Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The Ministry of Culture’s Amrit Parampara series celebrates India’s shared art and culture legacy. The series began with “Kaveri Meets Ganga,” inaugurated on 2nd November and held till 5th November 2024. The event, inspired by Chennai’s Margazhi Festival, featured traditional and folk arts, representing India’s cultural diversity. The event was held at Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka. It showcased South Indian music and dance for North Indian audiences. Organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kalakshetra, and CCRT, the festival aligns with the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative, promoting unity through cultural exchange.

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An Iron Age menhir, known locally as ‘Niluvu Rayi,’ was found in Kamasanpalli village, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. Menhirs are large, upright stones, sometimes seen alone or in groups. They are found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, with Western Europe having the most. Shapes vary but generally taper at the top, often arranged in circles or rows, like the Carnac alignments in France with 2,935 menhirs. Menhirs sometimes feature engravings, such as spirals or axes. Their purpose is uncertain, but they may have been used for fertility rites or seasonal cycles.

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Japan will be the official ‘Partner Country’ for the 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. The festival is held annually from December 1–10, showcasing Nagaland’s culture through music, dance, art, and indigenous games. Started in 2000, its goal is to promote the state’s culture, encourage inter-tribal interaction, and preserve Naga heritage. Organized by the state’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, with support from the Union Government. It is named after the Indian Hornbill, a colorful bird central to the folklore of many Naga tribes.

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An Ajmer court has admitted a petition to survey the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, leading to calls for a similar probe into the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. It is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is one of India’s oldest mosques and the second oldest in North India, after Delhi’s Quwwat ul Islam mosque. The Deputy Mayor claims it was initially a Sanskrit college and Jain temple before being converted into a mosque in the 12th century. Commissioned by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1199 CE, it was later enhanced by Iltutmish in 1213 CE. The structure showcases early Indo-Islamic architecture.

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is excavating the 80-pillar assembly hall at Kumhrar, Patna. The Kumhrar site is linked to Emperor Ashoka’s third Buddhist Council. The site highlights Pataliputra’s role as the Mauryan capital and a cultural-political hub. The hall had 80 sandstone pillars with a wooden roof and floor, showcasing Mauryan architectural skill. Materials were transported via the Sone-Ganga river route, reflecting advanced planning and resource management. The project renews global interest in Mauryan art and architecture.

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The Eklingji Temple in Udaipur has introduced new rules, including a dress code and a mobile phone ban, to maintain sanctity. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Ekling Nath, the ruling deity of the Mewar kingdom. The temple is located in Kailashpuri, 22 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in the 8th century by Bappa Rawal, founder of the Mewar dynasty. The temple showcases intricately carved stone architecture and houses a four-faced Shiva Lingam made of black marble. Historically managed by the Mewar royal family, who consider Lord Ekling Nath the real ruler, with the Diwan of Mewar as the earthly representative.

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The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 during the 10th Five Year Plan by the Ministry of Culture to document, conserve, and promote access to Indian manuscripts. An expert committee recommended its continuation with broader reach and direct ministry oversight. NMM operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), receiving government funding. It uses technology from IGNCA for preservation and digitization, with digitized manuscripts available on Pandulipi Patala. Preservation methods include lamination, restoration, and deacidification, alongside training in preventive conservation. Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) address collection and conservation gaps.

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After 48 years, the Kalyan civil court dismissed a Muslim trust’s suit claiming ownership of an idgah inside Durgadi Fort, ruling in favor of the state government. Durgadi Fort is located in Kalyan, near Mumbai, Maharashtra, on the banks of the Ulhas River, offering scenic views of Kalyan. Kalyan was a vital international harbor during the Satvahan era and remains a key historical location. The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after capturing Kalyan and Bhiwandi from Adilshah on October 24, 1654. It marked the beginning of the Maratha Navy and served as a dock for shipbuilding.

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The Gadhimai Mahotsav, held every five years at the Gadhimai Temple in Bariyarpur, Nepal, is known for the world’s largest animal sacrifice. More than two crore people attended the festival this year, despite decades of criticism from animal activists. The festival features the largest animal sacrifice, with devotees sacrificing buffaloes, goats, cocks, and ducks during Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. Devotees also release doves in the temple when their wishes are believed to be fulfilled. The festival takes place at the Gadhimai Temple in Bara district, near the Indo-Nepal border.

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The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with France Museums Développement, will establish the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Announced by the Prime Minister in May 2023, it aims to celebrate India’s continuous civilizational history and promote inclusivity. It will be the largest museum globally, located across New Delhi’s North and South Blocks. The museum will highlight themes like democracy, diversity, and heritage, with a focus on community narratives. France’s expertise will guide its design and management, drawing inspiration from the Louvre.