PMF IAS Current Affairs January 2024 PDF

Current Affairs PF Compilation by PMF IAS® – January 2024 Table of Contents GS1 – Art & Culture....................................................................................................................................

Current Affairs PF Compilation by PMF IAS® – January 2024 Table of Contents GS1 – Art & Culture..................................................................................................................................... 1 {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Batadrava Than.......................................................................................... 1 {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Jagannath Temple...................................................................................... 3 {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Kalaram Temple......................................................................................... 3 {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Maratha Military Landscapes.................................................................... 4 {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Nagara Style of Temple Architecture...................................................... 6 {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Ram Mandir................................................................................................ 8 {GS1 – A&C – Languages} Classical Languages.................................................................................... 10 {GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Shankaracharyas...................................................................................... 11 {GS1 – A&C – Religion} Separate Religious Code for Sarna Religion................................................ 12 {GS1 – A&C – Sites} Ayodhya................................................................................................................. 13 GS1 – Geography: Physical, Human, Economic and Indian Geography.............................................. 15 {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Discovery of Lithium Deposits.............................................. 15 {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Graphene................................................................................. 15 {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Lithium Exploration in Argentina by India.......................... 16 {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Oil Sands.................................................................................. 17 {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Recycling of Rare Earth Metals............................................. 17 {GS1 – Geo – IG – Lakshadweep} Lakshadweep: A Melting Pot.......................................................... 19 GS1 – Indian Society................................................................................................................................. 21 {GS1 – IS – Issues} Globalisation............................................................................................................ 21 {GS1 – IS – Population} Decline in China’s Population........................................................................ 24 GS1 – Modern Indian History................................................................................................................... 26 {GS1 – MIH – Events} Kharsawan Massacre.......................................................................................... 26 {GS1 – MIH – Movements} Ram Mandir Movement............................................................................ 27 GS2 – International Relations.................................................................................................................. 29 {GS2 – IR – Africa} Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister visits Africa....................................................... 29 {GS2 – IR – Africa} Emergency in Ecuador............................................................................................. 30 {GS2 – IR – Africa} Scramble for the Sahel............................................................................................ 31 PMF IAS – Learn Smart i January 2024 CA  {GS2 – IR – Bangladesh} Bangladesh Elections..................................................................................... 32 {GS2 – IR – Canada} Immigration Restrictions by Canada................................................................... 34 {GS2 – IR – China-Taiwan} China – Taiwan Conflict............................................................................. 34 {GS2 – IR – Groupings} ECOWAS............................................................................................................ 36 {GS2 – IR – Groupings} Evolving Geopolitics of Global North and South......................................... 36 {GS2 – IR – Groupings} Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).................................................................... 38 {GS2 – IR – Groupings} Turkey backs Sweden’s NATO bid................................................................. 41 {GS2 – IR – India-Iran} Chabahar Port................................................................................................... 43 {GS2 – IR – India-Maldives} Hydrographic Pact Withdrawl................................................................ 45 {GS2 – IR – Indian Dispora} Repatriation of Prisoners......................................................................... 46 {GS2 – IR – India-Nepal} External Affairs Minister’s Visit to Nepal.................................................... 46 {GS2 – IR – India-Pakistan} Ladakh’s demand on Gilgit-Baltistan...................................................... 48 {GS2 – IR – India-USA} India-US Trade Policy Meeting....................................................................... 49 {GS2 – IR – Institutions} WEF Annual Meeting 2024............................................................................ 49 {GS2 – IR – IOR} Maritime Piracy in the Indian Ocean Region............................................................ 49 {GS2 – IR – Iran-Pakistan} Evolution of Iran-Pakistan Relations........................................................ 51 {GS2 – IR – Iran-Pakistan} Iran strikes in Iraq, Syria and Pakistan..................................................... 51 {GS2 – IR – Iran-Pakistan} Iran-Pakistan Strikes: India's stakes.......................................................... 52 {GS2 – IR – Iran-Pakistan} Jaish al-Adl.................................................................................................. 53 {GS2 – IR – Iran-Pakistan} Pakistan’s attack on Iran............................................................................ 53 {GS2 – IR – Laws} Apostille Convention................................................................................................ 54 {GS2 – IR – Laws} Genocide Convention................................................................................................ 54 {GS2 – IR – Maldives} Indian Troops in Maldives................................................................................. 55 {GS2 – IR – Maldives} Maldives | China | India..................................................................................... 56 {GS2 – IR – Maldives} Maldives and Lakshadweep............................................................................... 58 {GS2 – IR – Maldives} Maldives-China Relations: History and Recent visit....................................... 59 {GS2 – IR – Middle East} Death of Saleh al-Arouri............................................................................... 60 {GS2 – IR – Middle East} Iran Blasts....................................................................................................... 60 {GS2 – IR – Middle East} ISIS attacks on Iran........................................................................................ 61 {GS2 – IR – Middle East} US and the UK Strikes on Houthis............................................................... 62 {GS2 – IR – Pakistan} Balochistan Region............................................................................................. 63 {GS2 – IR – UN} International Court of Justice (ICJ)............................................................................ 64 {GS2 – IR – UN} UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees ((UNRWA)........................ 65 {GS2 – IR – US-China} Normalisation of U.S. – China Relations.......................................................... 67 GS2 – Policies, Schemes, Initiatives & Laws by Various Ministries...................................................... 69 PMF IAS – Learn Smart ii January 2024 CA  {GS2 – MEITY – Initiatives} ERNET India................................................................................................ 69 {GS2 – MEITY – Schemes} Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme...................................................... 69 {GS2 – MoE – Schemes} Prerana Programme....................................................................................... 72 {GS2 – MoEFCC – Initiatives} National Transit Pass System (NTPS)................................................... 72 {GS2 – MoES – Schemes} PRITHvi Vigyan Scheme............................................................................... 73 {GS2 – MoNRE – Schemes} Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana.......................................................... 73 {GS2 – MoPNG – Initiatives} Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)................................................ 75 {GS2 – MoRTH – Schemes} Year End Recap of MoRTH....................................................................... 75 {GS2 – MoSPI – Initiatives} MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application.................................................. 77 {GS2 – MoTA – Schemes} Year-end Recap of MoTA............................................................................ 77 {GS2 – MoYAS – Schemes} Khelo India Programme............................................................................ 77 GS2 – Polity................................................................................................................................................ 79 {GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Constitutional} National Voters’ Day........................................................... 79 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Bodies} General Consent to CBI............................................................................ 79 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Citizenship} Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019....................................... 80 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections} Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines......................... 82 {GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Parole | Parole vs Furlough........................................................................... 83 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Governor} Reforms in the Office of Governor.................................................... 84 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} Remission.............................................................................................. 86 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Minority} Minority Status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)....................... 90 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Parliament} Anti-Defection Law and 10th Schedule of IC................................... 91 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Reservation} Debate on Caste Reservation and Minority Status...................... 95 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Reservation} Sub-Categorisation Within Castes................................................. 98 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Scheduled Areas} Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act................... 101 {GS2 – Polity – IC} Prior Approval........................................................................................................ 104 {GS2 – Polity – IC} Secularism in India | Somnath Temple................................................................ 105 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} Legal Services Authority Act (LSAA),1987....................................... 107 {GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} SC Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).............................................. 109 GS2 – Social Sector: Health, Education, Hunger, Poverty, Etc............................................................ 110 {GS2 – Social Sector – Education} Accreditation System for HEIs.................................................... 110 {GS2 – Social Sector – Education} All India Survey on Higher Education........................................ 110 {GS2 – Social Sector – Education} Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023...................... 111 {GS2 – Social Sector – Education} Mulya Pravah 2.0.......................................................................... 114 {GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Hepatitis........................................................................... 115 PMF IAS – Learn Smart iii January 2024 CA  {GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Antibiotic Resistance........................................................... 115 {GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Antibiotic Resistance........................................................... 116 {GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Antibiotic Resistance........................................................... 117 {GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Tobacco Usage..................................................................... 118 {GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Pandemic Agreement........................................................................ 119 {GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Poverty in India.................................................................................. 121 {GS2 – Social Sector – Poverty} Multidimensional Poverty in India................................................. 123 GS2 – Various Aspects of Governance.................................................................................................. 126 {GS2 – Governance – Laws} Indian Stamp Bill, 2023.......................................................................... 126 {GS2 – Governance – Laws} Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act...................... 126 GS2 – Vulnerable Sections of the Society............................................................................................. 130 {GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Children} Child Labour........................................................................ 130 GS3 – Agriculture.................................................................................................................................... 134 {GS3 – Agri – Fertilizers} Nano Urea.................................................................................................... 134 {GS3 – Agri – Food Subsidy} WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)........................................... 134 {GS3 – Agri – PDS} Public Distribution System (PDS)........................................................................ 137 GS3 – Environment.................................................................................................................................. 140 {GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Crop Residue Management (CRM) Guidelines 2023-24..................... 140 {GS3 – Envi – CC Impacts} Global Ocean Heat Content..................................................................... 144 {GS3 – Envi – CC} Warmer Winter in Ladakh and Kashmir................................................................ 145 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Bamboo Composites............................................................................. 146 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Bugun Community Reserve.................................................................. 147 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Deep Sea Corals..................................................................................... 148 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Hasdeo Arand........................................................................................ 149 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Pong Dam draft ESZ Policy.................................................................. 149 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)........................................................... 151 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Threat of Extinction to Bird Species.................................................... 152 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Tree cover............................................................................................... 152 {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Warli Tribes conserving Leopards....................................................... 153 {GS3 – Envi – Degradation} Invasive Alien Species............................................................................ 154 {GS3 – Envi – Hazardous Waste} Fine soil-like materials (FSLM)...................................................... 155 {GS3 – Envi – Initiative} Green Cover Index........................................................................................ 156 {GS3 – Envi – Issues} Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project.............................................................. 156 PMF IAS – Learn Smart iv January 2024 CA  {GS3 – Envi – Laws} Standardised Development and Building Regulations, 2023......................... 157 {GS3 – Envi – Laws} Wildlife (Protection) Licensing Rules, 2024...................................................... 158 {GS3 – Envi – Pollution} Delhi’s Air Pollution..................................................................................... 158 {GS3 – Envi – Pollution} Nuclear Waste............................................................................................... 159 {GS3 – Envi – Species} Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps).................................................... 160 {GS3 – Envi – Species} Polar Bears | Avian Influenza......................................................................... 161 {GS3 – Envi – Species} Snow Leopard.................................................................................................. 162 {GS3 – Envi – Species} Tigers................................................................................................................ 162 {GS3 – Envi – Wetlands} Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)............................................................ 163 GS3 – Indian Economy............................................................................................................................ 165 {GS3 – IE – Banking – Insurance} Cashless Everywhere Initiative..................................................... 165 {GS3 – IE – Banking} Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme........................................................................................ 165 {GS3 – IE – Banking} Insurance Sector................................................................................................. 166 {GS3 – IE – Digitization} Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS)................................................ 167 {GS3 – IE – Exports} Made in India....................................................................................................... 168 {GS3 – IE – Growth} Dip in Real GDP................................................................................................... 169 {GS3 – IE – Inclusive Growth} Inequality in India............................................................................... 170 {GS3 – IE – Industry} India’s Food Processing Industry..................................................................... 172 {GS3 – IE – Industry} MoU between QCI and KVIC............................................................................. 174 {GS3 – IE – Industry} Textile Sector towards the Green Path............................................................ 174 {GS3 – IE – Inflation} Deglobalisation of Food Inflation.................................................................... 174 {GS3 – IE – Institutions} World Economic Forum Annual Meeting................................................... 176 {GS2 – MoMSME – Schemes} Year end Recap of MoMSME.............................................................. 176 {GS3 – IE – National Income} Advance estimates on National Income............................................ 177 {GS3 – IE – RBI} RBI Guidelines on State ‘Guarantees’....................................................................... 177 {GS3 – IE – RBI} Internationalization of Rupee................................................................................... 178 {GS3 – IE – RBI} Market Borrowing by States..................................................................................... 179 {GS3 – IE – Securities} Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).................................................................. 180 {GS3 – IE – Securities} Initial Public Offering...................................................................................... 181 {GS3 – IE – Securities} Momentum Investing...................................................................................... 182 {GS3 – IE – Taxation | Health} Study on High-Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) Products............................... 182 {GS3 – IE – Taxation} Taxation Data by CBDT..................................................................................... 183 {GS3 – IE – Taxation} Direct Tax........................................................................................................... 183 {GS3 – IE – Trade} Free Trade Agreements.......................................................................................... 184 PMF IAS – Learn Smart v January 2024 CA  {GS3 – IE – Urbanization} Urban Commission..................................................................................... 185 GS3 – Infrastructure................................................................................................................................ 188 {GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} GRID-INDIA................................................................................................. 188 {GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Indus Water Treaty | Ratle Hydro Electric (HE) Project.......................... 188 {GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Kuppa Pumped Hydro Project.................................................................. 189 {GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project.............................................................. 191 {GS3 – Infra – Transportation} Inland Waterways.............................................................................. 192 GS3 – Internal Security........................................................................................................................... 196 {GS3 – IS – Cyber Security} Cyber Security Vulnerabilities................................................................ 196 {GS3 – IS – Cyber Security} Cybercrime............................................................................................... 196 {GS3 – IS – Cyber Security} Cybercrimes............................................................................................. 198 {GS3 – IS – Cyber Security} Voice Cloning........................................................................................... 199 GS3 – Science & Technology.................................................................................................................. 201 {GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Death by Nitrogen: Alabama Execution...................................................... 201 {GS3 – S&T – BioTech} GM Mustard.................................................................................................... 201 {GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Lab Grown Meat............................................................................................. 204 {GS3 – S&T – Bodies} Postponement of Indian Science Congress (ISC).......................................... 205 {GS3 – S&T – Defence} Counter-Drone System.................................................................................. 205 {GS3 – S&T – Defence} K Vijay Raghavan Committee: DRDO Revamp............................................ 206 {GS3 – S&T – Defence} Science Communication................................................................................ 208 {GS3 – S&T – IPR – GI} Seventeen Products received GI Tag............................................................ 208 {GS3 – S&T – ISRO} XPoSat Mission.................................................................................................... 211 {GS3 – S&T – IT} Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)................................ 212 {GS3 – S&T – IT} Rejupave Technology............................................................................................... 214 {GS3 – S&T – Space} AstroSat.............................................................................................................. 214 {GS3 – S&T – Space} Meteorological Satellites.................................................................................. 215 {GS3 – S&T – Space} Satellite-Based Internet Connectivity.............................................................. 216 {GS3 – S&T – Space} Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)................................................. 217 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Artificial Skin........................................................................................................ 218 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Autonomous Cars................................................................................................ 218 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)................................................ 219 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} End to End encryption (E2E)............................................................................... 220 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} EV vs Hybrid......................................................................................................... 221 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} GPS Based Toll Collection................................................................................... 222 PMF IAS – Learn Smart vi January 2024 CA  {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Lab-grown Fish..................................................................................................... 222 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Lithium Battery.................................................................................................... 223 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} One Vehicle, One FASTag.................................................................................... 224 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Steel Slag Road.................................................................................................... 225 Prelims Specific Topics........................................................................................................................... 227 {Prelims – Awards} Gallantry Awards for Military Personnel........................................................... 227 {Prelims – Awards} Padma Awards...................................................................................................... 227 {Prelims – Awards} Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar............................................................. 228 {Prelims – Awards} Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.................. 228 {Prelims – Awards} Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar................................................................................... 228 {Prelims – Awards} Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar....................................... 229 {Prelims – Awards} Swachh Survekshan Awards................................................................................ 229 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Alpine Ibex................................................................................................. 230 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Golden Tiger | Black Tiger........................................................................ 231 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco).................................................... 231 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla).................................................... 232 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Olive Ridley Sea Turtles............................................................................ 232 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Pulikulam Cattle........................................................................................ 233 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Punganur Cows.......................................................................................... 234 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Saltwater Crocodiles................................................................................. 234 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Sloth Bear................................................................................................... 235 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Status of Snow Leopards in India............................................................ 235 {Prelims – Envi – Species} Wandering Albatrosses............................................................................. 236 {Prelims – Envi – Species} White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium Simum)............................................ 236 {Prelims – Events} India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023.................................................. 237 {Prelims – Festivals} Chandubi Festival............................................................................................... 237 {Prelims – Festivals} Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival............................................................................. 238 {Prelims – IE – Shipping} India Club..................................................................................................... 239 {Prelims – In News} "The Indian Economy: A Review" report.......................................................... 239 {Prelims – In News} Bio-Imaging Bank Project.................................................................................. 240 {Prelims – In News} GS-10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit...................................... 240 {Prelims – In News} Hydroxychloroquine........................................................................................... 241 {Prelims – In News} Ima Keithel | Lotus Silk....................................................................................... 241 {Prelims – In News} Skills on Wheels................................................................................................... 242 PMF IAS – Learn Smart vii January 2024 CA  {Prelims – In News} Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map................................................................. 242 {Prelims – In News} Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)........................................................ 244 {Prelims – In News} International Purple Fest (IPF) 2024.................................................................. 245 {Prelims – In News} Kumki Elephants.................................................................................................. 245 {Prelims – In News} Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya (LABHA) Scheme.......................................... 245 {Prelims – In News} Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)................................................................ 245 {Prelims – In News} Operation Amrith................................................................................................ 246 {Prelims – In News} PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for a Vibrant India.......... 246 {Prelims – In News} Pran Pratistha...................................................................................................... 246 {Prelims – In News} Soil-based Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)............................................................. 246 {Prelims – In News} Updated World Economic Outlook................................................................... 247 {Prelims – In News} Veer Gatha Project 3.0........................................................................................ 247 {Prelims – PIN – India} PM’s visit to Agatti Island............................................................................. 248 {Prelims – PIN – Middle East} Cape Route.......................................................................................... 248 {Prelims – PIN Africa} Lake Victoria..................................................................................................... 249 {Prelims – PIN India} India’s First Dark Sky Park................................................................................ 249 {Prelims – PIN India} Sagar Island....................................................................................................... 250 {Prelims – PIN India} Vadnagar............................................................................................................ 251 {Prelims – PIN} Black Sea, Red Sea & Panama Canal......................................................................... 251 {Prelims – PIN} Canada......................................................................................................................... 252 {Prelims – PIN} Guru Gobind Singh..................................................................................................... 254 {Prelims – PIN} Karpoori Thakur.......................................................................................................... 254 {Prelims – PIN} Keeladi excavation...................................................................................................... 256 {Prelims – PIN} M.G. Ramachandran................................................................................................... 256 {Prelims – PIN} Mahayogi Vemana...................................................................................................... 257 {Prelims – PIN} Swami Vivekananda.................................................................................................... 257 {Prelims – PIN} Thiruvalluvar............................................................................................................... 258 {Prelims – S&T – AI} Psychoanalysis.................................................................................................... 258 {Prelims – S&T – Chemistry} Lead Poisoning...................................................................................... 258 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’....................................................................... 260 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} Exercise Cyclone....................................................................................... 260 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} Exercise Desert Knight............................................................................. 260 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} Exercise Khanjar....................................................................................... 260 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} Indian Army Year of Technology Absorption 2024.............................. 260 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} Indo-Thai CORPAT................................................................................... 260 PMF IAS – Learn Smart viii January 2024 CA  {Prelims – S&T – Defence} New Generation Akash Missile............................................................... 260 {Prelims – S&T – Defence} SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version)................................ 261 {Prelims – S&T – Space} Mars Helicopter Ingenuity.......................................................................... 261 {Prelims – S&T – Space} Peregrine Mission One................................................................................ 262 {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Cervical cancer.................................................................................. 262 {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Leprosy.............................................................................................. 262 {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Long COVID....................................................................................... 263 {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Scrub Typhus.................................................................................... 264 {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Western Equine Encephalitis Virus................................................. 264 {Prelims – Sci – Chemistry} Chlorine Gas............................................................................................. 264 {Prelims – Sci – Chemistry} Tanin | Caffeine....................................................................................... 264 {Prelims – TIN} Voluntary freezing of trading accounts.................................................................... 265 Colour Codes Important for Prelims Colour 1 | Colour 2 | Colour 3 | Colour4 | Colour 5 (Negative Connotation) Very Important for Prelims Colour 1 (Positive Connotation) | Colour 2 (Neutral Connotation) | Colour 3 (Neutral Con- notation) | Colour4 (Negative Connotation) | Colour 5 (Important for Upcoming Prelims) Important for Prelims/Mains Colour 1 PMF IAS – Learn Smart ix January 2024 CA  GS1 – Art & Culture {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Batadrava Than The Bhagavatic religious movement (Ekasarana Dharma) influenced two medieval kingdoms ❖ Context (IE): Rahul Gandhi was prevented from 1. The Koch and visiting Assam’s Batadrava Than. 2. The Ahom kingdom. Batadrava Than is Located in the Nagaon district of His teaching focused on prayer and chanting Assam, 130 km east of Guwahati. (naam) instead of idol worship. The Than is situated at the birthplace of Vaishna- Sankardev inspired the Bhakti movement in As- vite reformer-Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568). sam. It is considered the most sacred site for Assamese Sankaradeva advocated ‘EKA DEVA, EKA SEVA, EKA Vaishnavites. BINEY NAHI KEWA’, which means one should wor- Sankardeva founded the first-ever Kirtan Ghar ship none but one God, who is Lord Krishna. (Than/Sattra) at Bordowa (Batadrava) to preach It focussed on worship in the form of bhakti (devo- and propagate 'Ek Saran Naam Dharma' (the neo- tion) to Lord Krishna through singing and congrega- Vaishnavite faith ). tional listening. ❖ The land within the 8 km radius around Batadrava EKA SARABA NAMA DHARMA Religion (Neo- Than is conserved for Khilonjia (indigenous people). Vaishnavite movement) ⇨ ‘Than’ means a sacred place in Assamese society. His religion, EKA SARANA NAMA DHARMA, is Srimanta Sankaradeva straightforward. There is no unnecessary ritual in his order. Srimanta Sankardev was an Assamese polymath- Batadrava, or Bordowa, became the centre of his 1. A saint-scholar, religious activities. 2. Poet, playwright, dancer, actor, musician, art- Batadrava has been regarded as the Dvitiya ist, 3. Social-religious reformer and Vaikuntha (second heaven). 4. A figure of importance in the cultural and reli- His dharma was based on four components of gious history of Assam. 1. Deva (god), 2. Naam (prayers), ⇨ Polymath: A person who knows a lot about many different subjects. 3. Bhaktas (devotees), and 4. Guru (teacher). He is credited with building on past cultural relics Thans/Sattras and devising new forms of- The assembly of devotees of the Neo-Vaishnavite 1. Music (Borgeet), movement evolved into monastic centres called 2. Theatrical performance (Ankia Naat, Bhaona), Thans /Sattras. 3. Dance (Sattriya), 4. Literary language (Brajavali). These were established as centres of religious, so- cial and cultural reforms in the 16th century. Social contribution These are present in Assam and, to a lesser extent, He is considered to be the father of the modern in North Bengal. Assamese race. Batadrava Than was the first Than set for the prop- He rescued the people of Assam from regressive agation of EKA SARANA NAMA DHARMA. medieval practices like human sacrifice. ⮚ Other Thans founded by Sankaradeva are He promoted equality and fraternity and advocat- Gangmou, Belaguri, Patbausi, Kumarkuchi, ed for a society free from Sunpora, and Madhupur. 1. Caste distinctions, Later, many Sattras were set up by his followers all 2. Orthodox Brahmanical rituals, and over the Brahmaputra valley. 3. Sacrifices. It has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and Religious contribution is headed by an influential “Sattradhikar”. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 1 January 2024 CA Literary and Artistic contribution 3. Aharyas, He has left an extensive literary work of trans- 4. Music, etc. created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry Traditionally, Sattriya was performed only by bho- and theological works written in Sanskrit, As- kots (male monks) in monasteries as a part of their samese and Brajavali. daily rituals. He used to write scriptures sitting below one The dance is based on mythological themes. Shilikha (Myrobalan) tree. ⮚ Primarily based on Krishna-Radha relations or ⮚ That tree is still alive even after five and half sometimes on the stories of Ram-Sita. centuries, which is a wonder. Today, Sattriya is also performed on stage by men He created a classical dance form known as both and women who are not members of the sattras the Sankari dance and Satriya dance. on themes that are not merely mythological. It has two distinctly separate streams – ⮚ The Sangeet Nâtak Akâdemi of India recog- 1. The Bhaona-related repertoire nised it as a classical dance form in 2000 AD. 2. The Independent dance numbers He also developed a school of classical music, Sattriya Dance Costume which is named after him. The costume of Sattriya dance is primarily of two ⮚ He created as many as 25 Râgas of his own. types: He was also the first playwright in all modern Indi- 1. The male costume comprising the dhoti and an languages. chadar and the paguri (turban) and He was the first prose writer in the entire world. 2. The female costume comprising the ghuri, ⮚ He introduced the drop-scene and elevated chadar and kanchi (waist cloth). stage in the world of drama way back in 1468 Pat Silk saree (also spelt paat) is the most popular AD. kind of saree used in this dance. He authored ten plays in his life. ⮚ It represents the locality through its various He initiated a new form of painting with his epoch- colourful motifs and designs. making drama festival Chihna-Yâtrâ, where he Traditional Assamese jewellery is used in the Sat- drew imaginary pictures of heaven to be used as triya dance. backdrops. ⮚ The jewellery is made in a unique technique in Sattriya Dance Kesa Sun (raw gold). Sattriya originated in Sattra, a monastery, as a part of the neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. It includes Nritta, Nritya and Natya components. Sattriya dances differ from other dance forms in their basic stance. ⮚ For males, it is known as Purush Pak, while for females, Prakriti Pak. The Sattriya dance (Unlike other Classical Dance forms) has been left untouched and has been the same since its birth. It had its influences from folk dance forms like ⮚ Ojapali, Instruments ⮚ Devadasi, There are various musical instruments used in this ⮚ Bihu, dance, some of which includes: 1. Khol (drum), ⮚ Bodos, etc. 2. Bahi (flute), Strictly laid-down principles govern the Sattriya 3. Violin, dance tradition with respect to 4. Tanpura, 1. Hasta mudras, 5. Harmonium and 2. Footwork, 6. Shankha (Conch Shell). PMF IAS – Learn Smart 2 January 2024 CA  The songs are compositions of shankaradeva Known for its Kalinga architecture. known as ‘Borgeets’. The temple is believed to have been constructed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga (Eastern Ganga {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Jagannath Temple Dynasty) in the 12th century. ❖ Context (IE): Odisha government is set to inaugu- A unique ritual of changing the wooden forms of rate Shree Mandira Parikrama project. the deities is known as Nabakalebara. Takes place It is an Rs 800-crore heritage corridor around Jag- at intervals of 8, 12, or 19 years. annath Temple (Puri, Odisha) to improve infra- Annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) is a major structure for devotees visiting renowned temple. event where these deities are taken in grand pro- cessions. Jagannath Temple Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krish- premises. na. Consecration (Special ceremonies to sanctify an The main deities are Lord Jagannath, his brother object) of the temple is a significant event with Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. elaborate rituals. One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram) for Hindus. Kalingan Temple Architecture It is a style of Hindu architecture that flourished in the ancient Kalinga, previously known as Utkal and in pre- sent Odisha. The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula, and Khakhara Deula. The Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula houses the sanctorum, while the Pidha Deula constitutes outer dancing and offering halls. {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Kalaram Temple The temple derives its name from black statue of Lord Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram”. ❖ Context (IE): PM visited Kalaram Mandir on the Kalaram Temple History and Architecture banks of Godavari river in the Panchavati area. The original temple dedicated to an unknown deity The temple is the site of agitation led by B.R was ancient, estimated to be of the Rashtrakuta Ambedkar, who demanded temple entry rights for Period from the 7th -11th centuries. Dalits in 1930. During the early Turkish invasions, the idol of the Kalaram Temple is a Hindu temple in Nashik city's deity was thrown in the Godavari River by the Panchavati area in Maharashtra. Temple Brahmins to save it. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 3 January 2024 CA  The New temple was built in 1792 with the efforts Several significant events described in the Ramaya- of one Sardar Rangarao Odhekar. na occurred in the Panchvati area. Sardar Odhekar dreamt of a black-coloured statue Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent the first few years of Lord Ram in the Godavari, recovered the statues of their 14-year exile in Dandakaranya, the dense from the river, and built the temple. forest in central India of which Panchavati was a The place where statues were found was named part. Ramkund. Panchavati derives its name from five sacred ban- Architecture and the Temple Complex yan trees in the vicinity, symbolising the auspi- ciousness of the area where Lord Ram, Sita, and The sanctum sanctorum houses the statues of Lord Lakshman chose to establish their hut. Ram, the goddess Sita and Lakshmana. Ravan, the demon king of Lanka, abducted Sita The main entrance has a Hanuman deity, which is from the forest, Dandkaranya. black. The Temple is designed so that Rama's idol can be Kalaram Temple Entry Movement visible from Hanuman's idol. In 1930, B R Ambedkar and the Marathi teacher The main temple has 14 steps, representing the 14 and social activist Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, years of Ram’s exile. known as Sane Guruji, led an agitation to demand 84 temple pillars signify a cycle of 84 lakh species, access to Hindu temples for Dalits. the completion of which leads to birth as a human. It is also known as Kalaram Mandir Satyagraha. There is also an ancient tree with Dattatreya's Many Dalit protesters arrived in the town by trucks; footprint impressions marked on a stone. they surrounded the temple and sat around it. ⮚ Dattatreya is a paradigmatic Sannyasi (monk) Mode of Protest: They sang songs and often raised and one of the lords of yoga. war cries, demanding to enter the temple. There is a statue of Sardar Odhekar in the temple. Reaction of Locals: The people of Nashik boycotted The architectural design of this temple is similar to the protesters. the temple of Trimbakeshwar. {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Maratha Military The temple has been constructed of black stones Landscapes and four entrance doors in all four directions. Several smaller temples surround the temple, such ❖ Context (PIB | IE | TH): India has nominated the as the Vithal, Ganapathi, and Maruti. “Maratha Military Landscapes” for inclusion in the Panchvati: Its linkages with Ramayana UNESCO World Heritage list for 2024-25. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 4 January 2024 CA  The Maratha Military Landscapes of India included id nature to the famous monolithic rock formation in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in near the Mediterranean Sea. 2021 is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in World Heritage List from Maharashtra. There are two categories of nomination: cultural and natural criteria. The Maratha Military land- scapes are nominated in the category of cultural criteria. The 12 components of this nomination are the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Rajgad Fort Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Formerly known as Murumbudev, this fort was the At present in India there are 42 World Heritage first capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule sites, out of which 34 are cultural sites, 7 are natu- of Chhatrapati Shivaji for almost 26 years before ral sites whereas 1 is mixed site. the capital was moved to Raigad Fort. In Maharashtra there are 6 World Heritage Sites, 5 It was one of the 17 forts that Chhatrapati Shivaji cultural and 1 natural. Maharaj kept when he signed the Treaty of Pu- ❖ Cultural: Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta randar in 1665, with Mughal General Jai Singh I. Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. ❖ Natural: Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Kar- nataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Maratha Military Landscapes of India devel- oped between the 17th and 19th centuries. Among the forts: Shivneri Fort 1. Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajgad and Gingee fort are hill forts, the founder of Maratha Empire. 2. Pratapgad is hill-forest fort, 3. Panhala is hill-plateau fort, 4. Vijaydurg is coastal fort 5. Khanderi fort, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg are island forts. Details about important Forts Raigad Fort Originally called Rairi, the fort is built on a large Pratapgad Fort wedge separated from the main range by a ravine It became the site of the battle between Shivaji In 1674 CE, the Rajyabhishek or coronation of and Afzal Khan. Shivaji took place at this fort and it was here that he adopted the title of ‘Chhatrapati.’ In 1662 it was selected by Chhatrapati Shivaji for his permanent capital and actual shifting of the capital to Raigad took place in 1670. After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680, the glory of Raigad declined. The English referred to Raigad as “the Gibraltar of the East,” comparing its steep, inaccessible and sol- PMF IAS – Learn Smart 5 January 2024 CA {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Nagara Style of ❖ Context (IE): The Ram temple in Ayodhya is con- Temple Architecture structed based on the Nagara style. Nagara Style of Temple Architecture It began around the 5th century CE in northern ❖ Nagara temples have subdivisions based on India, during the late Gupta period. the shape of the shikhara. It developed alongside Dravida style, which origi- A Nagara-style temple typically includes a circum- nated in southern India during the same period. ambulatory passage around the garbha griha, ⇨ Adam Hardy, in his book "The Temple Architecture along with one or more mandapas (halls) on the of India" (2007), describes Nagara and Dravida same axis. styles as "the two great classical languages of In- Elaborate murals & reliefs often decorate its walls. dian temple architecture." Examples: Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Madhya Pradesh, the Sun Temple in Konark, the Sun Tem- Nagara-style temples are often built on a raised ple in Modhera, Gujarat, and the Ossian Temple in stone platform with steps leading up to them. Gujarat. Nagara temples typically lack elaborate boundary Classification of the Nagara Style of Temple walls or gateways. Architecture The main tower always houses the garbhagriha. Towering over the garbha griha is the shikhara, the Adam Hardy classifies the Nagara style of temple most distinguishable aspect of the Nagara style. architecture based on the style of Shikhara. ❖ The term "shikhara" refers to man-made repre- Valabhi sentations of the natural and cosmological or- They have barrel-vaulted roofs and are rectangular der. in design. ❖ The Amalaka or Kalash on the Shikhara is a dis- An example of this style is the Teli Ka Mandir, a tinctive feature. 9th-century temple in Gwalior. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 6 January 2024 CA  Teli ka Mandir Sri Jagannath Temple Phamsana Shekhari These Nagara-style temples are shorter and From the tenth century onwards, composite Lati- nas began to emerge, giving rise to Shekhari and broader structures. Bhumija styles. Multiple slabs rise upwards in a moderate slope on It has a primary Rekha-Prasad Shikara and one or a straight incline like a pyramid, meeting at a single more rows of lesser steeples (a tower with a point- point above the building’s mid-point. ed top) on both sides of the centre spire. An example of this style is the Jagmohan of Konark Mini Shikaras can also be found at the base and on Temple. the corners. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho is a notable example of this style. Jagmohan temple Rekha-Prasad or Latina Kandariya Mahadev Temple It emerged from the previous styles Bhumija (Valabhi,phamsana). It was developed in Malwa under the Paramara These temples feature a basic Shikara, a slightly dynasty. curved tower with four sides of equal length. It has miniature spires in horizontal and vertical It remained the most refereed style till the 10th rows all the way to the top, creating a grid-like ef- century. fect on each face. The actual shikhara often ap- proaches a pyramidal shape. E.g: Sun Temple at Markhera in Madhya Pradesh The Udayeshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh is an (MP) and the Sri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. example of this architectural style. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 7 January 2024 CA Comparison to Dravida style Features Nagara Style Dravida Style Geographic Dis- Northern India tribution Southern India Vimana Shape Curvilinear (Bulbous or Pyramid) Pyramidal (Step-like) Boundary walls It does not usually have elaborate boundary It is enclosed within a compound wall. The front walls or gateways. wall has an entrance gateway, which is known as a gopuram. Towers Multiple towers Always a single tower. Entrance Deities Ganga and Yamuna rivers are depicted in The entrance has Dwarapalas. personified form. Pedestals Are higher than the ground Are at ground level Crowing element It is referred to as Shikara. It is referred to as Kalash and Amalaka. Presence of a Temple tanks or large water reservoirs are It is common to find a large water reservoir or a water tank generally not enclosed within the temple temple tank enclosed within the complex. complex. Eamples Kandariya Mahadeva (Khaju- Shore temple (Mahabalipuram), Brihadesvara raho), Jagannath Temple (Puri), Dashava- temple (Thanjavur), Meenakshi Temple (Madu- tara Temple (Deogarh). rai) {GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Ram Mandir Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) houses the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (Shri Ram ❖ Context (HT): The Ayodhya Ram mandir was inau- Lalla), and the first floor houses a Shri Ram Darbar. gurated recently. Maa Annapurna temple is at the northern end, and Dimensions Hanuman temple is at the southern end. The pillars and walls showcase intricately sculpted It is a three-story temple with each floor being depictions of Hindu deities, gods, & goddesses. 20ft, supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 Parkota (Surrounding Rectangular compound wall): doors. Length of 732 meters and a width of 14 feet. It has a length of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and Kuber Tila (Southwestern part) has an ancient Shiv a height of 161 feet. Mandir along with the Jatayu statue. Architecture Mandirs of Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vasishtha, It is constructed in the traditional Nagara style. Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Nishad Five mandaps: Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sa- Raj, Mata Shabri, and the revered consort of the bha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, & Kirtan Mandap. Devi Ahilya are also proposed in the complex. Singh Dwar: The main entrance is on the eastern Materials used in the construction side, with ascending 32 stairs. Project uses traditional construction materials, Four Mandirs at four corners - dedicated to deities aligning with age-old building practices. Shiv, Bhagwati, Ganesh, and Surya. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 8 January 2024 CA  It does not use iron or steel (Rusting results in a A thick layer of roller-compacted concrete founda- shorter life span). tion appearing like artificial rock is laid down. Bansi Paharpur Pink Sandstone from Rajasthan’s Special bricks (Ram Shilas) with the inscription Bharatpur district is used for major construction. "Shri Ram" on them are used. Granite stones are utilised in the plinths, providing Sculptor Arun Yogiraj carved out the "Balak Ram" a durable and resilient foundation for the temple. idol from the pre-Cambrian era black granite The use of granite adds structural strength while sourced from Mysuru (Karnataka). contributing to the overall longevity of the temple. Properties of material used White Makrana marble and coloured marble are Sandstone intricately used for the inlay work. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 9 January 2024 CA  Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly cific sequence channel sunlight onto the idol. of sand-sized silicate grains. Sustainability Provisions It may be of any colour due to impurities within the minerals. With no use of iron and steel, it has a lower car- Due to its durability, strength, and aesthetic ap- bon footprint. peal, it has been used in construction for many The complex has a sewage treatment plant, water years. treatment plant, water supply for fire safety and Source: Rajasthan (~90% deposits), Andhra Pra- an independent power station. desh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pra- Environmental water conservation (70% of the desh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Karnataka, Odisha, area left green) is emphasised. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Ben- Bisleri will place 200+ bins around Ayodhya Ram gal. Mandir to collect plastic bottles for recycling. Granite Many items used on the day of the ceremony were made using cow dung. It is an igneous rock formed by slow crystallisation of magma beneath the Earth’s surface (plutonic). {GS1 – A&C – Languages} Classical Languages Mohs hardness scale (used for hardness of miner- als) rates it as 6-7 out of 10, making it very durable. ❖ Context (TH): WB CM requests PM to recognize It has low porosity (no water absorption and no 'Bengali’ as a classical language officially. weathering), acid resistance and thermal stability. As per scientific research by the State team, Benga- Multiple colours are due to mineral composition, li's origins 2,500 years ago. impurities, and rate of formation. Bengali is 2nd most spoken language in India (after Source: Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Hindi) and 7th most spoken language globally. Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pra- Classical Language desh. Makrana marble It is a language with original, independent literary tradition and a large body of ancient written liter- Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of car- bonate minerals (90%). ature. Some other monuments of Makrana marble are India recognizes six classical languages: Tamil (de- the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, Du- clared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), khnivaran Sahib Gurdwara in Ludhiana, Sheikh Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013) and Odia (2014). Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Moti Masjid in La- All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth hore and the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. Schedule of the IC. It is designated as Asia’s first Global Heritage Criteria for declaring a language as 'Classical' Stone Resource (GHSR) by the International Union of Geological Sciences. The Ministry of Culture provides guidelines regard- Only single deposit in India: Makrana (Nagaur in ing Classical languages. They are: Rajasthan) 1. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded histo- Surya Tilak ry over 1500-2000 years. It is an ingenious system designed to adorn the 2. A body of ancient literature/texts is considered forehead of the Balak Ram idol with sunlight in the a valuable heritage by generations of speak- form of a ‘Tilak’ for a specific duration annually on ers. Ram Navami. 3. The literary tradition should be original and not Developed by the Central Building Research Insti- borrowed from another speech community. tute (CBRI) under CSIR. 4. Classical language and literature are distinct Made up of Brass with no battery, iron or steel, from modern, but there may also be a discon- powered by Solar energy. tinuity between the classical language and its High-quality mirrors and lenses arranged in a spe- later forms or offshoots. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 10 January 2024 CA Benefits of being a Classical Language He was opposed to Buddhist philosophers. The followers of Shankaracharya are called as The Ministry of Education provides specific bene- fits to promote the classical languages: Smratas. 1. Two major annual international awards for He was one of the mystic Bhakti poet-saint leaders scholars of eminence in classical Indian lan- who gave Hinduism a new direction. guages. He emphasised that devotion to the supreme 2. Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Brahman is an effective means to realise the truth Languages. beyond duality. 3. The University Grants Commission is request- He advanced the concept of Nirgunabrahman (god ed to create several professional chairs for without attributes). classical languages in the Central Universities. He emphasised knowledge (Gyan) as the only way to salvation. {GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Shankaracharyas He emphasised that ritualistic actions are second- ary and do not lead to liberation. ❖ Context (IE): The four Shankaracharyas have said He sought to integrate Gyan and bhakti as com- they will not attend the inauguration of the Ram plementary means to attain the ultimate truth. temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Who are the Shankaracharyas? Shankaracharya means ‘teacher of the way of Shankara’. It is a religious title used by the heads of the four cardinal mathas or peeths. The Shankaracharya heads the four Hindu maths (monasteries) — in Dwarka (Gujarat), Joshimath (Uttarakhand), Puri (Odisha), and Sringeri (Karna- taka). These Maths were founded by the eighth-century religious scholar and philosopher Adi Shankara (c Major Works of Shankaracharya 788 CE-820 CE). Brahmasutrabhasya (Bhashya or commentary on These mathas comprise religious shrines, temples, the Brahma Sutra). libraries, and residences. Bhajagovinda Stotra. The existence of these mathas before the 14th Nirvana Shatakam. century CE is disputed, with evidence suggesting Prakaran Granths. retrospective establishment to legitimise these Disciples of Adi Shankaracharya centres of learning. Shankaracharya’s four closest disciples played piv- The Vijayanagara kingdom began to patronise the otal roles in propagating his teachings: Sringeri matha in the 14th Century. 1. Padmapada: Known for his deep devotion and Adi Shankaracharya poetry. He is Known as Adi Shankara, born 11th May 788 2. Totakacharya: He devoted himself to Shanka- AD, at Kaladi (poised to be declared a national racharya’s mission and was revered for his po- monument) near Kochi, Kerala. etry “Totakashtakam.” He took Samadhi at the age of 33 at Kedar Tirth. 3. Hasta Malaka: A child prodigy astounded He was a devotee of Shiva. Shankaracharya with his understanding of He was the disciple of Govindacharya. Advaita philosophy. He propounded the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism) 4. Sureshwara: Initially a householder, he became and wrote many commentaries on the Vedic canon a disciple after losing a philosophical debate to (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita) in Shankaracharya Sanskrit. Teachings and Philosophy PMF IAS – Learn Smart 11 January 2024 CA Advaita Vedanta The island is home to Shaivite, Vaisnavite, & Jain ❖ Adi Shankaracharya's most significant contribution temples dating back to the 14th & 18th centuries. is his propagation of Advaita Vedanta. The name ‘Omkareshwar’ is derived from the is- ❖ This philosophy asserts the ultimate non-dual na- land's shape, which resembles the sacred syllable ture of reality, i.e., the Individual soul (Atman) is ‘Om’, and its name means ‘the Lord of Omkara’. identical to the supreme reality (Brahman). Indian PM has also unveiled a 12-foot statue of Adi ⮚ Adi Shankaracharya believed that the individual Shankaracharya at Kedarnath, UK, in 2021. and supreme souls are like waves and the {GS1 – A&C – Religion} Separate Religious Code ocean. for Sarna Religion ⮚ The waves appear different from the ocean but comprise the same water substance. ❖ Context (DTE): The demand for a separate reli- ❖ According to it, the Upanishads reveal a fundamen- gious code for the Sarna religion has led to stir in tal principle of nonduality termed ‘brahman’, which West Bengal. is the reality of everything. The term 'Sarna' is derived from the Mundari lan- ❖ It seeks to establish that the essential core of one- guage, specifically the word 'Sar' which means a self (atman) is brahman. grove of Sal trees. ❖ The fundamental thrust of Advaita Vedanta is that Sarna, also known as "Sarnaism" or "Adi Dharam", the atman is pure non-intentional consciousness. is a tribal-religious practice largely followed by the Maya indigenous (Adivasi) communities of India such as ❖ Adi Shankara emphasised the concept of Maya, the Munda, Oraon, Kharia, and Santhal tribes. which is the illusion that the material world is sep- The worship of a deity known as 'Dharti Aayo' or arate from Brahman. 'Mother Earth', is common among followers of ❖ He argued that realising the illusory nature of the Sarna. world and recognising one's true identity as Atman They worship in sacred groves often having desig- is the key to spiritual liberation (moksha). nated trees or groves that they consider holy. The doctrine of Neti-Neti These sacred groves are known as Sarna Sthal or Jaher. ❖ Shankara's philosophy employs the "neti-neti" (not The core tenet of the ‘Sarna’ faith revolves around this, not that) approach, where one negates all at- “Jal (water), Jungle (forest), Zameen (land),” with tributes and limitations to realise Brahman's at- followers venerating trees and hills while empha- tributeless and limitless nature. sizing forest preservation. ❖ Neti-Neti meditation is a form of self-inquiry in Their festivals are inclusive and gender-neutral and which the practitioner searches for the location of promote peaceful coexistence with nature. the self. Their festivals and rituals revolve around the agri- ❖ With its aid, the Gyani negates identification with cultural calendar and the cycles of nature. all things of this world, not the Atman. There’s an extensive oral tradition but no central- ❖ The doctrine of Neti-neti also finds significance in ized religious book or scripture like the Bi- Buddhism. ble/Quran. Statues of Adi Shankara Though the community has a significant presence 108 feet high 'Statue of Oneness' of Adi Shankara- in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Ben- charya was unveiled on Mandhata mountain at gal, the religion is still not officially recognized by Omkareshwar in Khandwa district, M.P. the Indian government. This has led to protests by the Sarna community Significance of Mandhata pushing for official recognition. The Mandhata island, nestled on the Narmada Riv- Need for a separate code er, is home to two of the 12 Jyotirlingas – Omka- reshwara (located on the island's south side) and While many follow the Hindu religion, some have Amareshwara. converted to Christianity. Thus, need for a separate code “to save religious identity”. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 12 January 2024 CA  The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes The Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana at- also recommended that the Sarna religion be ac- test that the early Gupta kings ruled Saketa. Still, corded an independent category in the religion no Gupta-era archaeological layers have been dis- code under the Census of India. covered except for many Gupta coins. Granting a new religious code: The process Karamdanda (Karmdand) inscription of Kumara- gupta I names it as capital of the Kosala province. Art 25 of the IC guarantees Freedom of Religion to The Hunas (Mihirakula) invasion in the 6th century all citizens. is the probable cause of the decline of Ayodhya. Currently, 6 religious codes are recognized in India: In the 11th-12th century, the Kanauj kingdom Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, arose in Ayodhya (Oudh/Awadh). and Jainism. After the fall of Harsha's Kannauj empire, it was Establishing a separate religious code requires the supposedly under Gurjara-Pratiharas kings. enactment of legislation passed by both the Hous- The Gahadavala dynasty came to power in the re- es of Parliament. gion (11th century) and promoted Vaishnavism. Preserving Sarna Religion: The Way Ahead Buddhist connection Constitutional recognition of the unique cultural It is identical to Saketa, where the Buddha is said identity of Sarna followers. to have resided for some time. Documentation of traditions, establishment of cul- Samyutta Nikaya and the Vinaya Pitaka mention tural centers, and integration of Sarna heritage into the city of Saketa and a big river near it. educational curricula. The later Buddhist text Mahavastu describes Leveraging the environmental significance of Sar- Saketa as the seat of the Ikshvaku king Sujata. na practices to integrate them into broader conser- Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hian (5th century CE) vation strategies. mentioned multiple monasteries in Ayodhya. Advocating for legal frameworks designed for the Ashoka is also believed to have constructed a stupa protection of indigenous cultural practices. in Ayodhya. Seeking international recognition, along with im- Jainism connection plementing community empowerment pro- Jain canonical text Jambudvipa-Pannati describes a grammes. city called Viniya (synonyms with Ayodhya) as the birthplace of Lord Rishabhdev (1st Tirthankar). {GS1 – A&C – Sites} Ayodhya Medieval Period ❖ Context (IE): Ram Mandir's consecration has Ayodhya became part of the Delhi Sultanate, the brought Ayodhya into the limelight. Jaunpur Kingdom, and the Mughal Empire. History of Ayodhya Babri Mosque was built in 1528–29 by Mir Baqi, a Ancient History commander of the Mughal emperor Babur. After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 AD, the cen- "Ayodhya" means "not to be fought". Atharvaveda tral Muslim rule weakened, and Awadh became vir- and Jain literature Adi Purana refers to it as the tually independent, with Ayodhya as its capital. unconquerable city of gods. "Saketa" is the older name for the city as per the British Period Sanskrit, Jain, Buddhist, Greek and Chinese sources. It became subordinate to the British East India Ancient Indian Sanskrit-language epics, Ramayana Company in 1764. and the Mahabharata, mention a legendary city The first capital of Oudh/Awadh was Ayodhya, called Ayodhya. later Faizabad. Epics mention it as the capital of the Ikshvaku Treaty of Allahabad (1765) after the Battle of Bux- kings of Kosala, including Lord Ram. ar resulted in the transfer of 50 lakhs by Nawab of Ayodhya was the early capital of the kingdom of Awadh to Britishers. Kosala, which was later shifted to Shravasti. Awadh Annexation (1856) by Dalhousie's Doctrine It is also mentioned in Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha. of Lapse was a factor in the 1857 revolution. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 13 January 2024 CA  Oudh was joined with the Agra Presidency in 1877 Origin: Nanda Kot mountain (Sarmaul, Bageshwar to form the North-Western Provinces and later the district, Uttarakhand) in Kumaon Himalayas. United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, now Uttar It is the largest tributary of the Mahakali (Sharda) Pradesh state. River, meeting it at Pancheshwar at the India— Post-independence Nepal border. Left Bank Tributaries: Ramganga, Punger Excavations at Ayodhya discovered a large brick Right Bank Tributaries: Gomati, Panar, Lahor wall (fortification wall) by archaeologist B. B. Lal. It is also referred to as Lower Ghaghra, which flows It has been the centre of the Ram Janambhoomi through Ayodhya. movement. Fictionally, Sarayu is also the name of the river that Geography flows by the fictional town of Malgudi, created by the It is situated in the Indo-Gangetic Plain with a sub- Indian writer R. K. Narayan. tropical monsoon climate. It is located on the southern bank of Saryu River. Saryu/Sarju River PMF IAS – Learn Smart 14 January 2024 CA  GS1 – Geography: Physical, Human, Economic and Indian Geography {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Discovery It is currently 228 feet below sea level. of Lithium Deposits Its salinity (some 45 parts per thousand) far ex- ceeds that of seawater. ❖ Context (LM): Scientists have discovered a massive The Sea is an important stopping point for migra- lithium deposit beneath California’s Salton Sea, tory waterfowl and serves as a critical habitat for holding an estimated 18 million tons of lithium. birds moving south to Mexico and Central America. Salton Sea Lithium Lithium is a non-ferrous, soft, silvery-white alkali metal. It is also called ‘white gold’ due to its high demand for rechargeable batteries. Under standard conditions, it is the least dense metal and the least dense solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, so it must be stored in a vacuum, inert atmosphere, or inert liquid (such as purified kero- sene or mineral oil). It exhibits a metallic lustre. But it corrodes quickly in the air to a dull silvery grey, then black tarnish. It never occurs freely in nature but occurs mainly as pegmatitic minerals.  Pegmatite is a coarse-textured igneous rock that forms during the final stage of magma’s crystalli- sation. It contains large crystals and minerals rarely The Salton Sea is a shallow, saline lake located in the California desert. found in other types of rocks. The Sea was created in 1905 when water from the Due to its solubility as an ion, it is present in ocean Colorado River spilled out of a poorly constructed water and commonly obtained from brines (high- California Development Company irrigation system concentration salt solution in water). and into a basin in the desert. Lithium metal is isolated electrolytically from a The lake then expanded in size for several years mixture of lithium chloride and potassium chloride. until workers were able to put a stop to the flow. Top producers of lithium: 1st Australia > 2nd Chile > The lake lies on the San Andreas Fault within the 3rd China > 4th Argentina > 5th Zimbabwe Salton Trough, which stretches to the Gulf of Cali- {GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Graphene fornia in Mexico. The lake is bordered on the south by the rich agri- ❖ Context (LM): Researchers created a functional cultural areas of the Imperial Valley, on the west, semiconductor from graphene. by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and on the Graphene is a single layer (monolayer) of pure car- north by the Coachella Valley. bon, tightly bound in a hexagonal honeycomb lat- It is an endorheic lake, meaning that its waters tice. It is an allotrope of carbon. have no outlet to the ocean. It is extracted from graphite. Graphite is arranged It has been maintained by irrigation runoff coming in a 3D crystalline manner, whereas, graphene is a from the Imperial and Coachella valleys and nearby rivers ever since its formation. 2D crystal, only an atom thick. PMF IAS – Learn Smart 15 January 2024 CA Properties ❖ Context (TH): India has announced the exploration Graphene is the thinnest (one atom thick) com- and development of five lithium blocks in Argenti- pound known. na. It is the lightest material known and the strongest compound discovered (between 100-300 times stronger than steel, and harder than diamond). It is an excellent conductor of electricity and has high thermal conductivity. It is flexible, transparent, & has large surface area. Applications ❖ Electronics industry: It is used in applications rang- ing from miniaturised electronics to biomedical devices due to its thin composition and high con- ductivity. ❖ Biomedical industry: It can be used for targeted drug delivery, ‘smart’ implants, etc. ❖ Automobile industry: Graphene is highly inert and so can act as a corrosion barrier between oxygen and water diffusion. ❖ Potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries: It can be used to develop smaller, slimmer batteries Argentina is part of the 'lithium triangle' along with higher capacity,