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Showing results for Art and Culture·30 articles
Azhikode Award: Honouring Literary Activism in Kerala
The Azhikode Award, instituted in 2010 by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, recognises contributions to literature and social activism in Kerala. Grounded in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, it underscores the role of literary activism in democratic discourse. Despite its prestige, the award lacks systematic post-award support, limiting its long-term socio-economic impact.
Padma Doree: Indigenous Textile Art and Artisan Empowerment in India
Padma Doree is a traditional handloom textile art practiced mainly in Odisha and West Bengal, engaging over 25,000 artisans. It reflects the intersection of cultural heritage preservation and socio-economic empowerment, supported by legal frameworks like the GI Act, 1999 and welfare schemes under the Handicrafts Act, 1985. Despite government subsidies and institutional support, challenges remain in intellectual property protection and market access.
Discovery and Significance of Prehistoric Rock Paintings in Nilgiris District
A prehistoric rock painting site estimated to be over 6,000 years old was discovered in Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu in 2024. This site enriches South India's prehistoric heritage and highlights gaps in legal protection and conservation efforts under the AMASR Act. Enhanced research, community involvement, and sustainable tourism are essential for integrating such sites into India's broader prehistoric art narrative.
Kerala’s Scaled-Down Thrissur Pooram 2024: Cultural Resilience Amid Heat and Grief
Kerala’s 2024 Thrissur Pooram was scaled down due to a severe heatwave and floods, reducing attendance and elephant participation significantly. This event highlights the intersection of constitutional cultural rights, disaster laws, economic impacts on local artisans, and the need for integrated policy frameworks to preserve cultural heritage amid environmental challenges.
World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026: Telangana’s Cultural Diplomacy and Heritage Tourism Strategy
The World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026, held in Hyderabad, Telangana, exemplifies the state's strategic use of cultural diplomacy through Buddhavanam, India’s first Buddhist Heritage Theme Park. The event brought together delegates from over 20 countries to promote Buddhist heritage, peace-building, and ethical leadership, integrating heritage tourism with international peace initiatives. Telangana’s ₹150 crore investment and constitutional provisions underpinning cultural preservation highlight the economic and legal dimensions of this initiative.
Saraikela-Kharsawan District: Chhau Dance Heritage and Its Socio-Economic Integration
Saraikela-Kharsawan district in Jharkhand is renowned for its Saraikela Chhau dance, a tribal art form protected under constitutional provisions and the GI Act. The dance contributes significantly to the district's economy through tourism and handicrafts but faces challenges like underemployment and lack of skill development. Jharkhand's cultural policies and institutions play a key role in preserving this heritage while integrating it with regional development.
Tribal Handicrafts and Bamboo Art in Jharkhand
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Tribal Handicrafts and Bamboo Art in Jharkhand
Chhau Dance of Seraikela: UNESCO Heritage and Tradition
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Chhau Dance of Seraikela: UNESCO Heritage and Tradition
Traditional Dance Forms of Jharkhand: Chhau, Paika, Jhumar
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Traditional Dance Forms of Jharkhand: Chhau, Paika, Jhumar
Folk Music and Musical Instruments of Jharkhand
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Folk Music and Musical Instruments of Jharkhand
Tribal Paintings of Jharkhand: Sohrai and Khovar Art
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Tribal Paintings of Jharkhand: Sohrai and Khovar Art
Baha Festival of Santhal Community
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Baha Festival of Santhal Community
Mage Festival and Tusu Parab in Jharkhand
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Mage Festival and Tusu Parab in Jharkhand
Sohrai Festival: Cattle Worship and Wall Painting Tradition
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Sohrai Festival: Cattle Worship and Wall Painting Tradition
Karma Festival: Harvest Celebration of Jharkhand Tribes
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Karma Festival: Harvest Celebration of Jharkhand Tribes
Sarhul Festival: Celebration of Nature and Sal Trees
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Sarhul Festival: Celebration of Nature and Sal Trees
Ho Tribe of Singhbhum: Society and Traditions
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Ho Tribe of Singhbhum: Society and Traditions
Sericulture in Jharkhand: Tasar Silk Production
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Sericulture in Jharkhand: Tasar Silk Production
Archaeological Sites of Jharkhand: Isco, Benisagar, and Vikramshila
Jharkhand JPSC topic: Archaeological Sites of Jharkhand: Isco, Benisagar, and Vikramshila
Neolithic Age in India
The Neolithic Age marked humanity's shift from hunting-gathering to food production, laying the foundation for settled societies. This era, crucial for UPSC, saw the rise of agriculture, animal domestication, and polished stone tools.
Agriculture Minister has Urged Integrated Farming Models for Small Farmers
Context The Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister called upon Agri Scientists to develop Integrated farming models for small farmers. About He mentioned models that integrate poultry, fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture and other agriculture-based cultivation will help small farmers to get better income. He also asked them to reduce the number of years for the varieties and hybrids developed in labs to reach farmers from four to five years to just two years.
Diamond Triangle of Buddhist Sites in Odisha
Context UNESCO has reportedly included three Buddhist heritage sites from Odisha- Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, in India’s tentative list for potential recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. About The tentative list identifies sites that are of outstanding universal value, either culturally or naturally, and suitable for potential inscription in the World Heritage List These sites, collectively known as the ‘Diamond Triangle’, are believed to reflect the spread and evolution of all th
India Opens Monument Conservation to Private Agencies
Context The Union Ministry of Culture is set to allow private agencies to undertake core conservation work at centrally protected monuments, ending the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) exclusive mandate in this domain. Rationale Behind the Decision Capacity Augmentation: Address human resource and expertise limitations of ASI. Time-bound Execution: Private participation enables adherence to strict project timelines.
Deepavali Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Context Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held in New Delhi. About Deepavali Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is celebrated on Kartik Amaavasya, which typically falls in October or November. Residences, thoroughfares, and temples are illuminated with numerous oil lamps.
Abhidhamma Divas
In News The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with Gautam Buddha University (GBU), Antarrashtriya Baudh Shodh Sansthan and the Ministry of Culture celebrated International Abhidhamma Day. Background Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha descended from the celestial realm, Tāvatiṃsa-devaloka, to Sankassiya (now Sankisa Basantapur) in Uttar Pradesh. The Asokan Elephant Pillar, a historical marker at the site, marks this significant event.
Importance of Ahilyabai Holkar
In News Madhya Pradesh is marking the 300th birth anniversary of Maratha queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar with a major state-led campaign. Ahilyabai Holkar Early Life: She was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha-ruled Malwa kingdom in India. She was Born in Chaundi village, Maharashtra, to Mankoji Rao Shinde.
Agriphotovoltaics: Integrating Solar Energy with Agriculture
Context World Solar Day, as observed on 3rd May, highlighted the transformative potential of solar energy, particularly in agriculture. About the Agriphotovoltaics Agriphotovoltaics (APVs) offer a dual solution for food and energy production by integrating solar panels with farming. It maximizes land-use efficiency, allowing crops to grow beneath elevated solar panels while generating electricity.
A New Method to Estimate Helium Abundance in the Sun
Context A recent study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has accurately estimated the abundance of helium in the Sun’s photosphere. Background Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun after hydrogen, playing a vital role in its structure and energy dynamics. To accurately measure its abundance in the Sun’s photosphere has been a long-standing challenge due to the lack of helium spectral lines in the visible range.
World Heritage Day 2025
Context World Heritage Day, also known as the International Monuments and Sites Day, is observed on 18 April every year. Background In 1982, The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) proposed that April 18 should be observed as the World Heritage Day. Later, the date was approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the 22nd General Conference in 1983.
Standing Stones of Mudumal in Telangana
Recently, the Standing Stones of Mudumal, located in Telanganas Narayanpet district, have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.