Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started copying stone inscriptions at the Thalishwarar temple in Tamil Nadu using the estampage method. This involves cleaning the stones, transferring the engravings to maplitho paper, inking it, and recording details. The replicated inscriptions, including those in ancient Tamil scripts from the 9th and 12th centuries, offer insights into historical lifestyles and the temple’s construction by a Chera ruler.

Notes:
Archaeologists recently uncovered a 2,700-year-old Etruscan cult temple at the Sasso Pinzuto necropolis in Tuscany, Italy, shedding light on the ancient Etruscan civilization. This discovery, which includes over 120 chamber tombs, highlights the cultural and architectural significance of the Etruscans, who flourished in central Italy from the 8th to 3rd centuries BCE. The Etruscan temples, built on elevated tuff foundations, often featured polychrome clay slabs with religious reliefs.

Notes:
Gotipua is a traditional dance form from Odisha, performed by young boys who dress as women to honor Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. This dance, a precursor to Odissi classical dance, involves acrobatic movements inspired by the life of Radha and Krishna. The boys wear a bright blouse called “Kanchula” and an embroidered silk cloth called “Nibibandha.” Gotipua emerged in the 16th century during King Rama Chandra Dev’s reign, replacing female temple dancers known as Devadasis. However, the future of these young dancers becomes uncertain as they age and leave the tradition.

Notes:
Vishalgad Fort, also known as Khelna, is facing tensions as right-wing groups target local Muslim residents over alleged encroachments. The fort, built in 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh, is located on a hilltop in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Maharashtra. It was captured by the Seuna Yadavas in 1209 and later fell under the Khilji dynasty, the Vijayanagar Empire, and the Adilshahi dynasty. Shivaji captured the fort in 1659 and renamed it Vishalgad, meaning “grand fort.”

Notes:
Hampi, in Central Karnataka, India, needs a balance between preserving its ancient ruins and supporting local communities. Located on the Tungabhadra River, it was the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital from the 14th to 16th century.
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1986. Its architecture mixes Chola, Hoysala, Pandya, Chalukya, and Indo-Islamic styles. Temples are known for their large size, detailed carvings, and depictions from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Notes:
A 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, built less than a year ago, recently collapsed. In contrast, the Sindhudurg Fort, built by Shivaji Maharaj 357 years ago, remains intact. Sindhudurg Fort is located on Kurte Island in the Arabian Sea, near Malvan, Maharashtra. The fort, completed in 1667, was designed to protect against foreign colonizers and the Siddis of Janjira. It symbolizes the strength of the Maratha Navy and the advanced construction techniques of its time.

Notes:
In Odisha, especially in the western and some southern regions, people are celebrating the ‘Nauakhai’ festival, which marks the start of the new rice season. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi introduced the CM-Kisan Yojana to support farmers with financial aid. Under this scheme, farmers will receive Rs 4,000 annually in two parts. Today, Rs 2,000 was deposited into the accounts of around 46 lakh farmers, with the remaining amount to be given on Akshaya Tritiya. A total of Rs 925.40 crore will be distributed to nearly 46 lakh beneficiaries.

Notes:
The Kumaranallur Devi temple in Kottayam, Kerala, is undergoing a restoration project. The temple dates back to the 10th century during King Cheraman Perumal’s reign and features a rare ‘Sree Chakra’ style in its architecture. Its murals, spread across 14 sections, depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, starting with an image of Karthyayani Devi.
Renowned mural artist Gopi Chavayur is restoring the murals, which had faded over time. The first restoration in 1997 recreated 12 panels using traditional colours like red, yellow, green, white, and black, with emphasis on lines. Unique elements include Goddess Parvathy depicted in modern attire.

Notes:
Tribal communities in several Indian states recently celebrated the harvest festival of Karma or Karam Parv. Karma Puja honors the Karam tree, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and auspiciousness. The festival began with the start of agriculture by tribal communities. A week before, young women plant seven types of grains in clean sand. On the festival day, a Karam tree branch is planted in a courtyard, and the priest worships the Karam Raja. The celebration includes traditional dancing, singing, and offerings. The Karam branch is later immersed in water, and Jawa flowers are distributed. It is mainly celebrated by Munda, Ho, Oraon, and other tribes in states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Notes:
The 200-year-old Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad are currently being restored. Also known as Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, they are the burial sites of the Paigah nobility. The tombs showcase Indo-Saracenic architecture, combining Asaf Jah and Rajputani styles. Made of white marble, the tombs feature intricately designed interiors and stunning stucco work. This stucco represents various styles, including Mughal, Greek, Persian, Asaf Jahi, Rajasthani, and Deccani. The unique ‘Jali’ work adds to their charm, with each tomb having a distinct design.