasing their unique architectural styles.
• The mosque from the Tughlaq era is known as Qasai Wala Gumbad.
• The Lodhi-era mosque is referred to as Shahi Masjid and includes a distinctive lotus kalash.
• Syed Murad Ali's tomb is located at the site, featuring intricately designed arches and ornate doorways.
• The site is home to the Abdul Mannan Academy, a madarsa that plays a crucial role in preserving the heritage of the area.

What are the Key Features of Tughlaq Architecture?

• Tughlaq architecture is characterized by its robust and durable construction.
• Structures often feature sloping walls, a technique known as batter, which enhances the stability of taller domes.
• The Tughlaqs creatively merged arch, lintel, and beam principles in their building designs.
• Decorative elements, such as water pots and lotuses, were inspired by Hindu motifs, leading to a distinctive Indo-Islamic architectural style.

Notable Tughlaq Constructions

• Tughlaqabad: Founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, it was the third city of Delhi and represented a significant urban complex combining a city, fort, and palace.
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's Tomb: This tomb introduced new architectural trends, including elevated platforms, white marble domes, and red sandstone embellishments. The pointed or ‘Tartar’ dome design became a hallmark of Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Jahanpanah: Built by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, this was the fourth city of Delhi, showcasing the dynasty’s expertise in urban planning.
• Firuzabad: Established by Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1354, it featured notable structures such as the Kushk-i-Firuz palace and Kotla Firuz Shah citadel. Firuz Shah also added two storeys to the Qutub Minar and constructed Hauz Khas.

What are the Key Features of Lodi Architecture?

• The Lodis skillfully employed both arch and lintel-and-beam techniques in their structures, demonstrating their architectural versatility.
• They incorporated styles from Rajasthani and Gujarati architecture, including balconies, kiosks, and eaves.
• During the Lodi period (1451–1526), only tombs were commissioned, typically featuring simple, octagonal designs about 15 meters in diameter and sloping verandahs.
• Many Lodi tombs were elevated on platforms and surrounded by gardens, creating visually appealing and tranquil settings.
• A significant innovation of the Lodi period was the introduction of double dome architecture, which consisted of an inner and outer shell, enhancing structural integrity and reducing the dome's inner height.

Notable Lodi Constructions

• Lodi Gardens: This expansive garden complex in Delhi exemplifies the Lodi architectural style and includes several important structures.
• Tomb of Sikander Lodi: Famous for its double dome architecture, this tomb is a prime example of the innovative designs from the Lodi period.
• Tomb of Mohammed Shah: Another significant tomb located in Lodi Gardens, it showcases the elevated platform design typical of Lodi architecture.

Quarrying Threatens Hampi

Why in news?

Recently, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, located in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, has come under threat due to ongoing stone quarrying activities nearby. Environmentalists and tourists have expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of these activities on the historical and ecological integrity of the site.

What are Key Facts About the Vijaynagar Empire and Hampi?

Vijayanagar Empire:

• The Vijayanagar kingdom, meaning "city of victory," was established in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka.
• These brothers had previously served in the army of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq and decided to break away from the Delhi Sultanate to form an independent state in Karnataka.
• The capital city of the empire, Vijayanagar, was strategically located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• The establishment of the Vijayanagar kingdom was significantly influenced by the contemporary scholar and saint Vidyaranya.
• Throughout its history, the empire was governed by four prominent dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu.
• Krishnadevaraya, a renowned ruler from the Tuluva dynasty (1509-1529), is noted for his contributions to the empire, including his Telugu work on statecraft titled Amuktamalyada.

Hampi:

• Hampi is situated in the Bellary District of Karnataka and comprises the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire's capital city from the 14th to 16th centuries CE.
• One of the distinctive aspects of Hampi's temples is the wide chariot streets, which are flanked by a series of pillared mandapas (halls).
• Significant sites within Hampi include the Krishna temple complex, the Narasimha statue, the Ganesa shrine, the Hemakuta group of temples, the Achyutaraya temple complex, the Vitthala temple complex, the Pattabhirama temple complex, and the Lotus Mahal complex.
• In recognition of its cultural importance, Hampi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
• The Vijayanagara Empire met its downfall in 1565 during the Battle of Talikota, faced by a coalition of Deccan sultanates, which led to the city of Hampi being left in ruins.

82nd Anniversary of the QIM

Why in news?

The August Kranti Day, also recognized as August Revolution Day, is celebrated annually in India. In 2024, the country marks the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement (QIM), which was launched in 1942 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

What was QIM?

• It was a crucial event in India's fight for independence from British colonial rule, demanding the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India.
• The movement aimed to mobilize Indians through a non-violent civil disobedience campaign against British colonialism.
• Internationally, it garnered sympathetic responses from the British public and increased pressure from Allied powers during World War II.

Reasons for Starting QIM

• Failure of the Cripps Mission (1942): This mission revealed Britain's unchanged stance on constitutional reforms, making it clear that further silence would mean accepting British control over India's fate without consultation.
• Economic Impact of World War II: Rising prices and shortages of essential items like rice and salt caused widespread discontent, particularly among the poor.
• Hasty British Evacuation from Southeast Asia: Reports from returning refugees highlighted the collapse of British authority in the region, fostering fears that Britain might abandon India as well.
• Feeling of Imminent British Collapse: News of Allied defeats and British withdrawals led many in India to believe British power was crumbling.
• Imminent Japanese Invasion: Leaders felt it crucial to initiate the struggle as morale among the populace was waning.

Quit India Resolution

• The Congress Working Committee adopted the 'Quit India' Resolution on July 14, 1942, at Wardha.
• The All India Congress Committee (AICC) endorsed this resolution in August 1942 at Gowalia Tank, Bombay.
• Gandhiji was appointed the leader of the movement, emphasizing the demand for an end to British rule in India.
• The meeting resolved to form a provisional Government of India post-British withdrawal and launch a civil disobedience movement against British rule.
• Gandhi delivered his iconic "Do or Die" speech, asserting that they would either achieve freedom or perish in the attempt.

How did the Government Respond to the Spread of QIM?

• Spread of the Movement: The public launched attacks on symbols of authority. Satyagrahis willingly faced arrest, destroyed bridges, removed railway tracks, and cut telegraph lines.
• Underground Activity: Key figures like Rammanohar Lohia and Usha Mehta led underground efforts, including establishing a secret radio station in Bombay.
• Parallel Governments: Local governments were set up in places like Ballia (Uttar Pradesh) and Tamluk (Bengal).
• Extent of Mass Participation: Youth, women, workers, and peasants played significant roles in the movement.
• British Government Response: On August 9, 1942, top Congress leaders were arrested, provoking public uprisings and strikes across the nation.
• The government suppressed dissent by gagging the press and resorting to violent measures, resulting in an estimated 10,000 deaths.

Was QIM a Spontaneous Outburst, or an Organized Movement?

• Spontaneous Nature of QIM: Viceroy Linlithgow referred to it as the most serious rebellion since 1857, citing its uncontrolled and violent nature.
• Organized Nature of QIM: Previous radical movements laid the groundwork for this uprising. A twelve-point program was drafted prior to the movement, incorporating methods like satyagraha and strikes.
• Past Preparation: Past struggles, especially the Civil Disobedience Movement, provided the necessary experience and mobilization for QIM.

What were the Lessons and Significance of the QIM?

Lessons from QIM:

• For the Indian Masses: Gandhi and the Congress emerged as symbols of liberation, not ideological constraints.
• For Congress: The government's suppression of QIM discredited left-wing factions within Congress, leading to a shift towards moderation.
• For the British: The difficulty in managing mass movements highlighted the need for a negotiated withdrawal post-war.

Significance of QIM:

• It brought the demand for immediate independence to the forefront of the national movement.
• Constructive work became the primary focus of Congress, emphasizing organizational restructuring.
• The release of Congress leaders facilitated participation in the Simla Conference in June 1945, ending a confrontational phase.

Conclusion

The Quit India Movement (QIM) was a pivotal moment in India's quest for independence. Despite facing severe repression from British authorities, it inspired widespread public support, leading to mass protests and the establishment of parallel governments. QIM intensified the call for freedom, significantly hastening the end of British colonial rule in India.

Mains Question

Q: How did the Quit India Movement (QIM) propel the Indian National Movement to a point of no return, making complete independence inevitable?

Jhumur Dance

Why in news?

The Assam government is preparing for a magnificent Jhumur dance performance featuring 8,000 artists from tea tribes.

About

• Jhumur is a traditional dance associated with the tea tribe communities in Assam.
• This dance is typically performed during the autumn season in Assam.
• It is also observed in certain regions of West Bengal.
• Young girls primarily perform this dance in open spaces, such as fields or beneath trees.
• Male participants join in to provide rhythm and vocal support, enhancing the performance with musical instruments.
• The dance features the rhythmic beats of the Madal, a well-known two-headed hand drum.
• Additional musical accompaniment includes flutes and pairs of Taals, enriching the overall sound.
• The dancers typically hold each other's waists, synchronizing their movements of hands and legs in a harmonious manner.
• The performance includes songs and dialogues that express the joys, sorrows, yearnings, and aspirations of the daily lives of the community members.
• At times, Jhumur is performed as part of ritual worship, during courtship, or as a prayer for rainfall by the tea tribes of Assam.
• Historically, it is believed that Jhumur originated as a recreational activity between the demanding phases of agricultural work.

Srinagar Joins the Prestigious World Craft Cities List

Why in news?

Recently, Srinagar has achieved the distinction of being the fourth city in India to be recognized as a ‘World Crafts City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC). The other three Indian cities that hold this title are Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore. In 2021, Srinagar was also designated as a creative city within the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN), specifically for its contributions to crafts and folk arts.

Crafts of Srinagar

• Papier-mâché
• Walnut wood carving
• Carpets
• Sozni embroidery
• Pashmina shawls
• Kani shawls

WCC-World Craft City Programme

• Initiated in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL to honor the significant contributions of local authorities, artisans, and communities in the field of crafts globally.
• The WCC-International was established in 1964, with Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay as one of its founding members, who also participated in the first WCC General Assembly.
• She founded the Craft Council of India in 1964, aiming to safeguard and promote India’s rich craft heritage.

In conclusion, Srinagar's recognition reflects its rich tradition of craftsmanship and its ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting these cultural practices.