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

Kharchi Puja

Context

• Along with the blessings of Chaturdash Devata PM expressed his desire for peace and prosperity on this occasion.
• The preparation of Kharchi Puja festival is going on in state of Tripura.
• It is one of the biggest festivals of Northeast
• Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people, is worshipped during this festival.

Other Details

• On 26^th June 2023, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Kharchi Puja.
• At Chaturdash Devata Temple of Agartala, he inaugurated Kharchi Festival and Exhibition- 2023.
• He offered prayers to 14 Deities for the well-being of the people & overall welfare of the state.
• In 2023 the festival started on June 26 and the festivity will continue till July 2.

Kharchi Puja

• It is a century-old annual traditional festival of Hindu tribal which is considered the biggest Hindu tribal festival in the northeastern region.
• This festival of 14 gods falls on the Shukla Ashtami day of lunar month Ashadha, as per hindu calendar, and carried out for seven days.
• Hence it is observed on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August every year.
• Originally a tribal festival to celebrate tribal identity, it is now celebrated by people of all community and religions.
• It highlights the spiritual and cultural spirit of the state and showcases the rich history and traditions of the community.
• The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from two Tripuri words–‘khar’ or kharta meaning sin and ‘chi’ or si meaning cleaning. Hence this festival is meant to wash away the sins of mortal souls.
• It is also a ritual to clean the Earth after her menstruation is over.

Celebrations and worship

• Celebrations start with the recitation of sacred and religious hymns and mantras, invoking the blessings of the 14 deities namely Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri (Himalaya).
• An atmosphere of spiritual fervour is created by celebration of people with colourful marquees, illumination, folk dance, religious rites and chanting of ‘mantras’ amid drum beats.
• People also enjoy fair and the associated cultural programmes
• Thousands of devotees who participate in this festival are not just from India but from neighbouring state of Bangladesh.

Processions and Worship

• It starts with colourful procession accompanied by the Tripura police music band.
• The construction of the Chaturdasha Mandapa, constructed by traditional artisans using bamboo and thatched roofs, is an important ritual of the festival.
• Chaturdasha Mandapa symbolises the royal palace of the Tripuri kings.
• The idols of 14 deities are decorated with different flowers, traditional attires, ornaments, and vermillion paste.
• On the main Puja day, these idols are taken for a holy bath to Hawrah river and then carried back to temple.
• This procession, carried by the royal priest Chantai, starts from the ancient Ujjayanta Palace.
• In the way to river thousands of devotees joins for the customary holy bath and receive Prasad, different varieties of sweets, as blessings of Deities.
• This festival encourages the younger generation to imbibe the essence of their ancestral rituals.

Historical Background

• The Krishna Manikya Bahadur (1760-1761) shifted the capital from southern Tripura’s Udaipur to Puran Habeli in 1760 which remained capital of then undivided Tripura till 1838.
• In 1838, Agartala was made the capital of Tripura by king Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur.
• The temple of 14 Gods constructed at that time still stands.
• The then Tripura included the regions of Sylhet, Brahmanbaria and Comilla districts of then East Pakistan and now Bangladesh.

Jagannath Rath Yatra

Context

• Millions of Devotees gather to celebrate, pray, watch and participate in the Jagannath Ratha Yatra procession.
• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik started this yatra by symbolically pulling these giant chariots of lord Jagannath and his two siblings.

Other Details

• In this Yatra wooden chariots of Lords Jagannath and Balabhadra and Lady Subhadra would be approximately 45 feet tall.
• It starts from 12th century stone temple of Jagannath Puri in Odisha.
• People dance and celebrate by chanting ‘Haribol’, ‘Jai Jagannath’ along with beating brass cymbals and hand drums

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

• Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is held on second day of Shukla Pakshya (fortnight after full moon) in Hindu month of Ashada. Hence it generally falls in June or July.
• It is a nine-day-long festival.
• This holy annual car festival sees devotees coming from all parts of the world.
• However mostly there are from Odisha and neighbouring states.
• This Ratha yatra is considered to be one of the world’s biggest religious processions

Preparations to Yatra

• First chariots is swept using a golden handle broom by Puri's titular king. The ritual is known as Chhera Pahanra.
• Priests sprinkle flowers and fragrant water on Ratha.
• Before the start of procession many groups of devotes do kirtans and dance in front of these chariots.
• To symbolically pull the chariots wooden horses are fitted.
• Administration is on alert and security and traffic arrangements are made for a smooth conduct of procession.

Procession

• From temple chariot of big brother Lord Balabhadra comes out first which is known as Taladhwaj chariot.
• Then the chariot, Darpadalan, is of sister Goddess Subhadra is taken out.
• In the end comes the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Chariot is called Nandighosh.
• These chariots start from the Singha Dwar of Jagannath Temple and the taken to Gundicha Temple (their aunt’s residence).
• On fourth day Hera Panchami is celebrated.
• Finally they return to Main Jagannath temple on tenth day (Dashmi tithi).
• This returning journey is known as Bahuda Yatra.
• Puri Shankaracharya oversees the procession. 

Rani Durgavati

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh government launched a six-day rally called the Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra to commemorate the life and legacy of the 16^th-century queen, Rani Durgavati, who fought against the Mughals.

Who was Rani Durgavati?

• About:
  • Rani Durgavati, born in 1524 in Mahoba's Chandela dynasty (present-day Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Madhya Pradesh), was a symbol of India's self-determination.
    • Chandelas were known for building the famous Khajuraho temples in the 11^th century.
  • She married Dalpat Shah, the son of Gond King Sangram Shah, and ruled the kingdom of Garha-Katanga after the death of her husband in 1550 with great vigor and courage.
    • The Kingdom of Garha-Katanga included the regions of Narmada Valley and parts of Northern Madhya Pradesh.
    • Gond tribe is a prominent tribe in central India known for their rich cultural heritage and resilience.
  • As per the government’s documentation, the queen and her generals managed the affairs of the kingdom for 16 years.
    

• The Mughal Attack on Garha-Katanga:
  • Rani Durgavati, the brave queen of Garha-Katanga, opposed the Mughal Empire's expansion in the mid-16^th century.
  • Rani Durgavati displayed strong leadership while fighting against Akbar's commander Asaf Khan and the neighboring Malwa Sultan Baz Bahadur. She initially triumphed in the battle against Asaf Khan's attack on her kingdom.
  • However, the Mughals regrouped and overwhelmed her forces. Rather than surrendering, Rani Durgavati chose to sacrifice her life.
• Legacy and Recognition:
  • Revered as a patriotic ruler who symbolized India's self-determination.
  • Described as a combination of beauty, grace, courage, and bravery by Abul Fazl, the court historian of Akbar.
  • Remembered for her sacrifices and as a defender of her culture.

Mesolithic Rock Paintings Unearthed in Andhra Pradesh

Why in News?

Recently, a former archaeologist of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a Mesolithic period rock painting depicting a person tilling a piece of land in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.

• It was found while surveying the lower River Krishna Valley to ascertain the architectural features of shrines.
• Earlier, in 2018, archaeologists had uncovered prehistoric rock art estimated to be from the Neolothic era, circa 1500-2000 BC, on natural limestone formations near Dachepalli in Guntur district.

What are the Key Findings?

• Natural Rock Shelters:
  • The rock paintings were found on the walls and ceilings of naturally formed caves on a hillock in Orvakallu.
  • These caves served as shelters for the prehistoric humans who inhabited the area during that time.
• Mesolithic Rock Paintings:
  • Among the five caves explored, two stood out with distinguished depictions of rock paintings.
  • Executed by people of the Mesolithic Age, these paintings offer a glimpse into the artistic abilities and practices of that era.
• Artistic Materials:
  • The rock paintings were created using natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments.
  • Ochre is a pigment composed of clay, sand, and ferric oxide.
  • Kaolinite is a soft, earthy, and usually white mineral produced by the chemical weathering of aluminium silicate minerals like feldspar.
  • Over time, exposure to air and wind has resulted in significant damage to the paintings. However, some sketches and outlines remain intact.
• Depicted Scenes:
  • The rock paintings depict various scenes from the daily life of the prehistoric communities.
  • One painting portrays a man skillfully catching a wild goat with his left hand while using a hook-like implement to control it.
  • Another painting captures two couples with raised hands, while a child stands behind them, possibly indicating communal activities or rituals.
• Agricultural Practices:
  • A significant painting showcases a man holding a plough and appearing to till the land. This depiction suggests a semi-settled life pattern where community members engaged in domesticating animals and cultivating crops, reflecting early agricultural practices.

Ram Prasad Bismil

Central Idea

This article revolves around the life, contributions, and legacy of Ram Prasad Bismil, a revolutionary figure in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule.

Ram Prasad Bismil

• Birth: Ram Prasad Bismil was born on June 11, 1897, in Shahjahanpur district, UP.
• Revolutionary activities: He actively fought against British Raj and participated in notable events like the Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918 and the Kakori Train Action of 1925.
• Founding of Hindustan Republican Association: Bismil established the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA, later known as the Hindustan Socialist RA) and played a pivotal role in the organization.
• Sacrifice and execution: Bismil was hanged for his revolutionary activities on December 19, 1927, at the age of 30.

Early life and Arya Samaj Connections

• Upbringing and linguistic influences: Bismil was born into a Rajput Tomar family and learned Hindi from his father, Urdu from a nearby maulvi, and also studied in an English medium school in Shahjahanpur.
• Association with Arya Samaj: Bismil joined the Arya Samaj during his childhood, becoming a prolific writer and poet. He used pen names such as ‘Agyat’, ‘Ram’, and the well-known ‘Bismil’.
• Poem “Mera Janm”: At the age of 18, Bismil wrote the poem “Mera Janm” expressing his anger over the death sentence of Arya Samaj missionary Bhai Parmanand.

Major Events Associated to Bismil

Mainpuri Conspiracy

• Political disillusionment: Bismil became disillusioned with the moderate wing of the Congress Party and rejected negotiation or appeasement with the British.
• Formation of Matrivedi: Bismil established the revolutionary organization Matrivedi and collaborated with Genda Lal Dixit, who had connections with dacoits and sought to utilize them in the armed struggle.
• Mainpuri Ki Pratigya: Bismil’s famous poem, “Mainpuri Ki Pratigya,” was widely distributed in pamphlets across the United Provinces. He carried out acts of looting to gather funds for his organization.

Founding the Hindustan Republican Association

• Return to Shahjahanpur: After being underground for several years, Bismil returned to Shahjahanpur in February 1920.
• Formation of HRA: Bismil, along with Ashfaqullah Khan, Sachindra Nath Bakshi, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, founded the Hindustan Republican Association. Later, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh joined the organization.
• Release of the manifesto: Bismil played a significant role in penning the manifesto titled “Krantikari,” which was officially released on January 1, 1925. The manifesto called for an organized and armed revolution to establish a federal Republic of United States of India.

Kakori Train Action

• Objective and planning: The Kakori Train Action aimed to rob a train carrying treasury bags between Shahjahanpur and Lucknow.
• Execution of the action: On August 9, 1925, around ten revolutionaries, including Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan, stopped the train at Kakori station, overpowered the guard, and looted the treasury bags containing approximately Rs 4,600.
• Consequences and crackdown: The action drew both British outrage and mixed responses from the Indian public. The misfiring of a gun resulted in the accidental killing of a passenger, Ahmad Ali, dampening public support. Subsequently, a violent crackdown led to the arrest of most involved, excluding Chandrashekhar Azad.

Death and legacy

• Trial and sentencing: Bismil, along with Ashfaqullah Khan and Rajendranath Lahiri, faced a long trial and were ultimately sentenced to death.
• Execution and martyrdom: On December 19, 1927, Bismil was executed at the age of 30, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and dedication to the cause of freedom.
• Enduring influence and remembrance: Bismil’s poetry continues to inspire and his call for Hindu-Muslim unity serves as a symbol of communal harmony. He is remembered for his revolutionary spirit and deep concern for society, justice, and equality.

130th Year of Gandhiji’s Satyagraha

Context

On 7th Jun 1893, Gandhi started struggle against apartheid at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station near Durban in South Africa.

• Indian Navy will commemorate the 130 years of this struggle at the same place.

Other Details

• Indian Navy’s INS Trishul will visit Durban and will pay floral tributes at the Gandhiji Plinth and a give a performance of the IN band in continuation with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav.
• It will also mark the 30 years of re-establishment of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa.

Background

• In 1893 Mahatma Gandhi had arrived in Durban, South Africa to provide legal counsel services to a merchant named Dada Abdulla.
• On 7^th june of the same year, when Gandhi was on a trip to Pretoria in the Transvaal, he experienced apartheid at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station.
• Even after having a ticket to travel, He was not permitted in first-class compartments and evicted from first-class compartment.
• He was considered a coolie by fellow European passengers.
• This was trigger point for Mahatma Gandhi to start fight against racial oppression which gave the birth to Satyagraha.
• On the same station in a moving ceremony in 1997 Nelson Mandela, the then President of South Africa, conferred Freedom of Pietermaritzburg posthumously on Mahatma Gandhi.
• Gandhi was recalled for setting an extraordinary example of personal sacrifice and dedication in the face of oppression and racial discrimination.

Gandhi and his Experiments with Truth in South Africa

• He born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar in the princely state of Kathiawar in Gujarat.
• He studied law in England, Gandhi, in 1898 and went to South Africa to provide legal council to Dada Abdullah.
• On witnessing racism and the humiliation there he fought for rights of Indian merchants, plantation workers and indentured labour.
• They were denied the right to vote, could reside only in prescribed congested locations. Some of them were not allowed to be outside after 9 PM and to use the public footpaths.

Moderate Phase of Struggle (1894-1906)

• He sent petitions and memorials to the authorities in South Africa and in Britain to make them aware about the plight of these people.
• Natal Indian Congress and started a paper Indian Opinion were set up in this regard.

Phase of Passive Resistance or Satyagraha (1906-1914)

In this phase satyagraha was started. It was begun in 1906.

Satyagraha against Registration Certificates (1906)

• To comply with new law, Indians mandatorily need to carry at all times certificates of registration with their fingerprints.
• Gandhi formed the Passive Resistance Association to fight for this without the use of violence.
• He conducted the campaign to defy the law and asked people not to register themselves.
• Gandhi and the people retaliated by publicly burning their registration certificates.
• Gandhi faced penalty and jailed.
• It finally led to the compromise settlement with government.

Campaign against Restrictions on Indian Migration

• Inspired by the earlier campaign people also protest against a new legislation imposing restrictions on Indian migration.
• People crossed over from one province to another without licences and were jailed in this process
• Campaign against Poll Tax and Invalidation of Indian Marriages
• A poll tax of three pounds was imposed on all ex-indentured Indians.
• All marriages were invalidated, if not conducted according to Christian rituals and subsequently registered, by an order of Supreme Court order.
• It made Hindu, Muslim and Parsi marriages were illegal and children born out of such marriages, illegitimate.
• Non-violent Protest against this was started

Protest against Transvaal Immigration Act

• A Transvaal Immigration Act was also protested where Indians migrated from Natal into Transvaal.
• In a bid to provide sustain the high pitch of the struggle, he founded Tolstoy Farm in 1910.
• Finally in the end viceroy, Lord Hardinge, condemned the repression. Negotiations by government were started with Gandhi and a Compromise Solution was reached.

Purana Qila Excavation

Why in News?

The recent excavations by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi have revealed a continuous history spanning over 2,500 years. These excavations are aimed to establish complete chronology of the site.

• Artifacts from various historical periods have been discovered, which revealed 9 cultural levels including Pre-Mauryan, Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Post Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, and Mughal.
• The plan is to showcase the findings in an Open Air Site Museum at the fort.

What are the Findings of the Excavation?

• Shards of Painted Gray Ware Pottery:
  • These pottery pieces are typically dated to the period of 1200 BC to 600 BC, indicating the existence of human settlements in the pre-Mauryan era.
• Vaikuntha Vishnu Sculpture:
  • A 900-year-old sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu, belonging to the Rajput period, was discovered during the excavation.
• Terracotta Plaque:
  • A terracotta plaque depicting the goddess Gaja Lakshmi, dating back to the Gupta period, was found at the site.
• Terracotta Ring Well:
  • The remains of a well dating back 2,500 years from the Mauryan period were unearthed.
• Sunga-Kushan Period Complex:
  • The excavation revealed a well-defined four-room complex from the Sunga-Kushan period, which dates back approximately 2,300 years.
• Coins, Seals, and Copper Artifacts:
  • More than 136 coins, 35 seals and sealings, and other copper artifacts were discovered at the site. These findings indicate the site's significance as a center for trade activities.

What is Purana Qila?

• Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts belonging to the Mughal era and the site is identified as ancient settlement of Indraprastha (the capital of Pandavas).
• The massive gateway and walls of Purana Qila were built by Humayun in the 16^th century and the foundation was laid for the new capital, Dinpanah.
• The work was carried forward by Sher Shah Suri, who displaced Humayun.
• The major attractions inside the fort are the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque of Sher Shah Suri, Sher Mandal (a tower, which is traditionally associated with the death of Humayun), a stepwell and the remains of the extensive rampart, which has three gates.
• The unique features of Indo-Islamic architecture like horseshoe-shaped arches, bracketed openings, marble inlay, carving etc are very prominent in the structure.
  • The mosque has an inscription which says, 'As long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented, and people will be happy in it.'