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Fort William to be renamed as Vijay Durg

Context: In the latest step toward eliminating colonial practices and mindsets within the armed forces, Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Fort William; Vijay Durg.

Major Highlights: 

  • The new name, Vijay Durg, is derived from the oldest fort along the Sindhudurg coast in Maharashtra. It served as a naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji.
  • Additionally, Kitchener House inside Fort William has been renamed Manekshaw House, and South Gate, formerly known as St. George’s Gate is now Shivaji Gate.

About Fort William

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  • Location: It is situated on the banks of Hooghly River, Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • Built: The fort was completed between 1696-1702, by the British East India Company.
  • Construction work started under the supervision of John Goldsborough. 
  • It was named after King William III of England.

The fort was built twice:  

  • Old fort building:
    • Built in 1696 CE. The permission to build the fort at this location was granted by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
    • It was associated with the infamous ‘Black hole tragedy’(1756). In 1756 the then Nawab of Bengal, Siraj Ud Daulah, took over the fort and the city by conquering the British East India Company. 
    • He named the city Alinagar after his grandfather Aliwardi Khan.
  • New Fort Building:
    • Robert Clive along with Admiral Charles Watson took the fort back in 1757. Siraj Ud Daulah was defeated and killed in the Battle of Plassey (1757) and Bengal came entirely under the control of the British East India Company. 
    • The foundation to rebuild the fort was laid in 1758 by Robert Clive (the first British Governor of Bengal).  
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  • The fort also remained as a centre for Indian Ordinance factories since 1775.
  • At present Fort William is the property of the Indian Army and is the headquarters of Eastern Army Command. It has provisions for accommodating 10,000 army personnel. 

Vijaydurg Fort, Maharashtra

  • It is situated in the Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra.
  • This fort was built in the 12th century and was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century.
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  • It is the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty (construction period 1193-1205). 
  • The fort was earlier known as “Gheria”, as it is situated close to the village of “Girye”.
  • Shivaji captured this fort from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1653 and renamed it as “Vijay Durg”.
  • Vijaydurg Fort was called the “Eastern Gibraltar”, as it was virtually impregnable.
  • It served as a naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Gyan Bharatam Mission: Mission for Manuscript Conservation

Context: The Union Budget 2025-26 announced a special mission for the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage, launched as the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’.

Gyan Bharatam Mission

Gyan Bharatam Mission
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
  • Objective: To focus on the survey, documentation and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage. 
  • Coverage: To cover more than one crore manuscripts held by academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.
  • A National Digital Repository of Indian knowledge systems for knowledge sharing will be set up.
  • The mission will be executed under National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), which was launched in 2003.
  • Budget allocation for the NMM has been increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore.
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National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)

  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
  • Establishment: 2003.
  • The Mission has the mandate of identifying, documenting, conserving and making accessible the manuscript heritage of India.
  • Objectives: 
    • Locate manuscripts through national level Survey and Post-Survey.
    • Document each and every manuscript and manuscript repository, for a National Electronic Database.
    • Conserve manuscripts incorporating both modern and indigenous methods of conservation and training a new generation of manuscript conservators.
    • To train the next generation of scholars in various aspects of Manuscript Studies. 
    • To promote access to manuscripts by digitizing the rarest and most endangered manuscripts.
    • To promote access to manuscripts through publication of critical editions of unpublished manuscripts and catalogues.
  • To facilitate the public's engagement with manuscripts through lectures, seminars, publications and other outreach programmes.
  • The National Mission for Manuscripts presently functions as a unit under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). 
  • The NMM uses technology for preservation and digitization of manuscripts. 
  • The digitized manuscripts are uploaded to an online portal (https://www.pandulipipatala.nic.in)
  • Methodologies for preservation: Lamination, restoration, and deacidification of manuscripts.

Challenges before the Mission:

  • Manuscript wealth of India is estimated at around ten million manuscripts and is perhaps the largest collection in the world. Manuscripts are found in a vast number of languages and scripts many of which can no longer be read.
  • Manuscripts are found in different kinds of repositories - ranging from museums, institutions of learning to private homes and houses of worship, big and small.
  • Manuscripts are often found to have been neglected for decades and in very poor physical state - insect ridden, fungus infected or brittle, fading and fragile.
  • Scholars who can study and use manuscripts are fast disappearing and a new generation of scholars is not able to rise to the challenge.
  • Often, the knowledge in manuscripts is not seen as relevant to our times, thus neglected.

Manuscript

  • A manuscript is a handwritten composition on paper, bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf or any other material dating back at least seventy-five years that has significant scientific, historical or aesthetic value.
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  • These writings deal with a wide range of subjects like Veda, Vedanta, Darshan, Ayurveda, Aesthetic, Astronomy, Astrology, Yoga, Vaastu, Mathematics, Linguistics etc.
  • Lithographs (drawing on a flat surface i.e. stone/metal and then transferring the image to paper) and printed volumes are not manuscripts. 
  • Manuscripts are found in hundreds of different languages and scripts.
    • 70% of manuscripts are in the Sanskrit language. 
    • Other 30% of manuscripts are in languages like Assamese, Bengali, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Meithei /Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Newari/ Nepal Bhasa, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Chakma etc.
    • Manuscripts are distinct from historical records such as epigraphs on rocks, firmans, revenue records which provide direct information on events or processes in history. Manuscripts have knowledge content.

Lezim Folk Dance

Context: A scene from the trailer of the upcoming Bollywood film Chhava, based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has led to controversy in Maharashtra. In the scene actor who portrays the king, is seen performing the Lezim (also spelt lazium) folk dance.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Lezium Folk Dance.

Lezim / Lazium / Lezium Folk Dance

  • State: Maharashtra
  • Musical instrument: Lezim, a unique wooden stick, with jingling cymbals attached to it that the dancers carry while performing the dance.
    • Dholki, a drum instrument, is used as the main percussion music in the performance.
  • Performance: 
    • During the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Lezim was a sport played by men to build their muscles.
    • Some of the community preserved this sport and started performing it as a dance performance. It is mainly performed during the Ganesha festival i.e., Ganesh Chaturthi.
    • In the present time, it has become part of physical education drills in schools and colleges in the state.
  • Costume: The dancers wear a traditional costume which consists of a white kurta, pajama and a colorful belt with a colourful turban.
Lezim Folk Dance

Variations of Lezim Dance (Seldom used today)

  • Reedh & Dhanusyasarakhi: A 2.5 feet long bamboo pole, called the Reedh was used which was connected with an iron chain called Dhanusyasarakhi. The primary purpose of using this heavy prop was to exercise and make the body strong.
  • Koyande: A 15-18 inches long wooden pole was used. The pole was hollow from the inside. The hollow part was used to connect a one kg iron chain to the bar by running it through from one end to another. Another 6 inches long chain was connected to the pole called Salaisakhali.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

  • He was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, ruling from 1681 to 1689.
  • He came to power following a bloody succession battle with his half-brother Rajaram in 1681. 
  • The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (1618-1707) was a contemporary.
  • His rule was largely shaped by the wars between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire, as well as other neighbouring powers such as the Abyssinians of Janjira, Wadiyars of Mysore and the Portuguese Empire in Goa.
  • Sambhaji and 25 of his advisors were captured by the Mughal forces of Muqarrab Khan in a skirmish at Sangameshwar (Ratnagiri District) in 1689.
  • Chhatrapati Sambhaji and his minister Kavi Kalash were brought to Tulapur (Pune district), where they were tortured and executed under the orders of Aurangzeb.

Gandhian Ideas and their reflection in Contemporary World

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Questions based on Gandian movements and life of Gandhi. 

Mains: GS-4 question on Gandhian ethics and ideas; Significance for Essay paper. 

About Mahatma Gandhi

  • Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869. He is one of the most prominent freedom fighters associated with the Indian National Movement. 
  • He spent a major portion of his life in South Africa, worked as a lawyer and had significant contributions.

Gandhi’s Initiatives in South Africa

  • Confrontation with Racial Discrimination: Gandhi himself experienced the racial discrimination and raised voice against the policy of Apartheid in South Africa.
  • Formation of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC): Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to unite and advocate for the rights of Indians in South Africa.
  • Civil Rights Advocacy: Gandhi fought against the marriage registration Act that violated the civil rights of Indians.
  • Birth of Satyagraha: Gandhi launched his philosophy of non-violent resistance, Satyagraha in 1906 during the fight against the "Black Act."
  • Indian Opinion Newspaper: He founded the Indian Opinion in 1903 to raise awareness about injustices and mobilise the community.
  • Resistance to Indentured Labor System: Gandhi opposed the exploitation of Indian indentured laborers and advocated for their rights.
  • Campaigns Against Discriminatory Laws: He led peaceful protests, including burning registration certificates, to resist oppressive laws.
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Important Gandhian Movements in India

  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi advocated for the rights of peasants of Champaran, and raised voice against the unjust ‘Tinkathia’ system of indigo plantation.
  • Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918): He demonstrated the tool of hunger strike to secure the Plague bonus for the Ahmedabad mill workers.
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Kheda Satyagraha was led by Gandhi to protest against the oppressive tax increase imposed on peasants despite crop failure and famine conditions.
  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Initiated by Gandhi in response to the Rowlatt Act and the Jalliawalah Bagh Massacre. Later, the movement was called back after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.
  • Ground work and social reform: Gandhi played a crucial role in reforms in village culture, and rural economy; eradication of untouchability, upliftment of the Dalit Community with his organisation- Harijan Sewak Sangh.
  • Civil Disobedience Movement: Gandhi initiated the movement by breaking Salt law and marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in 1930.  
  • Quit India Movement (1942): In response to the failure of Cripps Mission, threat of Japanese invasion during World War II, civil atrocities, and war-led inflation, Gandhi launched Quit India movement on 8 August 1942 with the slogan ‘Do or Die’. 

Gandhian Ideas and their Relevance in present context: 

  • Truth: Gandhi emphasised truth as it is critical for transparency, trust, and accountability in governance, business, and personal relationships.
    • E.g., Whistle blowers like Suchir Balaji who unveiled violations of copyrights by OpenAI upheld the idea of truth.
  • Non-violence: Gandhi advocated for resolving conflicts without violence, whether in personal disputes or political struggles. Challenges like wars, conflicts (Israel-Hamas conflict) and terrorism, make adopting non-violence a key component in the present world. 
  • Sarvodaya: Gandhi's Sarvodaya principle means 'Universal Uplift' or 'Welfare of All', especially the marginalised sections. Inclusive development and policies to reduce inequality reflect Sarvodaya’s principles. E.g., National Food Security Act 2013 for marginalised sections.
  • Self-reliance: Gandhi promoted self-reliance by encouraging the use of locally made goods and rejecting dependency on foreign products. The world is facing issues like neo-colonialism; global issues like CoVID-19 makes self reliance a key.
    • E.g., Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative mirrors Gandhian Swadeshi philosophy. 
  • Decentralisation: Gandhi supported decentralised governance, empowering local communities through self-rule (Gram Swaraj). Decentralisation helps in effective governance and participatory democracy.
    • E.g., 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act devolving powers to Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies. 
  • Simplicity: Gandhi emphasised on the idea of simple living. He quoted, “The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not enough for everyone's greed.” The idea of simplicity aligns with sustainable living by minimising human greed or materialistic desires.
    • E.g., Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) campaign to promote sustainability with simple living. 
  • Trusteeship: Gandhi favoured the idea where the rich hold the wealth as the trustee of vulnerable sections of society. The concept is relevant in the present world due to rising inequalities in the world as 1% individuals hold 90% of wealth.
    • E.g., Corporate social responsibility and District Mining Committees are based on Gandhian trusteeship concept. 

Therefore, Gandhian ideology and values are crucial for sustaining the peaceful coexistence of humankind.

Buddhist excavations in Ratnagiri

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made significant discoveries during ongoing excavations at the historic Ratnagiri Buddhist site in Jajpur district, Odisha. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Ratnagiri Buddhist site. 

Major Highlights: 

  • ASI’s ongoing excavations at the 5th-13th Century Buddhist complex in Ratnagiri  have uncovered many ancient Buddhist artefacts, including:
    • Buddhist monastery complex (the monastery dates back to 8th CE).  
    • Hundreds of votive stupas
    • Colossal Buddha head and sculptural fragments of Buddhist deities, a massive palm.
      • The Buddha head was 3-4 feet tall and the palm was 5 feet.
    • Inscribed stones, pottery, beads, stone pillars
    • An ancient brick wall believed to be part of a larger structure. 
    • Monolithic elephant measuring 5 feet in length and 3.5 feet in height. 
  • Significance:
    • The findings enhance Ratnagiri's 1,200-year legacy and solidifies its status as a cornerstone of Buddhist heritage in Odisha. The site experts believe that Ratnagiri rivaled Nalanda as a centre of Buddhist learning.
    • The current excavation will greatly enhance understanding of the evolution of Buddhism in Odisha and its connections with Southeast Asia.
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Ratnagiri Buddhist Site

  • Ratnagiri (meaning hill of jewels) is the site of a ruined mahavihara (once the major Buddhist monastery) in Odisha. 
  • Location:
    • It is located on a hill between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers in Jajpur district. 
    • It is close to other Buddhist sites in the area, including Lalitagiri (oldest Buddhist monastery in Odisha) and Udayagiri.
    • Ratnagiri is a part of the famous Diamond Triangle of Odisha along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri. 
  • Developed under the patronage of the Bhauma kara dynasty, the site flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre from the 8th to the 11th centuries CE. 
    • Buddhist monuments were constructed from the 5th century CE onwards, with the last work in the 13th century. The peak period is dated between about 7th to 10th CE.
    • Ratnagiri began to decline in the 13th century CE due to invasions by Muslim rulers. Although some activity at the site persisted until the 16th century CE.
  • Key fact: Buddha sculptures discovered in Ratnagiri feature intricate and distinctive hairstyles, not found elsewhere in India. 
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Odisha & Buddhism

  • Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (304-232 BCE) invaded the kingdom of Kalinga (ancient name for Odisha) in 261 BC, which led him to embrace Buddhism. He helped in spreading the religion to Sri Lanka, and Central and Southeast Asia.
  • Even though there was no evidence of Buddha visiting Odisha during his lifetime, Kalinga played a great role in popularising Buddhism especially in Southeast Asia, because of its trade link with the region.
    • Tapassu and Bhallika, the two merchant brothers who became the first disciples of Lord Buddha, have their origins from Utkala (another ancient name of Odisha).
  • Odisha has long enjoyed maritime and trade links with Southeast Asian countries.
    • Pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, silk, camphor, gold, and jewellery were popular items of trade between the ancient kingdom of Kalinga and Southeast Asia.
    • Odisha annually holds Baliyatra, literally ‘voyage to Bali’. It is a seven-day festival to commemorate the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between Kalinga and Bali and other South and Southeast Asian regions such as Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
  • Studies suggest renowned Chinese Buddhist monk and traveller- Hiuen Tsang who visited Odisha (during 638-639 AD) might have visited Ratnagiri. 
  • In Odisha, Buddhism is stated to have particularly flourished under the Bhaumakara dynasty, which ruled parts of the state in between the 8th and 10th Century.

What is Kalaripayattu?

Context: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to exclude Kalaripayattu from the ‘competition section’ of the 38th edition of the National Games. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Questions based on art and culture; National Games and Indian Olympic Association. 

About Kalaripayattu

  • Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, originating over 3,000 years ago in the state of Kerala, India, during the 11th–12th century CE. 
  • It is a combination of physical agility, weapon training, self-defence and spiritual discipline.
  • Terms associated:  
    • Meythari: Body control and posturing resembling animals like lions, snakes and peacocks.
    • Kolthari: Wooden weapon like stick
    • Ankathari: Metal weapons like sword and shield.
    • Verum Kai: Bare-hand combat. 
  • It was included as a demonstrative sport in 2015 National games i.e., 35th edition of National Games.
  • In the 37th edition of the National Games, held in Goa in 2023, Kalaripayattu was part of the competition section.
  • In the 38th edition of National Games, the sport has been demoted to the ‘demonstration section’ from the competition section.
Kalaripayattu

National games: 

  • The National Games of India is a multi-sport event that is held to promote India and bring together various athletes from various states.
  • Indian Olympic Association is the primary organising body for the national games. 
  • The 38th edition of National Games in 2025 will be hosted by Uttarakhand, set to begin from January 28, 2025.

Makaravilakku Festival

Context: Makaravilakku was celebrated at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, coinciding with Makara Sankranti on 14th January 2025. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Makaravilakku Festival; Sabarimala Temple. 

About Makaravilakku Festival

  • Makaravilakku is an annual festival held in Kerala at the Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
  • The festival marks the culmination of a rigorous 41-day pilgrimage (which begins in mid-November and ends on Makara Sankranti) to honor Lord Ayyappa.
  • On this day, Lord Ayyappa is believed to have manifested in the form of a divine light, marking the arrival of prosperity and happiness.
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Rituals:

  • 41-Day Pilgrimage (Vratham): 
    • Devotees who wish to participate in the Makaravilakku festival must observe a 41-day vratham which has strict conduct like celibacy, fasting, and wearing black or saffron clothing. 
    • The pilgrimage represents a period of self-purification, discipline, and devotion.
  • Makara Jyothi (divine light):
    • Makaravilakku or Makara Jyothi is one of the central elements of the festival.  
    • It is believed to be the divine light (symbolic presence) of Lord Ayyappa, and it appears at a specific spot near the temple in the evening. 
  • Grand Thiruvabharanam procession:
    • On Makaravilakku day, the sacred Thiruvabharanam, the royal ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried by a procession that moves from the Pandalam Palace to the Sabarimala temple, accompanied by chanting and music. 
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About Sabarimala Temple

  • Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Shasta.
  • According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ayyappa is the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (Vishnu in his incarnation as Mohini). 
  • It is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimate of over 10 to 15 million devotees visiting every year. 
  • The temple practices prohibit the women between the ages of 10 and 50 years from accessing the temple premises.
    • In 2018, the Supreme Court of India invalidated the prohibition on female entry inside the temple. 

Geographical location: 

  • Location: Sabarimala hill, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. 
  • The temple is surrounded by 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
  • The temple is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
  • Pamba River (Pampa River/ Dakshina Bhageerathi) is one of the longest river in Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha.
  • During ancient times, it was called 'River Baris'. 

Gangasagar Mela

Context: The state government of West Bengal announced new initiatives to attract pilgrims to Gangasagar Mela. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about the Gangasagar Mela. 

Major Highlights:

  • The slew of initiatives announced by the state government include:
    • participation certificate for pilgrims participating in the annual pilgrimage.
    • e-Anushandhan (pilgrims can access facilities at the mela ground)
    • e-Parichay (QR code-enabled identity band) to prevent missing people in the mela crowd. 
  • The state government has been pushing for a “national mela” status for the Gangasagar Mela for several years.
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About Gangasagar Mela

  • Gangasagar Mela (Gangasagar Yatra) It is an annual religious festival held on Sagar Island in the state of West Bengal.
  • It is held at the confluence of the Ganga with the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal.
    • Travelling a distance of approximately 2,525 km from Gangotri (the originating place), Ganga ends her journey in Sagar Island where it merges with Bay of Bengal.
  • The festival typically starts a few days before Makar Sankranti and concludes shortly after.
    • Makar Sankranti is a highly auspicious occasion in Hinduism, marked by the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rashi). 
  • Rituals:
    • Devotees participate in rituals such as taking a holy dip in the Ganga, offering "Arghya" (water) to the Sun God and performing "Deepdan" (lighting lamps), seeking liberation (moksha) and spiritual upliftment.
    • It is considered the second-largest religious gathering in India, following the Kumbh Mela.
  • Religious significance: It is believed that a dip in the Ganga at Sagar Island during this auspicious time is equivalent to the merit of performing 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas (a grand Vedic ritual).

Historical mention of the Fair

  • Gangasagar is mentioned in the Mahabharata's Vana Parva, which provides proof of the existence of the pilgrimage site in 1500–2000 BC.
    • According to the Mahabharata, Kapilmuni - the progenitor of Samkhya philosophy, had an ashram at Gangasagara. 
  • Gangasagar pilgrimage is also mentioned in Raghuvaṃśa, a Sanskrit epic poem written by the great poet Kalidasa in the fifth century AD.
  • King Devapala of the Pala dynasty mentions in an inscription that he performed rituals at the confluence of the Gangasagar. 

Mystery of the Indus Valley Script

Context: The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the script of the Indus Valley Civilisation. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Indus Valley Civilisation and Indus Valley Script. 

About Indus Valley Civilisation

  • In 1924, Sir John Marshall announced the discovery of the Bronze Age culture  or Harappan Civilization in the valley of the Indus between c. 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE.
  • IVC flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia, primarily in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Key archaeological sites include:
    • Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan): One of the first sites to be excavated, giving its name to the civilisation.
    • Mohenjo-daro (Sindh, Pakistan): Known for its advanced urban planning and the Great Bath.
    • Dholavira (Gujarat, India): Notable for its unique water conservation system.
    • Lothal (Gujarat, India): An important port city with a dockyard.
    • Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India): One of the largest Harappan sites.
Indus Valley Civilisation

Indus Valley Script: 

  • Harappan script is largely undeciphered. Attempts have been made to compare it with the contemporary scripts of Mesopotamia and Egypt, but it is the indigenous product of the Indus region and does not indicate any connection with the scripts of western Asia. 
  • Key Features: 
    • Short inscriptions: Indus inscriptions are very short – with only about five characters on average – with the longest having only 26 characters.
    • Boustrophedon script: Harappan script is boustrophedon, i.e., it is written from right to left on one line and then from left to right in the next line. 
    • Pictographic script: The Harappan script is not alphabetical but largely pictographic. There are about 250 to 400 pictographs in the form of a picture; each letter stands for some sound, idea, or object. 
  • There are nearly 4000 specimens of Harappan writing on stone seals and other objects.
    • Unlike the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, the Harappans did not write long inscriptions. 
    • Most inscriptions were recorded on seals and contain only a few words. These seals may have been used by the proprietors to mark and identify their private property. 
image 65

Modhweth Festival

Context: Members of the Toda tribe in the Nilgiris district gather around a ‘Moonpo’ (head) temple in the Muthanad mund (village) in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) .

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Modhweth Festival; Toda Tribe. 

About Modhweth Festival

Modhweth Festival
  •  Modhweth Festival is the most important festival of the Toda tribe. 
  • The yearly festival is celebrated at the Moonpo temple in Muthanadu Mund (village) in the Nilgiri district, during the last Sunday of December or on the first Sunday of January.
    • Moonpo temple is an ancient temple known for its vertical spire made of thatched roof with a flat stone on top.
    • The temple is unique in that it is one of the last of the Toda temples with a similar design left in the Nilgiris. 
    • Toda men from 14 different clans living in different villages in the upper slopes of the Nilgiris come to the village to celebrate the festival. The temple draws not just Todas but also other tourists.
  • As part of the celebrations, the Todas offer prayers to the deity, Thenkish Amman, and perform a dance outside the temple. They pray to the deity to give good health, rains and harvests during the coming year.
  • The celebrations culminate with Toda youth lifting a greased boulder, weighing around 80 kg, to showcase their strength, balance and masculinity. 
  • As is the custom with most Toda rituals, women were excluded from taking part in the celebrations.

About Toda Tribe

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  • Toda is a pastoral Dravidian tribe living in Nilgiri region of Tamil Nadu state. 
  • Todas traditionally live in settlements called mund, consisting of three to seven small thatched houses, constructed in the shape of half-barrels and located across the slopes of the pasture, on which they keep domestic buffalo. 
  • Toda lands are now a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO designated International Biosphere Reserve and their territory is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Their sole occupation is cattle-herding and dairy-work. The Todas are vegetarians and do not eat meat, eggs that can hatch, or fish.
  • Toda religious life and practices stem from a pantheon of gods. The heads of this pantheon are the goddess Tökisy and the god of the underworld Ön.
  • Toda language belongs to the Dravidian language family.
  • Todas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tamil Nadu. 

Jallikattu

Context: Tamil Nadu’s first Jallikattu of 2025 was held at Thatchankurichi village, Pudukottai district, marking the beginning of the bull-taming season in the state ahead of Pongal festivities. Twenty people were injured at the end of the event.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Jallikattu. 

About Jallikattu

Jallikattu
  • Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport from Tamil Nadu, also known with the other names like Sallikkattu, Eru Taḻuvuṭal and Manju-virattu. 
  • In this event, a zebu bull such as the Pulikulam or Kangayam breeds, is released into a crowd of people (not teams), and many people attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. They hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, they must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns.
  • Etymology: Term  or sallikattu is derived from salli ('coins') and kattu ('package'), which refers to a prize of coins that is tied to the bull's horns and that participants attempt to retrieve.
  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Duration of the year: January (during Pongal)

History of the Event

  • Inception: around 6th-1st century BCE (Sangam period)
  • It began during the Sangam period when Ayar tribal people living in Mullai region (dense forest) of Tamil Nadu started playing this sport. 
  • A cave painting in white kaolin was discovered near Madurai, depicting a lone man trying to control a bull, is estimated to be about 1,500 years old.
  • Legal backing: In May 2023: A five judge Constitution Bench dismissed petitions challenging constitutionality of Jallikattu and upheld the validity Tamil Nadu laws protecting the sport.

National Maritime Heritage Complex

Context: The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), envisaged to be one of the largest maritime complexes in the world, is under construction near Lothal in Gujarat.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about National Maritime Heritage Complex; Lothal. 

About National Maritime Heritage Complex

  • National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is an under construction tourism complex near Lothal, Gujarat.
  • Spread over 400 acres, the complex will present the maritime history & heritage of India covering 4500 years.
  • Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway.
  • Project components of NMHC include NMHC museum; Open Aquatic Gallery, Lighthouse Museum, Bagicha Complex, Coastal State Pavilions and Recreation of Lothal city, Eco resorts and Museuotel, Theme based parks, Maritime research institute etc.
  • The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) will construct the World's tallest light house in the complex.

Vision of this complex

Mission

  • To develop a world class and unique in its nature complex, highlighting the historic maritime legacy of the country.
  • Comprehensive integration of past, present, and future maritime activities with an integrated network of components.
  • Sustainable strategies to respond to the local environment.
  • Edutainment through interactive and experiential playful exploration of objects for holistic learning.

About Lothal IVC site

Historical Significance

  • Lothal was an ancient maritime port city of the Indus Valley Civillisation, dating back 4500 years.
  • Location: Ahmedabad district, Gujarat (80 km southwest of Ahmedabad).
  • The name "Lothal" combines two Gujarati words, Loth and Thal, meaning "the mound of the dead."
  • It flourished as a thriving trading port during 3700 BCE, linked to ancient trade routes from Sindh to Saurashtra.
image 200

Archaeological Discoveries

  • Excavations (1955–1960) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered the world’s oldest known artificial dock, connected to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
  • Key features include:
    • Acropolis and Lower Town
    • Bead Factory and Warehouses
    • Advanced Drainage System
    • Unearthed canals and dockyards highlight its significance as a trading hub.

Global Connections

  • Artefacts suggest trade links with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.
  • An entire township with markets and docks showcases the city’s advanced urban planning.

Artefacts and Museum

  • The Archaeological Museum near the site displays:
    • Jewellery, pottery, seals, religious symbols.
    • Everyday objects that reflect the daily life and craftsmanship of the time.
image 201

UNESCO Nomination

Archaeological Legacy

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