Welcome to our monthly current affairs update for September 2023. In this ever-changing world, staying informed about the latest events, trends, and developments is crucial. This month, we’ll take you on a journey through the most significant and noteworthy happenings across the globe. From politics to technology, from culture to the environment, we’ll cover it all. Join us as we explore the stories shaping our world and the issues that demand our attention. Our goal is to provide you with a concise and insightful overview of the events that are shaping our times, enabling you to engage in informed conversations and make well-informed decisions. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the whirlwind of current affairs for this month.
Paryushan 2023
In News:
Recently, Paryushan Parva 2023 has been celebrated by the Jain community.
About:
- Paryushan is one of the most important festivals of Jain community people.
- Digambar and Shwetambar both celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and happiness.
- It takes place in the month of Bhadrapada (August or September in the Gregorian calendar) of the Jain calendar.
- The festival is believed to have originated in the 6th century BC when the Jain teacher Mahavira taught his followers to abstain from violence and to focus on spiritual purity.
- During this auspicious festival, people encourage each other to follow the path of spirituality. This festival is also known as the festival of forgiveness.
Significance:
- For both Shvetambara, who observe the ritual over eight days, and Digambars, for whom the festival lasts 10 days, this is a time for introspection, reflection, and purification.
- It is a time for spiritual growth, with fasting, meditation, and purification rituals. Devotees attend speeches, practice non-violence, and seek forgiveness for their sins.
- Five Duties of Paryushan include Samvatsari (forgiveness and reconciliation), Keshlochan (introspection and self-improvement), Pratikraman (seeking forgiveness for past wrongdoings), Penance (commitment to spiritual growth), and self-criticism and apology for past mistakes.
Santiniketan
In News:
Recently, Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan was declared as a Unesco World Heritage.
About
- The UNESCO World Heritage designation acknowledges the cultural and educational significance of Santiniketan, preserving its unique architectural heritage and raising global awareness of Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy.
- Santiniketan had its origins as an ashram established by Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, with the vision of creating a sanctuary for meditation and fostering unity among people, regardless of their caste or creed.
- The architectural style of Santiniketan represents a departure from the British colonial and European modernist influences of the early 20th century.
- It draws inspiration from ancient, medieval, and folk traditions across Asia, embracing a form of pan-Asian modernity.
- Architectural structures of Santiniketan, dating back to the 19th century, bear historical significance in the founding of Santiniketan and its association with the universal spirit, symbolizing a revival of religious ideals in Bengal and India.
Items Representing Indian Cultural Traditions Gifted to G-20 Leaders
Moodbidri
In News:
Ancient terracotta figurines were found during archaeological explorations at the megalithic dolmen site near Moodbidri.
About archaeological Finding
- Recent archaeological excavations near Moodbidri in the Dakshina Kannada district have yielded a remarkable find related to the Megalithic Dolmen site.
- This discovery comprises a collection of unique terracotta figurines that offer valuable insights into the study of the Bhoota cult or Daiva Aradhane. These figurines have been determined to date back to the period of 800-700 B.C.
- The assortment of figurines discovered in this excavation includes depictions of various subjects, such as cow bovines, a mother goddess, peacocks, a horse, and more.
- These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
About Moodbidri
- Moodbidri, located in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, is a town and taluk situated 34 kilometers northeast of the district headquarters, Mangalore.
- The name “Moodbidri” is derived from the presence of abundant bamboo in the area during ancient times, reflecting its historical significance and the natural resources that once thrived there.
Maritime trade route between India and Europe
In News:
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced at the G20 Summit, traces its historical roots to an ancient maritime trade route connecting the Indian subcontinent and Europe.
Red Sea Route:
- It refers to an ancient maritime trade route that connected India with the Roman Empire through the Red Sea.
- This route facilitated the exchange of various goods, including luxuries like spices, ivory, pearls, gemstones, and pepper from India to the Roman Empire.
- The trade between Rome and India during antiquity was established by early excavations. Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s work at Arikamedu in the 1930s and 40s confirmed the existence of Indo-Roman trade in the 1st century CE.
- Ongoing archaeological excavations, such as those at Muziris in Kerala and Berenike in Egypt, continue to yield new evidence.
- Recent estimates, supported by the Muziris Papyrus, reveal the immense scale of the Red Sea trade. Custom taxes on goods from India, Persia, and Ethiopia possibly contributed up to one-third of the Roman exchequer’s income.
- The Muziris Papyrus detailed a cargo’s value, highlighting its enormous worth, with one cargo alone being equivalent to the purchase of premium farmland in Egypt or a prestigious estate in central Italy.
- The import tax collected on this cargo alone exceeded two million sesterces. Extrapolating from these figures, Indian imports into Egypt were likely worth over a billion sesterces annually, with tax authorities generating 270 million sesterces.
- The Romans had a great demand for Indian luxuries, including perfumes, ivory, pearls, gemstones, and exotic animals like elephants and tigers. Pepper, India’s major export, was particularly sought after, finding its way into Roman cuisine.
- The flow of goods from Rome to India was limited, with gold being a prominent export. Roman wine was one notable exception, appreciated by Indians.
Pre-Common Era Trade:
- Evidence suggests the existence of an Indian diaspora in the Middle East during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300-1300 BCE). This early trade was coastal and involved smaller quantities of goods.
- The trade expanded significantly during Roman times, facilitated by large cargo ships directly connecting the subcontinent and the Roman Empire.
- The conquest of Egypt by the Romans in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE opened up the route to India, leading to a substantial increase in trade.
Organization and Duration of Journeys:
- Highly Organized Trade: Contracts were established between Indian merchants in Kerala and shippers in Alexandria. Goods were transported in containers, similar to modern practices, with references to insurance.
- Understanding Monsoons: Indians recognized the monsoon winds’ seasonal patterns, enabling them to navigate the route efficiently. The journey to Egypt took approximately six to eight weeks, depending on favorable wind conditions.
- Extended Stays: The Indian diaspora rented houses in Egyptian ports while waiting for wind patterns to shift, allowing for the integration of Indian culture into these regions.
- Evidence suggests that Indian dynasties were interested in seafaring, as depicted in Ajanta paintings and early Indian coin designs featuring ships.
- Graffiti left by Indian sailors, primarily Gujaratis from Barigaza (modern-day Bharuch), has been discovered in the Hoq caves on the island of Socotra, emphasizing their active participation in the trade network.
Comparing with the Silk Road:
- Indian Centrality: The ancient economic and cultural hub of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and its ports played a central role in maritime East-West exchange. The concept of the “Silk Road” is relatively recent and inaccurately portrays the ancient trade routes.
- Historical Invisibility: The Silk Road concept was coined in the late 19th century and did not exist in ancient or medieval times. It gained popularity in the 20th century, fostering romanticized ideas about East-West connectivity.
- Recent Politicization: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative has politicized the Silk Road, making it a central component of Chinese foreign policy.
Tribes India pavilion (G20)
In News:
Recently, The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have been showcasing a wide range of traditional tribal art, artifacts, paintings, and many more at the ‘Tribes India’ pavilion as part of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi’s Crafts Bazaar.
About:
- The Tribes India pavilion at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi showcases a diverse range of tribal arts and crafts, including:
Pithora Art:
- It is a ritualistic painting characterized by animated figures and lavish use of color.
- These paintings are done by the Rathwa, Bhilala, Naik, and Bhil tribes of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
- The paintings speak of the social, cultural, and mythological life and beliefs of the tribals.
- The paintings are a medium of propitiation, thanksgiving, and commemoration of auspicious occasions.
- Padma Shri awardee Shri Paresh Rathwa is a renowned artist of Pithora art.
- Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh, known for its Intricate and colorful design.
- Saura painting by artisans from Odisha, is known for its distinct style.
- Angora and Pashmina shawls from the high altitudes of Leh-Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, are known for their high quality.
- The colorful jewelry by the Konyak tribes of Nagaland appeases the eye.
- Maheshwari silk sarees from Madhya Pradesh: It is worn during religious functions and auspicious events.
- Dhokra jewellery:
- It is carved out of molten metals, beads, colorful glass pieces, and wooden balls.
- Tribal artisans from West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are the architects of these pieces of intrinsic art.
Shiva’s Nataraja form
In News:
Recently, the 27-foot-tall ‘Nataraja’ statue made of ‘Ashtadhatu’ was installed at the Bharat Mandapam where the G20 summit is held.
About:
- This magnificent statue made of ‘Ashtadhatu’ (eight-metal alloy) was crafted by sculptors from Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu, India, and is inspired by three revered Nataraja idols from Chola temples.
- Weighing about 18 tonnes, it was hauled across the country on a 36-wheel trailer.
- The design of the Nataraja statue draws inspiration from three revered Nataraja idols in prominent South Indian temples:
- Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.
- Uma Maheswarar Temple in Konerirajapuram.
- Brihadeeswara (Big) Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nataraja form of Shiva:
- The Nataraja form of Shiva, as a cosmic dancer, became iconic under the Cholas and is renowned for its intricate bronze sculptures.
- Shiva’s dance represents the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction (Srishti, Sthiti, and Samhara).
- The dance also signifies the passage of time, from creation to dissolution.
- The rhythm of the dance symbolizes the heartbeat of the universe.
- The Nataraja image is encircled by a flaming halo and has four arms.
- The upper right-hand holds the damaru (a small drum) symbolizing the rhythm of creation.
- The upper left-hand holds the fire (or a flame), symbolizing destruction and transformation.
- The lower right hand is in the abhaya mudra (a gesture of fearlessness).
- The lower left hand points towards the raised left foot, symbolizing liberation.
- Under his foot, there’s a dwarf-like figure representing illusion, which he crushes, guiding humanity away from delusion.
- Nataraja’s raised feet and gestures also symbolize protection and reassurance, all while he wears a smiling expression.
More Information:
- The sculpture was crafted using the traditional ‘lost wax’ casting method, a technique that dates back thousands of years and was perfected by the Cholas.
- In this method, a detailed wax model is covered with alluvial soil, which, when heated, melts the wax away, leaving a hollow mold for casting molten metal.
- The Cholas, who ruled much of peninsular India from the 9th to the 11th centuries AD, were great patrons of art and culture. They were devout Shaivites, known for constructing elaborate Shiva temples across their territories.
Adopt a Heritage 2.0
In News:
Recently, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a revamped version of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program apart from an Indian Heritage app and an e-permission portal.
About:
Adopt a Heritage 2.0
- It is a revamped version of the earlier scheme launched in 2017.
- It clearly defines the amenities sought for different monuments as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958.
- It seeks to invite corporate stakeholders to enhance amenities at monuments by utilizing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
- Freedom has been given to companies to either adopt a monument as a whole and develop its tourism infrastructure or provide a particular amenity such as a drinking water facility or cleaning services for one or several sites.
- Applying procedure for a monument:
- The stakeholders can apply to adopt a monument or specific amenities at a monument through a dedicated web portal.
- The process for selection will be carried out after due diligence and discussions with various stakeholders and assessing the economic and developmental opportunities at each monument.
- The term of the appointment will be for a period of five years initially, which may be further extended up to five years.
Indian Heritage App:
- It is a user-friendly mobile app that will showcase heritage monuments.
- The app will feature state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, a list of public amenities available, geo-tagged locations, and a feedback mechanism for citizens.
e-Permission Portal:
- An e-permission portal is for obtaining permission for photography, filming, and developmental projects on monuments.
- The portal will fast-track the process of obtaining various permissions and solve operational and logistical bottlenecks.
| Adopt a Heritage Scheme: |
| It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture ASI, and State/UTs governments. It was launched in September 2017 on World Tourism Day. The Project aims to develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote ‘responsible tourism’. It aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies, and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable. Agencies/Companies would become ‘Monument Mitras’ through the innovative concept of ‘Vision Bidding’, where the agency with the best vision for the heritage site will be given an opportunity to associate pride with their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities. |
London’s India Club
In News:
Recently, London’s India Club was closed permanently, which was a historic establishment that served as a meeting place for Indians in the United Kingdom during the independence movement.
About
- London’s India Club was established in 1951 by the India League, an organization initially dedicated to advocating for Indian independence and later focused on promoting friendship between India and Britain post-independence. The India Club played a pivotal role in the lives of Asian diaspora communities in Britain.
- London’s India Club situated within the Strand Continental Hotel, this establishment not only offered delectable Indian cuisine but also served as a central meeting point for individuals associated with India in the UK. Its interiors remained remarkably preserved over the years, reflecting a rich history.
- The India Club hosted a variety of groups and activities, including the Indian Journalist Association, Indian Workers Association, and Indian Socialist Group of Britain.
- Throughout its existence, the India Club attracted distinguished visitors, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the inaugural President of independent India, Lord Mountbatten, the final Viceroy of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bertrand Russell, and MF Hussain, among others. VK Krishna Menon, a diplomat and former Indian Defence Minister, served as one of the secretaries of the India Club.
Old Parliament Building
In News:
From September 19, the ongoing special House session moved to the new Parliament building. The old Parliament will be turned into a museum.
Old Parliament Building:
- It is a 164 pillared building designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
- The building is surrounded by large gardens and the perimeter is fenced off by sandstone railings (jali).
- The foundation stone was laid on February 12, 1921, by the Duke of Connaught.
- On January 18, 1927, Lord Irwin, the viceroy of India at the time, officially opened the building. At first, it served as the Imperial Legislative Council’s office.
- After India gained its independence, it served as the country’s Constituent Assembly. Later, after the Constitution had been signed and the country became a republic, it became the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha’s home in the Indian Parliament.
- When they needed inspiration, Viceroy Lord Hardinge directed Lutyens and Baker to tour the majority of northern and central India’s ancient and medieval monuments, including Mandu, Lahore, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Indore. As a result, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Parliament, and other structures combine Indian and Western architectural styles.
- The Chamber of Princes in the Parliament Building was also used by the Federal Court of India before independence. Afterward, it served as the Supreme Court’s location for over ten years before the court moved to its own building.
Chausath Yogini Temple:
- The grand Chausath Yogini temple stands atop a hillock in Mitaoli, in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh.
- It was built around 1323 by King Devapala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty.
- Dedicated to the 64 (chaseth in Hindi) yoginis, its architecture is different from the temples dedicated to one deity.
- The temple is circular having a diameter of 125 feet, with 64 chambers dedicated to the 64 yoginis, and a central shrine dedicated to Shiva.
- The 64 yoginis are believed to be powerful warriors and sorceresses. According to mythology, a demon, Raktabija, had a boon that made him almost impossible to kill — every time a drop of his blood fell on the floor, hundreds of offspring would be born off it. However, when Goddess Durga went to battle him, she unleashed an army of 64 yoginis who drank off his blood before it could touch the floor, and Raktabija was finally killed.
- While most Hindu temples have a shikhara, or projecting dome, the Mitaoli temple, like other Chausath Yogini temples, is hypaethral, which means it has no roof.
- The Parliament-like pillars are on the inside of the stone temple complex.
- The central shrine has a slab with perforations, for excess rainwater to drain off.
- The Temple is in a Seismic Zone 3 area. Since its construction in the 1300s, the temple has withstood many an earthquake with almost no visible damage.
- The idols and carvings that would have once adorned the 64 chambers are all gone.
Did the Chausath Yogini temple inspire the Parliament?
- Though there is no evidence Lutyens or Baker ever visited it. They might have seen photographs collected by the Archaeological Survey of India. So even though there is no proof of them emulating Indian monuments, it is not inconceivable that they might have done so.
Reconstructing an ancient ‘stitched ship’
Tag: GS Paper-1: Ancient Indian History.
GS Paper-2: Government policies and interventions.
In News:
The Ministry of Culture has recently joined hands with the Indian Navy and Goa-based Hodi Innovations to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship, reminiscent of the ships that sailed the oceans on India’s ancient maritime trade routes as many as 2,000 years ago.
About the project:
Ministries involved:
- While the Indian Navy is overseeing the ship’s design and construction, the Ministry of Culture has fully funded the project.
- The ministries of Shipping and External Affairs will be supporting in its execution stage.
- It was approved by the National Implementation Committee, chaired by the Home Minister.
- The stitching work will be undertaken by a team of traditional shipwrights led by Babu Sankaran.
Stitching:
- This age-old technique involves shaping the wooden planks using the traditional steaming method to conform to the shape of the hull.
- Each plank will then be stitched to another using cords/ ropes, sealed with a combination of coconut fiber, resin, and fish oil, akin to the ancient Indian shipbuilding practice.
- The ancient stitching technique almost became extinct after the Britishers came to India.
- The earliest known example of a sewn boat is the 40+ meters long funerary boat in Egypt; dating back to 2,500 BC.
- Sewn boat construction techniques were used in many parts of the world prior to the development of metal fasteners, and continued to be used for small boats to reduce construction costs where metal fasteners were too expensive.
The Voyage:
- Once the ship is ready, the voyage with a seam of Indian Navy crew from Odisha’s Cuttack will be sent to Bali in Indonesia, in 2025, to coincide with Kartik Purnima.
- This also fits in with the larger decolonization project undertaken, in the run-up to 2047, when independent India turns 100.
- The navigation techniques used for the voyage will also be in consonance with old times, also aiming to show the sophistication India had achieved in this field at the time.
Project Mausam
- Officials say this initiative is in synergy with the Ministry of Culture’s Project Mausam.
- Project Mausam is said to be India’s answer to the Maritime Silk Road of China, and India plans to move for UNESCO to award transnational heritage status to Project Mausam, which was launched by India at the 38th World Heritage Session at Doha in June 2014.
Adi Shankaracharya
In News:
Recently, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister unveiled the 108-foot-tall ‘Statue of Oneness’ of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar.
About Adi Shankara:
- Adi Shankara, also known as Shankaracharya, was born on May 11th, 788 AD, in Kaladi near Kochi, Kerala.
- He attained Samadhi (spiritual liberation) at the age of 33 in Kedartirth.
- Adi Shankara was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.
- He expounded the Doctrine of Advaita, which emphasizes the concept of Monism, and wrote numerous Sanskrit commentaries on important Vedic texts such as the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita.
- He held philosophical disagreements with Buddhist philosophers.
Major Works:
- Some of his major works include the “Brahmasutrabhasya,” a commentary on the Brahma Sutra.
- He also composed the “Bhajagovinda Stotra,” “Nirvana Shatakam,” and several Prakaran Granths (philosophical treatises).
Other Contributions:
- Adi Shankara played a pivotal role in revitalizing Hinduism in India, especially during a time when Buddhism was gaining prominence.
- He established four Mathas (monastic institutions) in different corners of India, namely Shingeri, Puri, Dwaraka, and Badrinath, with the aim of propagating Sanathana Dharma (eternal religion).
Advaita Vedanta:
- Advaita Vedanta represents a philosophical stance characterized by radical nondualism, drawing its inspiration from ancient Upanishadic texts.
- According to Advaita Vedantins, the Upanishads unveil the fundamental concept of nonduality known as ‘brahman,’ which is the ultimate reality underlying all existence.
- Advaitins view Brahman as transcending individuality and the apparent diversity of the empirical world. They assert that the core essence of one’s self (atman) is identical to Brahman.
- At the heart of Advaita Vedanta is the notion that atman is pure, non-intentional consciousness.
- It is described as singular, non-dual, infinite, and in complete unity with Brahman, lacking any separation or distinction.
Mewar school of painting
In News:
Shining the spotlight on the Mewar school of painting
Mewar painting, a prominent school within the realm of Indian miniature painting during the 17th and 18th centuries, belongs to the Rajasthani style and originated in the Hindu principality of Mewar, located in the state of Rajasthan.
Key characteristics of this school of painting include:
- Vibrant and Simple Colors Palette: The works of the Mewar painting school are known for their use of simple yet vivid colors, which contribute to their direct emotional appeal.
- Historical Origin: The earliest known example of Mewar painting dates back to 1605 CE when a series of Ragamala paintings was created in Chawand, a small town near Udaipur. These paintings were attributed to the artist Misardi and served as a significant starting point for the school.
- Notable Collections: Many of the paintings from this series can be found in the collection of Shri Gopi Krishna Kanoria, highlighting their historical and artistic significance.
- Expressive and Dynamic Style: The Mewar painting style is recognized for its expressive and dynamic artistic approach, which continued with some variations until around 1680 in the region.
- Mughal Influence: After 1680, Mughal artistic influence became more evident in Mewar’s paintings, leading to a blending of styles and themes.
- Shift towards Portraiture and Ruler’s Life: Over time, a growing number of Mewar paintings began to focus on portraiture and depictions of the ruler’s life, reflecting the changing interests and preferences of the period. However, religious themes remained popular throughout its development.
India’s First Lighthouse Festival
In News:
India’s First Lighthouse Festival begins in Goa.
About
- India’s First Lighthouse Festival is set to occur with the objective of converting historic lighthouses into attractive tourist destinations.
- It is a component of the ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ campaign, which strives to rejuvenate 75 historic lighthouses throughout India and present them as alluring tourist attractions.
- These lighthouses are captivating tourist sites, highlighting their cultural importance and economic opportunities.
FAQs on Monthly Current Affairs – September 2023
Q1: What are monthly current affairs?
A1: Monthly current affairs refer to the latest and most significant events, developments, and news stories that have occurred within a particular month. These events encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, culture, and more. They are a reflection of the dynamic nature of our world and provide a snapshot of what’s happening globally or within a specific region during a given month.
Q2: Why are monthly current affairs important?
A2: Monthly current affairs are important for several reasons:
- Informed Citizenship: Staying updated with monthly current affairs is crucial for informed citizenship. It empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions, including voting in elections, advocating for causes, and engaging in meaningful discussions about societal issues.
- Professional Relevance: Professionals, such as journalists, policymakers, and business leaders, need to be aware of current affairs to make strategic decisions, create informed content, and respond to changes in their respective fields.
- Academic and Competitive Exams: Many academic institutions and competitive exams assess students’ knowledge of current affairs, making it essential for academic and career success.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding current events helps individuals appreciate and understand different cultures, societies, and global interconnections.
- Safety and Preparedness: Some current affairs, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, can directly impact personal safety and require timely awareness and preparedness.
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