Culture and Civilisational Digest: December-2024

ASI begins process of unravelling portion of 'assembly hall' of Mauryan emperors in Patna- Hindustan Times

The Archaeological Survey of India commenced a process of unravelling a portion of the '80-pillared assembly hall' at Kumhrar in Patna, a site regarded as the only evidence of architectural activities of the Mauryan emperors in the Indian subcontinent. This hall is believed to have been used by Ashoka for the Third Buddhist Council held at Pataliputra in the 3rd Century BCE Click here to read... [2]

Deccan empires, from the Mauryans & Satavahanas to Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar knew monsoon’s vagaries, its socio-economic & political impacts: Study- Down To Earth

Empires that rose and fell in the Deccan, or the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, knew about the vagaries of the Indian monsoon and its effects on societal, economic, and political situations, a new study has suggested. These polities — from the Mauryans and Satavahanas to the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar — consequently constructed water retention structures such as dams, anicuts, tanks and wells, as is well-evidenced from references on inscriptions. Click here to read... [3]

Protests erupt over claims on Lord Krishna's caste in Mathura- Business Standard

Wall inscriptions claiming that Lord Krishna was a Jat triggered protests in Mathura. Lord Krishna is traditionally regarded as a member of the Yaduvanshi lineage. Recently, writings under the title "The History of Nandgaon" cropped up on the walls of some shops and homes in Nandgaon that asserted that Lord Krishna was a Jat. Click here to read... [4]

Prehistoric rock-cut footprints and human figure unearthed at Kanhirapoil in Kerala’s Kasaragod- The Hindu

A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light at Kanhirapoil in Madikkai panchayat where 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure have been found carved into rock on private property. Experts believe these carvings date back to the Megalithic period, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture. The find was first reported by local archaeology enthusiast Satheesan Kaliyanam, following which archaeologist Professor Ajith Kumar and history Professor Nandakumar Koroth confirmed its significance during a site visit. Click here to read... [5]

Indian Navy Day 2024: History, theme significance, and celebrations

The nation as a whole celebrates the Indian Navy's special occasion with great fervour. To honour the Indian Navy's heroic efforts and sacrifices in protecting the nation's maritime borders and ensuring its security, Indian Navy Day is observed. The significance of the Indian Navy in defending India's vast coastline, monitoring maritime trade routes, and providing assistance in times of natural disaster and humanitarian crisis is also highlighted on this day. Indian Navy Day is observed annually on December 4. Click here to read... [6]

UN General Assembly boosts global fight against illegal trade in cultural artifacts- United Nations News

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in December to strengthen its fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property and facilitating the restitution of stolen artifacts to their countries of origin. The resolution recognised that addressing the unlawful trade in such items is vital to preserve the identity and traditions of communities worldwide and enabling them to freely practice and safeguard priceless heritage. It also acknowledged the devastating impact of illicit trafficking on cultural heritage in general, particularly in regions affected by conflicts, where looting and smuggling of artifacts often fund organized crime and terrorism. Click here to read... [7]

PM Modi inaugurates ‘Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav to celebrate Northeast India’s culture and economic vibrancy- CNBC TV18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 6 inaugurated the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in a grand celebration highlighting the cultural, social, and economic vibrancy of India’s eight north-eastern states. Named after the eight forms of prosperity, the event celebrates the rich traditions and development of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim. Click here to read... [8]

Preserving India’s sacred groves can help country achieve its conservation & climate goals: Experts- Down to Earth

In order to meet India’s climate commitment of net zero by 2070, forest conservation is important. But besides government-owned forests, there is a need to protect sacred groves as these can help mitigate climate change by acting as carbon sinks. If properly managed, climate change can be halted, and people’s close link with nature nurtured. There is often a sense of alienation when communities are relocated to boost conservation. Click here to read... [9]

ISKCON centre in Bangladesh burnt down- The Economic Times

An ISKCON centre in Dhaka was destroyed in a fire. Idols and temple items were burned. ISKCON leaders say the attack was deliberate. They report ongoing attacks on Hindu sites in Bangladesh. Concern grows for the safety of Hindus. An Indian minister condemned the arson and demanded justice. Click here to read... [10]

Second India-Nepal Cultural Festival celebrates Buddhist heritage in Lumbini- ANI

The second edition of the India-Nepal Cultural Festival organised by the Embassy of India in Nepal took place on Saturday in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The festival featured a series of events, including a cultural programme with performances from both Indian and Nepali artists, as well as an academic seminar on the Buddhist cultural heritage shared by the two countries. Click here to read... [11]

Centre outlines initiatives to preserve tribal culture in Odisha- The Times of India

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed Lok Sabha that significant efforts are underway to promote and preserve tribal culture. The Lalit Kala Akademi's Bhubaneswar Regional Centre supports tribal art through exhibitions and camps, while the Sangeet Natak Akademi hosts events like Deshaj and Lok Sangam. Zonal cultural centres organize festivals like the Hornbill Festival and Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav. Additionally, TRIFED runs Adi Mahotsav and Tribal Artisan Melas. Click here to read... [12]

Krishna Path and Gita Bhawans to boost cultural revival in MP- The Tribune

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized the Bhagavad Gita as a universal guide to the art of living, transcending religion. Announcing plans for Gita Jayanti on December 11, he said 5,000 devotees would recite the Gita in Ujjain and Bhopal. Speaking at the International Gita Mahotsav, Dr. Yadav highlighted efforts to incorporate the Gita’s teachings into education and announced plans for Gita Bhawans, Town Halls, and a Krishna Path from Ujjain to Mathura with pilgrimage sites and a Krishna museum. Click here to read... [13]

Hornbill Festival 2024 in Nagaland draws over 1.73 lakh attendees- Times Travel

Nagaland's Hornbill Festival 2024 witnessed a record-breaking 1.73 lakh attendees, including over 2,375 international visitors. The 25th edition showcased the rich cultural heritage of the state's 18 tribes through vibrant performances, traditional games, and cuisine. The festival, inaugurated by dignitaries, highlighted Naga unity and pride, culminating in the Hornbill International Music Festival. Click here to read... [14]

Maritime heritage tourist spot to be built in Lothal in Gujarat: Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal- The Economic Times

India is building a massive maritime museum at Lothal. The complex will feature 14 galleries, theme parks, and a recreated Lothal city. It will highlight India's 5,000-year-old maritime heritage. The project will cost over ₹4,000 crore. Six galleries will open by September 2025. The entire complex will be complete by 2029. The government expects 25,000 visitors daily. Click here to read... [15]

Vijay Diwas: Celebrating valour, liberation- The Tribune

Every year on December 16, India observes Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) to commemorate its decisive victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. This historic event not only reshaped the geopolitical map of South Asia but also marked a significant chapter in India’s military history. Click here to read... [16]

Legendary Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain dies at 73- BBC

Zakir Hussain, one of the world's greatest tabla players, has died at the age of 73. The Indian classical music icon died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said in a statement. Hussain was a four-time Grammy award winner and has received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Through his performances, he transformed the tabla into a globally loved solo instrument that was the star of the show. Click here to read... [17]

Archaeological Survey of India surveys newly found temple, wells in Sambhal- Hindustan Times

A four-member team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) inspected the newly uncovered temple, 5 ‘teerth’ and 19 wells in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The Sambhal district administration had written to the ASI for carbon dating of the temple and the well. Click here to read... [18]

Indonesia takes back artefacts looted during Dutch colonial rule- New Straits Times

In the mid-19th century, Dutch colonial officials climbing an Indonesian volcano spotted an ancient statue meant to serve as protection against misfortune, looted it, and took it to the Netherlands. Today, the volcanic rock likeness of the Hindu god Ganesha, bearing four arms and the head of an elephant, stands tall inside Indonesia's National Museum in the capital Jakarta. The country is repatriating hundreds of similarly pillaged treasures, reclaiming parts of its history lost to looting under its former colonial ruler from the late 17th century to independence in 1945. "We fully support it because it is part of preserving our culture," said 23-year-old banker Devi Aristya Nurhidayanti, standing in front of the Ganesha statue. Click here to read... [19]

150-year-old stepwell found in Sambhal’s Chandausi- Hindustan Times

A nearly 150-year-old stepwell (’baoli’), measuring 400 square metres, has been discovered in Lakman Ganj area of Sambhal district’s Chandausi tehsil. The Sambhal administration came to know about the structure recently after which excavation work began. Click here to read... [20]

Ancient terracotta artefacts unearthed along Thenpennai river bank near Panruti- The New Indian Express

Ancient terracotta smoking pipes and a lamp, believed to date back to the Sangam era, were discovered during a recent surface survey conducted near Enathirimangalam in the Thenpennai river region in Panruti. Research scholar C Immanuel and postgraduate scholar V Prathap from the History Department of Aringar Anna Government Arts College in Villupuram conducted the survey. Click here to read... [21]