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Adichanallur Excavations Unearth Rich Archaeological Treasures

Background:

• Adichanallur, a village in Tamil Nadu, has been the site of extensive archaeological excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The site was first excavated in 1903-04 by Alexander Rea, a British archaeologist, who discovered over 9,000 objects. A subsequent excavation in 2004-05 yielded iron and copper objects but no gold or bronze. In October 2021, the ASI team zeroed in on the trenches to be dug using the Geological Survey of India (GSI) data and clues discovered from Rea’s report.

Excavation Findings:

• The site contains about seven possible burials of important persons of the clans that existed between 500 to 1,000 BCE.
• Recent excavations have yielded a wealth of materials, including gold, metals, and human remains, which will help archaeologists reconstruct the framework of this ancient civilization.
• Various materials were unearthed, including burial urns, a 3,000-year-old human skull, bronze artifacts, headgear, spear, arrowheads, dog toy, and paddy.
• In the first trench, objects in bronze and gold similar to the 14 gold diadems discovered by Alexander Rea were found.
• Gold was an inland source from the region located north of the present northern borders of Tamil Nadu, and several gold workings are reported from the neighbourhood of the Hutti gold mines.
• The granulite terrain in Tamil Nadu is also reported to yield gold.
• Adichanallur is the first archaeological site in Tamil Nadu where gold was excavated.
• Maritime trade was a vital aspect of the culture, and associated materials yielded clues about the maritime trade activities at the southern rim of the Indian Ocean.
• Recoveries of many Tamil cultural artefacts in Vietnam, Cambodia, and other South East and Far East Asian countries prove that there were aggressive free sea trade activities that flourished for a long time.
• Skeletal biological data from the skeletal remains was insufficient to draw a genuine conclusion on the structure of the ancient community, but the results on pathological skeletal and dental abnormalities were amazing.
• Such abnormalities had never been reported from anywhere else so far.

Possible Connection to Korkai:

• Korkai, the ancient port city of the Pandya kings, is located near Adichanallur, but it is not known if Adichanallur was a satellite village of Korkai port city.

Digi Yatra

• Digi Yatra will be launched in 7 airports initially.
• Passengers can download the DigiYatra app and register using Aadhaar credentials, followed by a selfie with the Aadhaar card.
• Vaccination details using Cowin credentials have to be added.
• Credentials will be shared with the airport after scanning the boarding pass with the QR code or Bar code.
• Facial recognition technology will be used for entry into the airport and other checkpoints.
• The system is based on single token face biometrics.
• Passenger data will not be retained for more than 24 hours after departure.
• The DigiYatra Foundation will be the custodian of the passenger ID validation process.
• Regular audits of compliance and guidelines will be conducted.
• The rollout will take place in two phases with Varanasi and Bengaluru in the first phase and Pune, Vijayawada, Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad in the second phase.
• DigiYatra Central Ecosystem (DYCE) is being built on the standards defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), including Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) with Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) with a trust layer of a Distributed Ledger.

Introduction of PIN code in India

• On August 15, 1972, India introduced the Postal Identification Number (PIN) code.
• The introduction of PIN was led by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar.
• At the time of Independence, India had 23,344 post offices primarily in urban areas.
• The PIN code eased the process of mail sorting and delivery in a country with diverse languages and places.
• The PIN code comprises six digits that narrow the geography to a specific post office making the delivery.

Parallel postal systems in other countries

• The USA introduced the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) code to improve mail delivery speed.
• The UK started mechanized sorting of mails in the 1960s using an alphanumeric postal code for machine sorting.
• Japan created its postal code address system in July 1968 with automatic postal code reader-sorters in major post offices.

Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, the pioneer of PIN code

• Shriram Bhikaji Velankar was the additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Communications and a senior member of the Posts and Telegraphs Board.
• Velankar was a Sanskrit poet of eminence with 105 books and plays in Sanskrit, including Viloma Kavya, a literary masterpiece.
• Velankar set up a cultural group in Mumbai called Dev Vani Mandiram to create awareness about Sanskrit.
• Velankar was the chairman of the World Philatelic Exhibition, called Indipex, which was held in New Delhi in 1973 and featured 120 countries.

Quit India Movement

About:

• On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai.
• The call for the movement was "Do or Die" given by Gandhi at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as August Kranti Maidan.
• Aruna Asaf Ali, known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the Independence Movement, hoisted the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan during the movement.
• The slogan "Quit India" was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist.

Causes of Quit India Movement

• Failure of Cripps Mission, which was sent to resolve the Indian question of a new constitution and self-government, was the immediate cause of the movement.
• Indian involvement in World War II without prior consultation.
• Prevalence of anti-British sentiment among the Indian masses.
• Centralisation of many small movements, which were being conducted on a much more radical tone under the leadership of various associated and affiliated bodies of the Congress.
• Shortage of essential commodities due to the shattering of the economy as a result of World War II.

Demands of Quit India Movement:

• The primary demand was to end British rule in India immediately to gain the cooperation of Indians in World War II against fascism.
• There was also a demand to form a provisional government after the withdrawal of the British.

Phases of Quit India Movement:

• First Phase: The urban revolt marked by strikes, boycotts, and picketing, which were quickly suppressed. There were strikes and demonstrations all over the country, and workers supported the movement by not working in factories. Almost all leaders, including Gandhi, were arrested.
• Second Phase: The focus shifted to the countryside, where a major peasant rebellion occurred, marked by the destruction of communication systems and attacks on government buildings or any other visible symbol of colonial authority.
• Third Phase: The last phase witnessed the formation of national governments or parallel governments in isolated pockets like Ballia, Tamluk, Satara, etc.

Successes and Failures of the Quit India Movement

Successes:

• Rise of Future Leaders:
  • Leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, J.P. Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Biju Patnaik, Sucheta Kriplani, etc emerged as prominent leaders through their underground activities during the movement.
• Women Participation:
  • Women actively participated in the movement, and female leaders like Usha Mehta helped set up an underground radio station that raised awareness about the movement.
• Rise of Nationalism:
  • The Quit India Movement brought about a greater sense of unity and brotherhood among Indians. Many students dropped out of schools and colleges, people gave up their jobs, and withdrew money from the banks.
• Paved the way for Independence:
  • Although the British crushed the Quit India campaign in 1944 and refused to grant immediate independence, they realized that India was ungovernable in the long run due to the cost of World War II. This changed the nature of political negotiations with the British, ultimately paving the way for India's independence.

Failures:

• Brutal Repression:
  • The movement saw violence in some places, which was not premeditated. The British government violently suppressed the movement through shootings, lathi-charges, burning of villages, and imposing enormous fines. Over 100,000 people were arrested.
• Lack of Support:
  • The Muslim League, the Communist Party of India, and the Hindu Mahasabha did not support the movement. The Indian bureaucracy also did not support the movement. The League wanted India to be partitioned before the British left. The Communist party supported the British since they were allied with the Soviet Union. The Hindu Mahasabha openly opposed the call for the Quit India Movement and boycotted it officially.
• Opposition within Congress:
  • Many Congress members like C Rajagopalachari resigned from the provincial legislature as they did not favor Mahatma Gandhi's idea.
• Subhas Chandra Bose:
  • Meanwhile, Subhas Chandra Bose organized the Indian National Army and the Azad Hind government from outside the country.

Anang Tal Lake

Why in News:

• The Ministry of Culture has declared Anang Tal Lake, located in South Delhi, a monument of national importance through a gazette notification that was issued recently.

History:

• Anang Tal Lake has a history dating back to 1,060 AD.
• The total area of the site was 10.599 acres.
• The city was previously known as DhillikaPuri, as per stone inscriptions excavated by Lord Cunningham.

Location:

• Anang Tal Lake is located to the north of Jog Maya temple and approximately 500 metres to the northwest of Qutub Complex.

Tomar King:

• The 11th Century Tomar king Anang Pal Tomar built the Anang Tal Lake.

Significance of the Recent Decision:

• Once declared a Monument of National Importance, the site will be protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and restrictions will be imposed on construction activity in the surrounding area.
• Although the lake has dried up and is now used for cultivation, it is believed to have been a place of general resort in the past.

Definition of Monuments of National Importance:

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) designates the Monuments of National Importance.
• An Ancient Monument, as defined in the Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, refers to any structure, monument, inscription, or place of interment that has historical, archaeological, or artistic significance and has been in existence for at least 100 years.

Responsibilities of the Government:

• The Indian government is authorized to maintain, protect, and promote the Monuments of National Importance.

Elements Included in the Definition of an Ancient Monument:

• Remains of an ancient monument
• Site of an ancient monument
• Land on which there are fences or protective covering structures for preserving the monument
• Land by means of which people can freely access the monument.

Adi Shankaracharya: Prominent Bhakti Saint

Adi Shankaracharya gained widespread recognition for his methodical evaluations and interpretations of classical Indian literature.

Why in News:

• Adi Shankaracharya’s Birthplace to be Declared a National Monument

Adi Shankaracharya: A Renowned Indian Philosopher and Theologian

• Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher and theologian who firmly believed in ancient Hinduism.
• He is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and gained the title of Sankara (Jagatguru).
• Shankaracharya studied ‘GaudapadiyaKarika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads under his guru GovindaBhagavatpada.
• He propagated ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya’ and earned the name Shankaracharya among his followers.
• Adi Shankaracharya’s birthplace Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, is in the news for being declared a national monument.
• According to mythology, Shankaracharya was captured by a crocodile at the location, which came to be known as Crocodile Ghat.
• The area holds religious significance and is home to significant temples honouring Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Krishna, Sarada Devi, and Sri Sankara.

Adi Shankaracharya’s Philosophy of Advaita Vedanta

• Advaita Vedanta is a form of Vedanta that translates to non-dualism.
• According to Advaita Vedanta, Brahman's creative energy (Maya) is the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas, and the world exists because of it.
• The world has no separate existence apart from Brahman.
• The experiencing self (jiva) and the transcendental self of the universe (Atman) are both identical in truth and are Brahman.
• The individual self appears different due to erroneous judgments and ignorance.
• Eliminating these mistakes through understanding Brahman results in freedom from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.
• The cardinal doctrines of Advaita Vedanta are represented in the verse "Brahma satyamjaganmithya; jīvobrahmaivanaaparah" (Brahman is alone True, and this world of plurality is an error; the individual self is not different from Brahman).

Major Schools of Vedic Philosophy

• There are six major schools of Vedic philosophy, including Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃsā, and Vedanta.
• There are also five major heterodox (sramanic) schools, including Jain, Buddhist, Ajivika, Ajñana, and Charvaka.

Adi Shankaracharya's Disciples

Adi Shankaracharya, an Indian philosopher and theologian, had several students who became famous in their own right. Among them, four became the most significant Shankaracharya adherents and rose to fame.

Padmapada

• Padmapada, one of Adi Shankaracharya’s most ardent students, was born there. According to historical accounts, Sanandana, one of Shankaracharya's disciples, was drying his master’s garments on the banks of the Ganges River when he began to cross the mighty river. Shankaracharya begged for his clothes, holding his master’s attire close to his bosom. Padmapada is credited with persuading his teacher to begin teaching Totakacharya, another of Shankaracharya's disciples.

Totakacharya

• Totakacharya was born in Giri and was an Adi Shankaracharya follower. Padmapada persuaded his teacher to begin teaching Totakacharya while Shankaracharya waited for him. Shankaracharya decided to honor Giri’s devotion by giving him access to all of his knowledge. Giri earned the moniker Totakacharya for his poetry “Totakashtakam.” The Vadakke Modam monastery, now known as the Vadakke Madom temple, was built in Thrissur by Totakacharya.

Hasta Malaka

• A Brahmin called Prabhakara met Shankaracharya with his little son at a village close to Kollur (Karnataka). When Shankaracharya saw his child, he inquired as to what the child was doing. The small child responded by explaining Advaita philosophy in detail. He was given the name Hasta Malaka by Shankaracharya and accepted as a student.

Sureshwara

• Sureshvara was first living the life of a typical homeowner. Mandana Misra was close to Shankaracharya. At some point, Mandana Misra was met by Shankaracharya and challenged to a discussion. After months of debate, Mandana Misra finally conceded and consented to become Shankaracharya’s pupil. He built the “Naduvil Matham” at Thrissur, under the name Sureshvara.

Adi Shankaracharya's Contributions to Hinduism

Philosophical Contributions:

• Creation of the “Shanmata” system of six sects of worship
• Restoration of the dasanami structure (Dashanami Sampradaya) and strengthening of the sannyasa tradition

Literary Contributions:

• Composed 72 devotional and meditative hymns
• Authored books on the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta
• Wrote 18 commentaries on major scriptural texts

Healing of a Religion:

• Advaita Vedanta provided a response to the period of chaos in Hinduism caused by the rise of new religions
• Shankaracharya's philosophy combined various ideas and Hindu practices into a single, unified system.

Adi Shankaracharya's Four Ashrams in India

JyotirMatha in Badrinath, Uttarakhand:

• Based on Atharva Veda
• Advocates "Ayamatma Brahma" (This Atman is Brahman)
• Headed by Totakacharya

Govardhana Matha in Puri, Odisha:

• Part of the famous Jagannath temple
• Based on Rig Veda
• Advocates "Prajnanam Brahma" (Consciousness is Brahman)
• Headed by Padmapada

Sringeri Matha in Karnataka:

• Located along the Tunga River's banks
• Founded on the principles of Yajur Veda
• Motto is "AhamBrahmasmi" (I Am Brahman)
• Leader appointed as Sureshvara

Sarada Matha in Dwarka, Gujarat:

• Founded on the principles of Sama Veda
• Promotes the idea of "Tattvamasi" (That thou art)
• Headed by Totakacharya.

Importance of Adi Shankaracharya in Today’s World:

• Diffusing Spiritual Knowledge beyond Mountainsides
• Need to Revive Culture, Piety, and Humility
• Lowering Ourselves as a Path to Development and Realization

Chaturamnaya Peethas:

• Construction of Monastic Institutions in Four Directions of India
• Unifying India through Institutional Framework before the British Rule
• Codifying Powers and Responsibilities of Spiritual Leaders
• Intricate Selection Processes for Pontifical Offices

Accomplishments:

• Creation of Sustainable Institutions without Political or Military Backers
• Defining Nirguna Brahman as Identical to the Most Aggressive Personality, God
• Becoming Well-Known as a Vedic Teacher at a Young Age
• Bringing Together Various Hindu Religious Factions
• Founding Organizations in All Four Corners of the Nation
• Penning All Significant Religious Treatises
• Establishing Sanatan Dharma Practices through Discourse

Adi Shankaracharya’s Significance:

• Highly Regarded as Lord Shiva’s Manifestation
• Considered a Philosopher and Preacher with a Significant Impact on Hinduism

Hoysala temples

Introduction to UNESCO’s World Heritage:

• A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO.
• UNESCO designates World Heritage Sites for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance.

Overview of Hoysala Architecture:

• Hoysala architecture is a building style developed between the 11th and 14th centuries under the rule of the Hoysala Empire, mainly concentrated in southern Karnataka.
• Hoysala temples are sometimes called hybrid or vesara as they seem to be a mix of Dravida and Nagara styles.
• They contain multiple shrines arranged around a central pillared hall, designed in the shape of a star.
• Hoysala temples are made out of soapstone, which is a relatively soft stone.
• Their distinctive star-like ground-plans and decorative carvings make them easily distinguishable from other medieval temples.

Characteristics of Hoysala Temples:

• Hoysala temples are made out of soapstone, which is a relatively soft stone.
• They are easily distinguishable from other medieval temples by their highly original star-like ground-plans and a profusion of decorative carvings.

Famous Hoysala Temples:

• Hoysaleshvara temple at Halebid, Karnataka was built in dark schist stone by the Hoysala king in 1150.
• Chennakeshava temple in Somnathpura, Karnataka was built around AD 1268 under Narasimha III.
• Kesava temple at Belur, Karnataka was built by Vishnuvardhana.

GI Tag for Mithila Makhana

Why in News:

• Mithila Makhana has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the government.
• The award is expected to benefit the growers by helping them fetch a higher price for their premium produce.

Understanding Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

About GI Tag:

• Geographical Indication (GI) tag identifies goods having special characteristics originating from a specific geographical territory
• GI Act, 1999 aims to provide better protection and registration of geographical indications of goods in India
• It is governed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
• It is considered as an element of Intellectual Property under the Paris Convention, Articles 1(2) and 10
• GI tag is applicable to agricultural, natural, and manufactured products, including handicrafts and industrial goods

Validity and Significance of GI Tag:

• GI tag is valid for 10 years and can be renewed after that
• Once a product gets the GI tag, no one can sell a similar item under that name
• GI registration provides legal protection and prevents unauthorised use of the product
• GI tag promotes exports and assures customers about the authenticity of the product

GI Registration Process:

• The registration process includes filing an application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration
• Any association of persons, producers, organisation, or authority established by or under the law can apply for GI registration
• The applicant must represent the interest of the producers

GI Tag Products:

• Some famous goods that carry the GI tag include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi, Kashmir Saffron and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.

Introduction to Mithila Makhana

About:

• Mithila Makhana is a type of aquatic fox nut that is grown in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal.
• It is considered as one of the three prestigious cultural identities of Mithila, along with Pan and Machh.
• Mithila Makhana is also used as an ingredient in the Kojagara festival of Maithil Brahmins, a celebration for newly married couples.

Nutritional Value of Mithila Makhana:

• Mithila Makhana is a rich source of protein and fiber.
• It also contains various micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

Other GI Tagged Products of Bihar:

• GI tagging of products in Bihar has helped in various aspects such as brand building, creating employment opportunities, generating spin-off effects in tourism, preserving traditional knowledge, and conserving biodiversity.
• Several products from Bihar have been granted the GI tag, including Bhagalpuri Jardalu Mango, Katarni Rice, Magahi Betel (Paan), Shahi Litchi, Silao Khaja, Madhubani Painting, and Pipli Work.
• The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai has accepted the initial proposal for conferring the GI tag to Nalanda's 'Bawan Buti' Saree, Gaya's 'Pattharkatti stone craft,’ and Hajipur's 'Chiniya' variety of banana.
• There are also proposals for providing GI tags to three sweet delicacies of Bihar - Khurma, Tilkut, and Balushahi.