February 10, 2025

History


Sun Temple, Konark

Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has set up the District Mineral Foundation Exhibition at Sun Temple, Konark in Odisha. The Sun Temple at Konark, built by Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty between 1238 and 1264, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's architecture symbolizes Surya's chariot, featuring 24 intricately carved wheels and 7 horses.Read More

The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025 was held from January 20 to 22 in Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh. It marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, featuring tribal traditions, music, dance, crafts, and sports. Chief Minister Khandu announced plans to restore World War II remnants in Nampong to boost heritage tourism. Pangsau Pass is located on the India-Myanmar border at an altitude of 3,727 feet (1,136 meters). It lies on the crest of the Patkai Hills and is part....Read More

Kuka revolt (1872)

Recently, tribute has been paid to the martyrs of the Kuka Movement. The Kuka Movement, or Namdhari Movement, was founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 at Bhaini Sahib, Punjab. The movement aimed to promote religious purity, social reforms, and economic self-reliance among Sikhs, including the abolition of the caste system and the improvement of women’s status. Namdhari followers wore white, hand-spun clothing and saffron turbans, promoting vegetarianism and a simple lifestyle. In 1871, the Kukas attacked cow slaughterhouses in Amritsar and Raikot, opposing British policies that allowed cow killing. The Kuka Movement was an early anti-colonial uprising in India,....Read More

Indus Valley Script

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the Indus Valley Civilization script, which remains undeciphered despite numerous attempts over the past century. Indus script (~3300–1300 BCE) is the earliest writing system in the Indian subcontinent, undeciphered to date. Found at ~60 sites; ~3,500 specimens on seals, pottery, and amulets. Inscriptions are short (average 5 signs), written right to left, occasionally boustrophedon. Contains pictographic signs, human/animal motifs, and a unique 'unicorn' symbol. Deciphering could reveal links to Vedic practices and Dravidian/Indo-European languages. Key sites: Harappa, Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan. Timeline: Early Harappan (3500–2600 BCE), Mature....Read More

Prime Minister paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary. Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730–1796) was a queen from Tamil Nadu, known as 'Veeramangai' (Brave Woman) for her resistance against British rule. Born in the Ramnad kingdom, she was the only child of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandimuthal. She was the first queen to actively oppose British rule, collaborating with Hyder Ali and Gopala Nayakar in battle. She introduced the first human bomb and established the first army of trained women soldiers. She was proficient in French, English, Urdu, and trained in martial arts, horse riding, and....Read More

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

Current Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on his 162nd birth anniversary. During the commemoration, PM Modi released the first series of 11 volumes of the 'Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya' at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. About Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Birth: December 25, 1861, in Allahabad, India. Education: Founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916, served as Vice-Chancellor (1919-1938). Freedom Struggle: Prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, associated with Indian National Congress and Hindu Mahasabha. Journalism: Founded Hindi newspaper 'Abhyudaya' (1907) and English newspaper 'The Leader' (1909). Awards: Posthumously awarded the Bharat....Read More

Hornbill Festival

Current Context : Hornbill Festival has completed 25 years of its celebration. Celebrated annually in Nagaland since 2000, it is known as the "Festival of Festivals". Named after the Great Indian Hornbill, a bird revered in Naga folklore for its grandeur. Typically held from December 1 to 10 in Kohima's Kisama Heritage Village. Objective: Promotes inter-tribal interaction and preserves Nagaland’s cultural heritage. Boosts tourism and provides economic benefits to the region.Read More

Current Context :  Recently, Gujarat’s Gharchola awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, enhancing its cultural and market significance. Recognized at the "GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak" event, contributing to Gujarat’s 27 GI-certified products​ With this recognition, Gujarat now boasts 27 GI-certified items, 23 of which belong to the handicraft sector What is Gharchola? Traditional handicraft of Gujarat primarily used in sarees and home décor. Design:Known for intricate patterns inspired by cultural motifs, blending traditional and modern techniques. Cultural Significance: Historically worn in Hindu and Jain weddings, using auspicious colors like red, maroon, green, and yellow.Read More

Ramappa Temple

Current Context : Recently, central government approved loans for development of Ramappa Circuit under the SASCI scheme (Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0). About Ramappa Temple Also called Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, located in Telangana. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the Kakatiya period (1123–1323 CE)under Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra. Architecture Constructed with sandstone, decorated granite, and dolerite beams and pillars. Features a pyramidal Vimana made of lightweight porous bricks. Follows the Chalukyan Vesara architectural style. About Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 Objective: Develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in partnership with states/UTs, emphasizing community participation and infrastructure enhancement​ Destination-Centric: Covers 57 destinations across 32 states/UTs, focusing on categories like spiritual tourism, eco-tourism,....Read More

Baalbek & Tyre

Current Context : Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar are UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Lebanon, recently threatened by military conflicts and airstrikes. UNESCO has granted them "enhanced protection" under the 1954 Hague Convention, highlighting their historical significance and risk of damage during armed conflicts. About Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar Baalbek: Known for its colossal Roman structures, showcasing Imperial Roman architecture at its peak. Houses the famous Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, among the best-preserved Roman ruins. Tyre: A major Phoenician city that dominated maritime trade and founded colonies like Carthage and Cadiz. Historically credited as the origin....Read More

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