Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Arichal Munai, the starting point of the Ram Setu.
About Ram Setu
Adam's Bridge also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of natural limestone shoals between Pamban Island (Rameswaram Island) of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island of Sri Lanka.
The feature is 48 km long and separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk.
Some regions of the bridge are dry, and the sea in the area rarely exceeds 1 meter in depth, making it quite difficult for boats to pass over it.
Etymology
The ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana (8th century BCE–3rd century CE) mentions a bridge constructed by the god Rama to reach the island Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from Ravana.
In popular belief, Lanka is equated to present-day Sri Lanka and the bridge is described as "Rama's Setu".
Geological Evolution
The lack of comprehensive field studies explains many of the uncertainties regarding the nature and origin of Adam's Bridge.
It mostly consists of a series of parallel ledges of sandstone and conglomerates that are hard at the surface and grow coarse and soft as they descend to sandy banks.
The Marine and Water Resources Group of the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) concludes that Adam's Bridge comprises 103 small patch reefs.
One study tentatively concludes that there is insufficient evidence to indicate eustatic emergence and that the raised reef in southern India probably results from a local uplift.
Transport Corridor
Due to shallow waters, Adam's Bridge presents a formidable hindrance to navigation through the Palk Strait.
In 2005, the government of India approved a multi-million-dollar Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project.
This project aims to create a ship channel across the Palk Strait by dredging the shallow ocean floor near Dhanush Kodi.
The channel is expected to cut over 400 km (nearly 30 hours of shipping time) off the voyage around the island of Sri Lanka.
This proposed channel's current alignment requires dredging through Adam's Bridge.
Various organisations oppose dredging through the shoal on religious grounds.
Some organizations oppose this project on economic and environmental grounds and claim that proper scientific studies were not conducted before undertaking this project.
Context: In Ganga River basin the pivotal Ramayana narrative is the 16th-century Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsidas, written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the existence of numerous Ramayanas beyond the Hindi belt, crafted over the last 2,000 years, each deserving equal respect.
Introduction:
Multiple versions of the Indian Hindu epic poem, the Ramayana, are known to exist.
The oldest among them is widely acknowledged to be the Sanskrit version known as the Mula Ramayana, attributed to the sage Narada.
Narada passed down this knowledge to Valmiki, who then authored the Valmiki Ramayana, which is currently considered the oldest available version of the epic.
The core themes of the original Ramayana transcend linguistic boundaries, finding expression in diverse regional cultures and artistic forms.
Influences:
Portrayal of the epic in the Lkhaon Khmer dance theatre in Cambodia.
Ramanattam and Kathakali of Kerala.
Mappila Songs of the Muslims in Kerala and Lakshadweep.
Paintings adorning the walls of Thailand's Wat Phra Kaew palace temple.
In Indonesia, the Ramayana tales are reflected in traditional dance performances such as Sendratari Ramayana and Kecak.
Diverse adaptations of the Ramayana, each reflecting unique cultural perspectives:
Andhra Pradesh:
Sri Ranganatha Ramayanam by Gona Budda Reddy (1300-1310 CE).
Srimadramayana Kalpavrikshamu by Sri Viswanatha Satyanarayana, awarded the first Jnanpith award in Telugu.
Assam: Assamese Saptakanda Ramayana by Madhava Kandali (14th century).
Bengal:
Krittivasi Ramayan by Krittibas Ojha (15th century).
Ramananda Ghosh's 18th-century translation depicted Rama as an avatar of Buddha;
Odisha:
The 15th-century Odia Dandi Ramayana mentions Ram enjoying mangoes provided by a tribal woman, later transforming into the widely known story of Shabari's berries in the 18th-century Bhakti-rasa-prabodhini.
Bihar:
Mithila Bhasha Ramayana by Chanda Jha.
Rameshwar Charit Mithila by Lal Das.
Gujarat: Tulsi-Krta Ramayana, a Gujarati adaptation by Premanand Swami (17th century).
Karnataka:
Kumudendu Ramayana (Jain version)
Ramachandra Charita Purana by Nagachandra (12th century).
Kerala:
Ramacharitam, based on Yuddha Kanda, by Cheeraman (12th century);
Mappila Ramayanam among the Muslims.
Maharashtra: Bhavartha Ramayana by Sant Eknath (16th century).
Uttar Pradesh (Awadh): Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas (16th century).
Tamil Nadu:
Kamba Ramayanam by poet Kamban (12th century), a popular Tamil version.
7th-century Tamil songs of Alwar poet-saints portray Ram playfully trying to straighten Manthara's humped back as a child.
Persian: A Persian version commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1558–1590, known as the Ramayana of Akbar.
Urdu: An Urdu version called the Pothi Ramayana was written in 1776.
Versions in Other Indian Religions:
Jainism:
Paumachariyam, a Jain version, asserts that all characters in the Ramayana were mere mortals.
Characters depicted as Jains; Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana visit Jain pilgrimage sites.
Ravana is not killed by Rama in the Jain version.
Buddhist Version of Ramayana:
Dasharatha was king of Benares, not Ayodhya.
This version does not feature Sita's kidnapping or the Ram-Ravan war.
Dasarata Jataka, notable for regarding Rama as a bodhisattva.
Characters in the Ramayana are considered mere mortals in conflict over moral issues.
Sikh Version:
Mention of two sorts of Ramayana in the highest Sikh text.
Spiritual Ramayana in Guru Granth Sahib, where Ravana represents ego, Sita represents intellect, Rama represents the inner Self, and Laxman represents attention.
Guru Granth Sahib acknowledges Dashavatara as monarchs who restored order to the earth.
King Rama (Ramchandra) is mentioned, but no Guru authored a full Ramayana.
Various versions outside India:
Japan: Known as Ramaenna or Ramaensho.
Cambodia: Reamker is the local adaptation.
Indonesia: In Bali, there is Ramakavaca; Java features Kakawin Ramayana and Yogesvara Ramayana; Sumatra presents Ramayana Swarnadwipa.
Thailand: The local version is called Ramakien.
Nepal: Siddhi Ramayana (Nepal Bhasa) and Bhanubhaktako Ramayan (Nepali language).
Context: A new Mass General Brigham study suggests that daily Multivitamin supplements improve memory and slow cognitive ageing in older adults. In a meta-analysis of 5,000 participants, including more than 500 who underwent in-person assessments over two years, multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition.
Alzheimer’s disease:
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. It is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioural and social skills that affect a person’s ability to function independently.
Causes: The disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells.
One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells.
The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.
Symptoms: Early signs include forgetting recent events/conversations. Later, the person will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks. In the advanced stages, complications from severe loss of brain function result in death.
Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but certain medications can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms.
Panama Canal is a man made waterway in Panama connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
It is 82 km long and has been constructed by digging up the Isthmus of Panama connecting North America and South America continents.
The Panama Canal is not dug at sea level but above sea level to save on the drilling cost. Panama Canal is made up of a system of locks that raises the ship to the level of Gatun Lake (26 meters above sea level). In addition, the water that feeds our Canal is fresh, because it comes mainly from this lake, and this determines the draft along its channel.
The Canal locks at each end lift ships up to Gatun Lake, an artificial freshwater lake 26 m above sea level created by damming up the Chagres River and Lake Alajuela to reduce the amount of excavation work required for the canal, and then lower the ships at the other end. An average of 200,000,000 litres of fresh water are used in a single passing of a ship.
Note: Suez Canal has been dug at Sea level. Thus, the Suez Canal never faces the risk of drying up as it is fed by ocean water that moves in the Suez Canal at sea level.
Panama Canal is a key conduit for international maritime trade. It has been a major thoroughfare for international trade for over 100 years, connecting nearly 2,000 ports in 170 countries.
Drought in Panama: Since the start of 2023, traffic through the canal has slowed down due to a prolonged drought that has diminished the amount of available water used to fill the canal locks, which require 101,000 cubic metres of water to fill. The water is drawn from the nearby lakes.
About Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube - BHISHM
It is a cube which will function as world's first portable hospital.
This cube is a part of the broader initiative named “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri to develop a world-class disaster hospital.
It is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasizing rapid response and comprehensive care.
It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools such as a mini-ICU, an operation theatre, cooking station, food, water, a power generator, blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, and more, designed to enhance disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
The whole unit contains 72 easily transportable components that can be conveniently carried by hand, cycle, or even drone, providing unmatched flexibility.
In the face of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), where requirements range from basic aid to advanced medical and surgical care, the Aid Cube stands out with its ability to be deployed within 12 minutes.
These cubes are robust, waterproof, and light, designed for various configurations, making them ideal for diverse emergency scenarios. From airdrops to ground transportation, the cube can be rapidly deployed anywhere, ensuring immediate response capability.
Two such ‘Aarogya Maitri’ mother cubes combine to form a “brick” to complete the kit. The design of these cubes draws inspiration from the “Rubik’s Cube.
The original design was given by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad in 1988. The Sompura family for at least 15 generations has contributed to temple designs of over 100 temples worldwide. Example: Somnath Temple
In 2022, a new design was prepared by the Sompuras, as per the Hindu texts, the Vastu Shastra and the Shilpa Shastra.
The Ram mandir will be 250 feet wide, 380 feet long and 161 feet high.
Predominantly designed in the Gurjara-Chaulukya (Maru-Gurjara) style of Nagara style of architecture.
Main structure will be built on a raised platform with three storeys.
The temple will have five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and on the entrance passage.
It will consist of a total of 366 columns and these columns will have 16 idols each to include the incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the 64 Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati.
Sandstone from Baansi in Rajasthan will be used.
Iron will not be used in the construction of the temple and the fusion of stone blocks with copper plates will be done.
Thailand is also symbolically contributing to the inauguration of the temple, by sending soil to the Ram Janmabhoomi. Prior to this the country has also sent water from two rivers in Thailand to honour the temple.
Maru-Gurjara Architecture or Solanki style: The style originated from that of the dynasties preceding the Solanki dynasty, mainly the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Reached zenith from the 11th to 13th centuries, under the Chalukya dynasty of Gujarat (Solanki dynasty). Although originated as a regional style in Hindu temple architecture, it became popular in Jain temples. Features:Curvilinear ShikharaFree standing Kirti ToranaKunda or a temple tankHeavy carvings on ceilings of MandapaHigh plinths Balconies looking out on multiple side
Nagara style of temple architecture:
Emerged sometime in the 5th century CE, during the late Gupta period, in Northern India.
Seen in juxtaposition with the Dravidian style of southern India, which too emerged in the same period.
Nagara and Dravida may be called ‘Styles’, but they cover vast areas and time spans.
Different sub-schools emerged in western, central and eastern parts of the country.
Features of Nagara Temple Architecture
Panchayatana style of temple making: Consisting of subsidiary shrines laid out in a crucified ground plan with respect to the principal shrine.
Garbha-Griha (sanctum sanctorum): Idol of the deity is placed and is most sacred part of the temple. Images of the river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, are placed outside the garbhagriha.
Assembly halls or mandaps, in front of the principal shrine.
Unlike Dravida temples, water tanks or reservoirs are not present in the temple premises.
Built on upraised platforms.
Shikharas: These are human-made representations of the natural and cosmological order, as imagined in Hindu tradition.
Depending on the period and geography, there is a large variation in what a shikhara looks like, or how it is used in a temple’s design.
Types of Shikharas:
Latina or rekha-prasad: Square at the base and the walls curve inward to a point on the top.
Phamsana: Broader base and were shorter in height than the Latina ones; Slope upwards on a straight line.
Valabhi: Rectangular base with the roof rising into vaulted chambers; Emerged in the Gupta heartland.
Bhumija: Miniature spires, in horizontal and vertical rows; Created a grid-like effect on each face.
Amalaka (horizontal fluted disc): At the vertical end of the shikhara.
Kalash: In spherical shape on top.
Vertical planes:
Triratha temples.
Later, pancharatha, saptaratha and even navaratha temples came into existence.
Used as different panels to make narrative sculptures.
Covered Ambulatory passageway (Pradakshina-path): Around the sanctum sanctorum.
Temple premises did not have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.
Regional schools of Nagara Style
Central India/ Khajuraho school or Chandela School
Chandelas in the centre of India around 1000 AD created this style of templeconstruction known as the Khajuraho School or Chandela School.
It is made of sandstone.
Generally north or east facing.
These are relatively modest-looking shrines each having four pillars that support a small mandapa which looks like a simple square porch-like extension before an equally small room that serves as the garbhagriha.
This temple is in the panchayatana style.
The presence of this curving latina or rekha-prasada type of shikhara also makes it clear that this is an early example of a classic nagara style of temple.
Examples: Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeo temple, in Madhya Pradesh
Kandariya Mahadeo temple, Khajuraho
Western India/Solanki Style
There are two schools that developed in Gujarat & Rajasthan these are Solanki school in Gujarat and Jain Temples in Mount Abu.
Gujarat School
The stone used to build the temples ranges in colour and type with sandstone being the most common construction material employed.
Presence of a hundred-square-metre rectangular pond(suryakund).
A huge ornamental arch-torana leads one to the sabha mandapa (the assembly hall) which is open on all sides.
Example: Sun temple, Modhera, Gujarat
Rajasthan School
Use of white marble.
The walls of the central small shrine are devoid of carving and are left plain as the temple faces the east.
The ornamental detail spreads over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels.
Example: Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu
East India Temple Architecture
There are three schools that developed in east India these are Assam, Bengal and Odisha School.
Assam School of Temple Architecture
It appears that terracotta was the main medium of construction. The temple consists of four chambers:
garbhagriha and,
three mandapas locally called Calanta, Pancaratna and Natamandira.
The style that came with the migration of the Tais from Upper Burma mixed with the dominant Pala style of Bengal and led to the creation of the Ahom style in and around Guwahati.
Bengal School of Temple Architecture
Bengal witnessed a temple building spree from the late 15th century.
Temple architecture in Bengal got inspired from the double-roofed (dochala) or four-roofed (chauchala) structure of thatched huts in villages, which housed local deities.
Dochala (two-roofed style)
Chauchala (four-roofed style)
Temples were usually built on a square platform.
Interior of the temples were relatively plain, but the outer walls of these temples were decorated with paintings, ornamental tiles or terracotta tablets.
In the Bishnupur group of temples in Bankura district of West Bengal, such decorations reached a high degree of excellence.
This style also incorporated elements of the dome and multilobe arch of Islamic architecture.
Elements of Bengal Temple architecture were adopted outside Bengal as well.
Odisha School of Temple Architecture
The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula.
The former two are associated with Vishnu, Surya and Shiva temples while the third is mainly with Chamunda and Durga temples.
Also known as Kalinga School
The main architectural features of Odisha temples are classified in three orders, i.e., rekhapida, pidhadeul and khakra.
The Architecture, basically a temple is made in two parts, a tower and a hall.
The tower is called deula and hall is called Jagmohan.
The walls of both the deula and the Jagmohan are lavishly sculpted with architectural motifs and a profusion of figures.
The most repeated form is the horseshoe shape, which has come from the earliest times, starting with the large windows of the chaitya-grihas. It is dual or deula which makes three distinct types of temples in Kalinga Architecture.
These temples usually have boundary walls.
Jagannath Puri, Odisha
Temple Architecture in Hills
There are two schools that developed in Himalayan region of India these are Kumaon,Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir School.
Kumaon School
The central tower is surrounded by four smaller towers on each side.
The main entrance is located at the front of the central tower, while several other entrances are located at each of its sides.
These entrances are all decorated with intricate carvings depicting various scenes from mythology.
The main entrance faces east
The main temple complex includes four large halls or mandapas.
Jageshwar in Almora, Uttarakhand
Himachal School
Wooden buildings
It looks like a hut, with an intricately carved wooden entrance, interior and ceiling.
Laksna Devi Mandir, Himachal Pradesh
Kashmir School of Temple Architecture
Wooden buildings with pitched roofs.
The main garbhagriha and shikhara are made in a rekha-prasada or latina style, the mandapa is of an older form of wooden architecture.
Pandrethan temple is built on a plinth built in the middle of a tank.
The temple is moderately ornamented.
Pandrethan temple or Pani Mandir, Badami bagh, Srinagar
