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Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam

Context

The Prime Minister extends his best wishes to the participants of the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam.

Details

Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam

• It is a 10-day festival that celebrates the age-old ties and cultural links between the two coastal States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• The festival was inaugurated on 17th April 2023 at Somnath, the sacred site of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The festival will conclude on 30th April 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• The festival will also feature various cultural programs and exhibitions that will showcase the art, craft, music, dance, literature and cuisine of both Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Participants

• Nearly 3,000 people from Tamil Nadu, mostly Gujaratis settled in the southern State, participate. They will be brought on a special train, named 'Saurashtra Tamil Express', and will visit various places of historical, religious and cultural significance in Gujarat.
  • They will also explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Gujarat, such as the Gir Forest, home to the Asiatic lions, and the Statue of Unity (dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel).
• The participants will get an opportunity to interact with each other and learn about each other's culture and traditions.
• They will also witness the similarities and differences between the two regions and appreciate their unique contributions to India's freedom struggle and development.

Conclusion

• The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a unique exercise to facilitate a consistent and improved exchange between people from diverse regions and lifestyles. It is an initiative that reflects the cultural diversity and strength of India. It also demonstrates the oneness of India to the world by highlighting how the Saurashtra Tamils have assimilated with the traditions of Tamil Nadu and as well as preserved their language and culture.
• The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is a celebration of India's might and characteristics. It is a celebration of India's unity in diversity. It is a celebration of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day Purpose

• World Heritage Day is celebrated annually on April 18th to raise awareness about the importance of preserving heritage sites worldwide.
• It emphasizes the significance of cultural heritage and the need to protect and maintain historical sites.
• The day promotes the celebration of diverse cultures and traditions globally.

World Heritage Day History

• In 1982, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) proposed the idea of World Heritage Day.
• UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) endorsed the concept during its 22nd General Conference in 1983.
• April 18th was chosen to commemorate the creation of ICOMOS, marking the official date for World Heritage Day.
• Each year, a specific cultural heritage-related theme is chosen to guide the celebrations.

World Heritage Day Objective

• The main objective of World Heritage Day is to increase public awareness of the value of preserving cultural heritage and historical monuments.
• UNESCO initiated this day to promote global cooperation in heritage conservation.
• Events and activities held worldwide on this day aim to highlight the importance of heritage sites in shaping history, identity, tourism, and sustainable development.

World Heritage Day Theme 2023

• The theme for World Heritage Day in 2023 is "Heritage Changes."
• This theme addresses issues like using cultural heritage to support climate action and the UN Decade of Action.
• It encourages learning from traditional knowledge systems to protect vulnerable communities and heritage.

World Heritage Day Importance

• World Heritage Day reminds us of the cultural and historical significance of heritage sites.
• It underlines the role of these sites in promoting tourism, economic growth, and intercultural understanding.
• The day advocates international collaboration for preserving natural and cultural history in line with sustainable development goals.
• People express gratitude for these sites and their preservation, recognizing their importance for future generations.

World Heritage Sites of India

• India boasts several World Heritage Sites recognized for their cultural and historical significance.

• These sites are vital for tourism, economic development, and preserving the country's rich heritage.

• Below is a list of all the World Heritage Sites in India:

  1. [List of World Heritage Sites in India]

Conclusion

• World Heritage Day serves as a global platform to promote heritage preservation and cultural diversity.
• It encourages individuals, communities, and governments to collaborate in safeguarding these assets.
• Celebrated on April 18th, this day signifies the importance of heritage sites in shaping history and identity while contributing to tourism and sustainable development.

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar

Context

India Celebrates Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar on April 14, 2023.

Who was Dr. BR Ambedkar?

• About:
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, social reformer, and politician.
  • He was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
    • His father, Subedar Ramji Maloji Sakpal, was a well-read person and follower of Sant Kabir.
• Education:
  • Ambedkar earned his Bachelor's degree from Bombay University and went on for further studies to Columbia University in New York and London School of Economics.
• Contributions:
  • In 1924, he started an Association for the welfare of the depressed classes and in 1927, he started the Bahishkrit Bharat newspaper to address the cause of the depressed classes.
    • He also led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927.
  • He participated in all three Round Table Conferences.
  • In 1932, Dr. Ambedkar signed the Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi, which abandoned the idea of separate electorates for the depressed classes (Communal Award).
  • In 1936, he formed the Independent Labour Party to safeguard the interests of the depressed classes.
  • In 1942, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed to the Executive Council of the Governor General of India as a Labour member and elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bengal in 1946.
    • He was the Chairman of Drafting Committee and remembered as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
  • In 1947, Dr. Ambedkar became Minister of Law in the first Cabinet of independent India.
    • He resigned from the cabinet in 1951, over differences on the Hindu Code Bill.
• Additional Details:
  • Later in life, He converted to Buddhism. He passed away on December 6, 1956, which is commemorated as Mahaparinirvan Diwas
    • Chaitya Bhoomi is a memorial to B R Ambedkar, located in Mumbai.
  • He was also awarded India’s highest civilian honour the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
• Important Works:
  • Journals:
    • Mooknayak (1920)
    • Bahishkrit Bharat (1927)
    • Samatha (1929)
    • Janata (1930)
  • Books:
    • Annihilation of Caste
    • Buddha or Karl Marx
    • The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become Untouchables
    • Buddha and His Dhamma
    • The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women
  • Organisations:
    • Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923)
    • Independent Labor Party (1936)
    • Scheduled Castes Federation (1942)
• Relevance of Ambedkar in Present Times:
  • His ideas and contributions continue to shape India's social and political landscape, particularly in the fight against caste-based discrimination and the struggle for social justice.
  • His vision for an inclusive and egalitarian society, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, remains a guiding principle for the country's future development.
    • Additionally, his emphasis on education as a means of empowerment is particularly relevant today as India seeks to achieve its full potential as a global leader.
  • Dr. Ambedkar's legacy is an integral part of India's national identity and his ideas continue to inspire generations.

Sengol to be Installed in New Parliament Building

I

ntroduction

On May 28th, 2023, the Prime Minister of India will preside over the inauguration of the new Parliament building, a significant component of the Central Vista redevelopment project. A pivotal moment of this event will be the installation of the historic golden sceptre known as "Sengol" near the Speaker's seat. Sengol embodies India's independence, sovereignty, cultural heritage, and diversity.

Historical Significance of Sengol

• The term "Sengol" originates from the Tamil word "Semmai," signifying "Righteousness." It was traditionally crafted from gold or silver and often adorned with precious stones.

• Emperors of ancient India utilized the Sengol sceptre during ceremonial events to symbolize their authority.

• Historically associated with the Chola Empire, a prominent dynasty that ruled South India from the 9th to 13th century CE.

• The Cholas were renowned for their military prowess, maritime trade, administrative efficiency, cultural patronage, and temple architecture.

• The Sengol sceptre was passed from one Chola king to another as a symbol of succession and legitimacy, with the ceremony conducted by a high priest or guru.

Incorporation of Sengol into India's Independence

• Prior to India's independence from British rule in 1947, Viceroy Lord Mountbatten asked Jawaharlal Nehru about a suitable ceremony to symbolize the transfer of power.

• C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, proposed adopting the Chola tradition of transferring the Sengol sceptre as a symbol of India's independence, emphasizing its ancient civilization, culture, and unity in diversity.

• The Sengol sceptre was gifted to Prime Minister Nehru by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 500-year-old Saivaite monastery, on August 14, 1947. It was crafted in gold by renowned jeweler Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, featuring a hand-carved Nandi symbolizing "Nyaya" (justice) at the top.

Current Location and Installation in New Parliament Building

• After receiving the Sengol sceptre in 1947, Nehru initially kept it at his residence in Delhi before donating it to the Anand Bhavan Museum in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), his ancestral home. The museum, established by his father Motilal Nehru in 1930, aimed to preserve India's freedom movement history and legacy.

• The Sengol sceptre remained at the Anand Bhavan Museum for over seven decades.

• During the Central Vista redevelopment project in 2021-22, the decision was made to reintroduce this historical artifact by placing it in the new Parliament building near the Speaker's seat, accompanied by a plaque providing historical context.

• The installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building carries symbolic significance, highlighting India's democracy rooted in ancient traditions and values, as well as its inclusivity and respect for diversity and plurality.

Central Vista Redevelopment Project

• The Central Vista Redevelopment Project aims to overhaul India's central administrative area located near Raisina Hill in New Delhi.

• Originally designed during British colonial rule by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, this area continued to serve the Indian Government post-independence.

• In the Union Budget for 2022-23, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs received an allocation of Rs 2,600 crore for constructing non-residential office buildings as part of the extensive Central Vista project, encompassing the Parliament and the Supreme Court of India.

Dancing Girl Figurine

About Mohenjodaro’s Dancing Girl

• Description: The Dancing Girl sculpture was discovered in 1926 during excavations at Mohenjodaro, a major site of the Indus Civilization, by British archaeologist Ernest McKay.

• Age: This bronze figurine is over 4,500 years old, dating back to the Harappan period, specifically between 3300-1300 BC.

• Material: Crafted from bronze, a metal alloy primarily composed of copper.

• Dimensions: The original figurine stands at a height of 10.5 cm.

• Appearance: The sculpture depicts a nude female figure adorned with multiple bangles and a necklace.

• Pose: The Dancing Girl strikes a distinctive pose with one hand on her hip, legs slightly forward, and embodies a lively and spirited stance.

• Artistic Sophistication: This sculpture showcases the remarkable artistic skills and metallurgical expertise of the Harappan civilization. It reflects their knowledge of metal blending and the lost-wax casting technique.

Historical Interpretation:

• Historians have varying interpretations of the figurine's purpose. Some believe she is a dancer, while others suggest she might represent a woman carrying an offering.

Symbolic Value:

• The Dancing Girl holds significant symbolic and aesthetic value, emphasizing the existence of high art within Harappan society.

Cultural Significance:

• This artifact from the Indus Civilization provides valuable insights into the artistic and cultural practices of the time, shedding light on the society's creative expressions.

Current Location:

• The Dancing Girl is currently housed in the National Museum of India, where it serves as a prominent exhibit within the Indus Civilization gallery.

Revolt of 1857 

Causes of the Revolt of 1857

1. Political Causes:

   • Annexation of Princely States: Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of states like Satara (1848) and Jhansi (1854), causing resentment among deposed rulers and their subjects.
   • Annexation of Awadh: Nawab Wazid Ali Shah's removal on the pretext of mismanagement further fueled discontent.

2. Economic Causes:

   • Impact on Traditional Industries: British policies aimed to make India a consumer of British goods, devastating traditional industries like textiles, metalwork, glass, and paper.
   • Impact on Agriculture: Land revenue policies led to commercialization, creating new landlords, absentee landlords, and moneylenders, burdening peasants.

3. Social Causes:

   • Alien Rule: Britishers maintained a distance from Indian society, treating even upper-class Indians with contempt.
   • Interference in Religion: Religious leaders lost power and prestige under British rule.

4. Administrative Factors:

   • Discrimination in the Army: Discrimination in salary, rank, and treatment between Indian sepoys and British counterparts.
   • Discrimination in Civil Administration: Limited Indian access to higher posts, primarily reserved for the British.

5. Immediate Cause:

   • Greased Cartridges Controversy: Introduction of Enfield rifles with cartridges greased using pig and beef fat outraged Hindu and Muslim soldiers, sparking the uprising.

Course of the Revolt of 1857

1. Barrackpore: Mangal Pandey's revolt on March 29, 1857, triggered anger among sepoys.
2. Meerut: Sepoys in Meerut refused greased cartridges on April 24, leading to mass rebellion on May 10.
3. March to Delhi: Indian garrison marched to Delhi, where Bahadur Shah was declared Emperor, igniting widespread revolt.
4. Hindu-Muslim Unity: Hindu sepoys supported Bahadur Shah; cow slaughter was banned in areas under their control.
5. Spread of Revolt: Bengal Army and regions like Indore, Gwalior, Punjab, Mainpuri, Bulandshahr, Danapur, Mathura, Lucknow, and more joined the uprising.

Leaders of the Revolt of 1857

1. Bakht Khan at Delhi: Led the uprising in Delhi.
2. Begum Hazrat Mahal at Lucknow: Proclaimed her son Nawab and had support from Maulavi Ahmadullah.
3. Rani Lakshmi Bai at Jhansi: Fought against British rule in Bundelkhand.
4. Nana Saheb at Kanpur: Led the Kanpur regiment, expelled the British, and declared himself Peshwa.
5. Kunwar Singh at Bihar: Led a war band, engaged British troops in Bihar, and died in battle.
6. Tatya Tope: Rebelled in Kanpur and Gwalior, known for guerilla tactics.

Causes of Failure of the 1857 Revolt

1. Lack of Unified Programme and Ideology: Rebels lacked a forward-looking plan, relied on the outdated feudal system, which was unable to withstand the British.

2. Lack of Unity among Indians: Some Indian soldiers in Punjab and south India supported the British; no accompanying rebellions in many regions.

3. Lack of Support from Educated Indians: Educated Indians did not support the revolt, believing British rule would modernize the country.

4. Military Superiority of the British: The British had military superiority, discipline, and external support, while the rebels lacked central command.

Consequences of the Revolt of 1857

1. Changes in Military Organisation: Increased European soldiers and regiments based on caste and region to prevent further revolts.

2. Transfer of Power: Power shifted from the East India Company to the British Crown through the 1858 Act; Secretary of State for India took charge.

3. Divide and Rule: Policies of discrimination against Muslims and favoritism were introduced, contributing to communalism.

4. New Policy towards Princely States: Abandonment of annexation in favor of allowing rulers to adopt heirs.

FAQs on the Revolt of 1857

1. Causes of the Revolt: Discontent among Indian soldiers due to poor terms of service, cultural insensitivity, and the greased cartridges controversy.

2. Immediate Reason for the Revolt: Refusal to use greased cartridges containing pig and cow lard.

3. Starter of the Revolt: Sepoy Mangal Pandey at Barrackpore.

4. Main Leaders of the Revolt: Mangal Pandey, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope, Kunwar Singh, Bakht Khan, Rani Laxmi Bai.

5. Causes of the Failure: Lack of unity, support, ideology, and military inferiority against the British.

6. Main Centres of the Revolt: Delhi, Cawnpore, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gwalior, among others.

Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence)

• About: 
  • It was the widespread rebellion against British rule in India in 1857–59 which began in Meerut by Indian troops (sepoys) in the service of the British East India Company; it spread to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
  • It was a major upheaval against the British Rule in which the disgruntled princes, to disconnected sepoys and disillusioned elements, participated.
• Background:
  • Right from the inception of the East India Company, there had been several resistance from divergent sections in different parts of the subcontinent.
  • There were a series of civil disturbances and local uprisings which were scattered, localised and most violent. Most of these movements arose due to popular discontent with British rule.
  • For about 100 years the people of India had witnessed the enormous lot and plunder of wealth from India to Britain.
• Causes: Although Revolt began as a military uprising there were several Political, administrative, socio-cultural, economic, religious, cultural and immediate causes of the revolt.
  • Political Causes:
    • Subsidiary Alliance: The British policy of territorial annexations led to the displacement of a large number of rulers and chiefs. The vigorous application of the policies of Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse angered the ruling sections of the society.
      • Discontent and dissatisfaction were especially strong in those regions, which were believed to have lost their independence.
    • Doctrine of Lapse: The practical application of the Doctrine of Lapse of Lord Dalhousie’s produced unprecedented discontent in the directly affected states.
    • Humiliating and Rush Policy towards the Successors of the Mughals: British never honoured their written or verbal promises; consequently it was natural to result in hatred and revolts.
    • India was Governed from Foreign Land:  India was being governed from a foreign country which meant that the rulers of India were carrying on their administration in India while sitting at a distance of thousands of miles away from this country.
    • Suspension of Pension: Suspension of pensions of some of the Indian chiefs and who were disposed of by the company.
  • Administrative Causes:
    • Loss of Benefits and Privileges: The Indian aristocrats who once enjoyed privileges, both economic and social, were now deprived of such privileges by the annexation policy of the East India Company.
    • Exclusion of Indians from Higher Administrative posts: In the new administrative machinery Indians were excluded from all the jobs both in civil as well as in military departments. All the Higher posts in British administration were kept reserved for the English people to the exclusion of the Indians.
  • Economic Causes:
    • Economic Exploitation of all sections: The only interest of the Company was the collection of maximum revenue with minimum efforts. Owing to their colonial policies of economic exploitation, industry, trade commerce and agriculture languished and India became de-industrialized, impoverished and debt-ridden.
    • Ruin of the Mercantile Class: The British deliberately crippled Indian trade and commerce by imposing high tariff duties against Indian goods.
    • Destruction of Indian Manufacturers: The British policy of promoting the import of cotton goods to India from England destroyed all Indian manufacturers in the cotton textile industry.
    • Pressure on Land: The ruin of Indian Industry and commerce made several people unemployed and the lack of alternate occupational avenues drove a large part of the urban population to fall back on the village economy.
  • Socio-Religious Causes:
    • Social Exclusiveness: The British policy of social exclusiveness and arrogant manner towards the Indians created discontent among the Indians.
      • They were infected with the feeling of racial superiority.
    • Social Legislation: The social legislation passed by the British also became the cause of the Revolt of 1857. The British endeavoured to eradicate social Evils like the custom of Sati, Infanticide and child marriage.
      • And they also encouraged widow marriage for which they passed various social legislation as in 1829, Lord William Bentinck abolished the practice of Sati, with the support of educated and enlightened Indians such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
  • Military Causes:
    • General Service Enlistment Act (1856): The Indian soldiers nursed grievances against the British as they were forced to go on expeditions to Burma and Afghanistan, which violated their religious scruples. 
    • Dissimilarity between the salaries of the Indian Soldiers and the British Soldiers
  • Greased Cartridges – The Immediate Cause
    • It was in 1856 when, according to regulation, the sepoys were required to bite the end of the cartridge before using it. 
    • There was a rumour that the cartridges to be used with the new Enfield rifles were greased with the fat of cows and pigs.
    • On account of their ignorance, the British Government denied the truth of this allegation. However, on a secret enquiry, it was, later on, found that actually the fat of cows and pigs had been used. The result was that the sepoys got infuriated. These factors created the immediate cause for the commencement of the Great Mutiny of 1857.