Current Context : Recently, the ancient Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela  underwent its Maha Kumbhabhishekam (grand consecration) for the first time in nearly 270 years, following extensive restoration work. About sree padmanabhaswamy temple Location & Deity: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Anantha Padmanabha), in reclining Anantha Shayanam The city’s name derives from the deity. Historical Origins: Records date back to the 8th–9th century CE, but origins are older. Major renovations by King Marthanda Varma, who in 1750 offered his kingdom to the deity. Restoration & Rituals: Supreme Court-directed renovation (2017–2025) included sanctum roof, tanks, idol. Poojas with 100 golden pots....Read More

Current Context: Archaeologists unearthed an 800-year-old Shiva temple from the Later Pandya period in Udampatti village, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu—shedding new light on the dynasty’s architectural heritage. ABOUT PANDYA DYNASTY: Timeline: Early Rule: From at least 4th century BCE; decline in early medieval period; revived under Kadungon(6th century CE). Later Golden Age (1216–1345 CE): Under rulers Maravarman Sundara Pandyan and Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan. Territorial Extent: Controlled Pandya Nadu from Korkai and later Madurai; at times extended over Kerala, Chola country, and Sri Lanka. Trade & Culture: Major pearl fisheries; maritime links with Srivijaya and diplomatic ties with Rome. Patrons of....Read More

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 m above the Chenab River—completing the 272 km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and finally integrating the Kashmir Valley with India’s national railway network. About Bridge  Height & Length: Deck height: 359 m above the riverbed—taller than the Eiffel Tower (~324 m). Total length: 1,315 m; main arch span: 467 m—the largest arch span in India. Design & Materials: Type: Steel–concrete deck arch bridge. Steel Usage: ~28,000 tonnes; Concrete: ~66,000 m³ for piers, arch ribs, and deck. Prefabrication: 93 deck segments assembled on-site....Read More

Current Context The Archaeological Survey of India and Raigad Development Authority joint excavations unearthed a ‘yantraraj’ (astrolabe) at Raigad Fort—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 17th-century capital. About Location: Raigad district, Maharashtra; Western Ghats Height: 4,449 ft above sea level History: Built by Chandraraoji More, captured by Shivaji in 1656 Declared Maratha capital in 1674; Shivaji’s coronation site British looted and destroyed it in 1818 Architectural Layout: Defensive Design: Multiple ramparts, bastions (e.g., Khoob Ladha Burj, Hirkani Buruj), and gates (e.g., Chitta Darwaja, Maha Darwaja). Key Structures: Ganga Sagar Lake: Artificial reservoir within the fort. Ranivasa: Queen’s quarters (six rooms). Nagarkhana Darwaja: Gate....Read More

Current Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently uncovered one of the earliest Neolithic rock‐sharpening grooves in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu—evidence of prehistoric tool maintenance. ABOUT Neolithic Age Definition: The Neolithic Period (New Stone Age) is the final stage of prehistoric cultural evolution, marked by settled lifestyles, agriculture, and domestication of animals. Time Period : Begins around 10,000 BCE (depending on region) and extends until the advent of metal use (Bronze Age). Occurred during the Holocene Epoch (last 11,700 years). Features: Polished Stone Tools: Tools shaped by grinding or polishing rather than simple chipping. Agriculture & Animal Husbandry: Cultivation....Read More

Current Context: India observed the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar on 31st May 2025, honoring her legacy as a progressive ruler and patron of temple architecture. ABOUT Ahilyabai Holkar Born on 31 May 1725 in Chondi, Maharashtra. Ruled the Malwa region (1767–1795) after her husband and son’s demise. Known for administrative efficiency, welfare initiatives, and temple restorations (e.g., Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Gaya). Remembered as one of India's most just and enlightened female rulers.Read More

Current Context : Prime Minister recently visited the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, emphasizing its religious and cultural importance. About Karni Mata Temple Location: Deshnoke town, 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Deity: Dedicated to Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Historical Background: Built by Rao Jaitasi, to commemorate the victory of the Bikaner King over Mughal King Kumaran. Present structure completed under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Religious Sect: Belongs to Shakta Sampradaya. Unique Feature: Inhabited by over 25,000 rats (kābā) which are considered sacred. White rats are seen as manifestations of Karni Mata and....Read More

Current Context : The historic Tanot Mata Temple, located near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has reopened to visitors as border tensions have subsided. About the Temple A 1,200-year-old temple dedicated to Tanot Rai, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Hinglaj Mata. Gained prominence during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars when it reportedly withstood heavy shelling without damage. Post-1971, the temple's management was entrusted to the Border Security Force (BSF). Houses a Vijay Stambh (Victory Pillar) commemorating India's victory in the 1971 war. Unexploded bombs from the wars are displayed in the Tanot Museum within the temple premises.Read More

Current Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund India and the TCS Foundation, has completed the restoration of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi. About Rajon ki Baoli: Built by: Daulat Khan, an Amir in the court of Sikander Lodhi, in 1506 AD. Architecture: Four-tiered stepwell exemplifying Indo-Islamic architecture. Purpose: Originally constructed to store water for drinking and cooking purposes. Restoration Efforts: Part of the Historic Water Systems of India initiative, aligning with the World Monuments Fund’s Climate Heritage Initiative. Involved cleaning, desilting, structural repairs, and....Read More

Current Context :  Recently, the Supreme Court has asked a committee, set up by the Madras High Court, to list all Agamic and non-Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu within three months. About Agamas The Agamas are a collection of scriptures of Hindu devotional schools. Meaning: “Agama” means “that which has come down”—scriptures passed down through tradition. Contents: Explain temple design, deity worship, rituals, mantras, meditation, yoga, and spiritual goals. Branches: Shaiva Agamas (worship of Shiva) Vaishnava Agamas (worship of Vishnu) Shakta Agamas (worship of the Goddess) Relation to Vedas: Not derived from the Vedas but fully Vedic in spirit, and....Read More