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Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

Cultural heritage is not limited to monuments or collections of objects; it also includes the traditions and living expressions passed down through generations. These include oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festive events, social practices, knowledge about nature, and skills used to create traditional crafts. These elements reflect the cultural identity of communities and connect us to our ancestors while shaping our future.

To protect and raise awareness of these important cultural treasures, UNESCO established a list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The goal is to ensure better safeguarding of these heritages and to create global recognition of their significance. This initiative highlights the richness of cultural diversity and the need to preserve it.
Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

UNESCO has compiled two major lists:

  1. The Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: This showcases cultural practices and expressions that highlight the diversity and richness of global heritage.
  2. The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding: This focuses on cultural elements that are at risk and require immediate attention to ensure their survival.

The representative list, in particular, is important for academic and exam purposes, as it emphasizes the cultural practices that demonstrate the diversity of humanity.


Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Koodiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre)

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2008, it is a combined dance drama from Kerala performed by the Chakyars and Ambalavasi Nambiar caste.
  • Themes based on Hindu mythology, lasting 6 to 20 days, mainly enacted in temples.
  • Features the character 'Vidushaka' narrating in Malayalam while other characters use Sanskrit.

Ramlila

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2008, it is a folk theatre in Uttar Pradesh enacting Ramayana through songs, dances, and dialogues.
  • Staged annually over 10 or more nights during 'Sharad Navaratras'.
  • Unique adaptation at Bakshi ka Talab near Lucknow promotes communal harmony.

The Tradition in Vedic Chanting

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2008, it is an oral tradition of reciting Vedic mantras, considered the oldest unbroken oral tradition.
  • Fixation of Vedic texts dating roughly to the early Iron Age.

Question for Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Try yourself:
Which cultural practice is known for enacting themes based on Hindu mythology and involves a character named 'Vidushaka' narrating in Malayalam?
View Solution

Ramman

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2009, it is a religious festival and ritual theatre celebrated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
  • Unique to Saloor-Dungra village, paying homage to the village deity, Bhumiyal Devta.
  • Features singing of Jagar, a musical rendition of local legends.

Mudiyettu

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2010. it is a traditional ritual theatre in Kerala depicting the battle between Goddess Kali and demon Darika.
  • Performed in village temples after the harvesting season, with heavy make-up and elaborate attire.

Kalbelia

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2010, it is a dance performed by the Kalbelia tribe in Rajasthan resembling serpent movements.
  • Songs based on mythology with spontaneous composition and improvisation during performances.

Chhau

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2010, it is a tribal martial dance performed in Odisha, Jharkhand, andWest Bengalduring the spring festival.
  • Three sub-genres: Purulia Chhau, Seraikella Chhau, and Mayurbhanj Chhau, based on origin and development.
  • Blend of dance and martial practices with themes from Hindu mythology, featuring masks worn by dancers.

Question for Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Try yourself:
Which traditional ritual theatre performance involves a battle between Goddess Kali and demon Darika?
View Solution

Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2012, it is a recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, relating to both Mahayana and Vajrayana sects.

Sankirtana

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2013, it is a ritual singing, drumming, and dancing art form in Manipur, narrating the life and deeds ofLord Krishna.
  • Brings communities together on festive occasions, reinforcing communal relationships.

Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil Making among the Thathera Community of Jandiala Guru in Punjab

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2014, oral tradition passed down through generations, involving heating and molding metals intothin plates with curved shapes.
  • Utensils serve functional and ritualistic purposes, using metals like brass, copper, and kansa.

Nowrouz

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2016, it is a New Year festivalfor Parsis, celebrated as the spring festival by the Kashmiri community.
  • Customs include laying out symbolic items signifying prosperity, wealth, and happiness.

Yoga

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2016, it is a series of poses, meditation, controlled breathing, and chanting techniques to attain self-realization.
  • Traditionally taught through the Guru-Shishya parampara.

Kumbh Mela

Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE

  • Included in 2017, it is a mass Hindu pilgrimage to sacred rivers held at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
  • Held every 12 years, with variations in timing and names at different locations.

Question for Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Try yourself:
Which festival is celebrated as the spring festival by the Kashmiri community?
View Solution

Durga Puja in Kolkata

  • Included in 2021,it is an annual festival celebrated magnificently in West Bengal, marking the worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga.
  • Main attractions include pandals, decorations, sculptures, and communal gatherings.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

  • Created in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities focusing on creativity for sustainable urban development.
  • Covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, and Music.
  • Eight Indian cities incorporated into UCCN as of March 2024 : Srinagar, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Varanasi,Gwalior and Kozhikode
The document Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Nitin Singhania Summary: UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage - History for UPSC CSE

1. What is UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?$#

Ans. UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a list that aims to raise awareness about the importance of intangible cultural heritage and promote its safeguarding and transmission to future generations.

2. How does a cultural element get inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?$#

Ans. To be inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List, a cultural element must meet certain criteria such as being an expression of cultural diversity, being transmitted from generation to generation, and promoting social cohesion, among others. The element must also have the support of the community or group concerned.

3. What is the significance of having a cultural element inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?$#

Ans. Inscription on UNESCO's Representative List helps to raise awareness about the importance of the cultural element, promote its visibility and recognition, and support its safeguarding and transmission to future generations. It also helps to foster dialogue and respect for cultural diversity.

4. How many elements are currently inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?$#

Ans. As of now, there are over 500 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, representing a wide range of cultural practices and expressions from around the world.

5. Can individuals or communities apply to have a cultural element inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?$#

Ans. Yes, individuals, groups, or communities can submit nominations for the inscription of a cultural element on UNESCO's Representative List, provided that the element meets the necessary criteria and has the support of the relevant community or group.
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