Source- This post is based on the article “PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya Dham” Published in “PIB” on 30th December 2023. Why in the News? Recently the Prime Minister inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. What are the Key features of the airport? 1) The airport is dedicated… Continue reading Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
Category: Art and Culture
Awards for words – The Sahitya Akademi must do more to promote Indian literature
Source: The post is based on the article “Awards for words – The Sahitya Akademi must do more to promote Indian literature” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Art & Culture– Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. News: Sahitya Akademi has announced the annual… Continue reading Awards for words – The Sahitya Akademi must do more to promote Indian literature
Monuments of National Importance
Source: The post is based on the article “Monuments of National Importance” published in “PIB” on 21st December 2023 Why in the News? There are 3697 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as Monuments of National Importance in India. What are Monuments of National Importance? 1) Monuments of National Importance (MNI) are declared… Continue reading Monuments of National Importance
Source: The post is based on the article “Mohiniyattam: Johannes Kepler’s Science Fiction Novel, World’s Oldest, To Be Adapted Into Mohiniyattam” published in “NDTV” on 9th December 2023
Why in the News?
Somnium, the world’s first science fiction novel, will be adapted into Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form. The adaptation will be titled “Nilakkanavu” (Moonlit Chronicle).
What is Nilakkanavu?
1) Nilakkanavu is a Mohiniyattam dance performance based on the world’s first science fiction novel, Somnium, written by 17th century German Scientist Johannes Kepler.
2) The performance will be performed at the Samanwayam 2023 national dance-music festival in Palakkad, Kerala.
3) The artistic endeavor was conceptualised by Mankara and is executed by the well-known danseuse Gayathri Madhusudan. The musical landscape of Nilakkanavu is crafted by national award-winning composer Ramesh Narayan.
4) The performance will also pay tribute to the scientists who worked hard to make India’s Chandrayaan Mission a success.
What is Mohiniyattam?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | It is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala. It derives its name from the word ‘Mohini’, the female avatar of Lord Vishnu. |
| Also known as | Dasiattam, as earlier the dance was practiced by devadasis or temple dancers |
| Flourished under | 1) Chera kings between the 9th and the 12th century CE. 2) In the 19th century, the dance form gained prominence under rulers of Travancore and Tanjore Quartets ( Ponnayya, Chinnayya, Sivananda and Vadivelu). |
| Key Characteristics | 1) It is a solo dance performed by female artists 2) The dance is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps. 3) It belongs to the lasya style which is feminine, tender and graceful. |
| Attire | 1) Plain white or off-white sari with golden or gold-laced brocade embroidery. 2) Golden waist belt and various jewellery pieces. 3) Musical anklets (ghungroo) for rhythmic footwork. |
| Musical Instruments | 1) Carnatic style music. 2) Instruments used: Kuzhitalam (cymbals), Veena, Idakka (hourglass-shaped drum), Mridangam (barrel-shaped drum) and flute. |
| Important Personalities associated | 1) The dance form was revived by Malayali Poet VN Menon and Kalyani Amma. 2) Other important personalities include Mukundraja, Appiradeth Krishna Panicker, Sunanda Nair among others. |
UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture
UNESCO tag for garba dance: A dance for all
Source: This post on Garba Dance Form has been created based on the article “UNESCO tag for garba: A dance for all” published in “Indian Express” on 9th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 History, Art and Culture – Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from… Continue reading UNESCO tag for garba dance: A dance for all
First India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023
Source: The post is based on the article “Govt working to institutionalize global cultural initiatives: PM” published in “Business Standard” on 9th December 2023 Why in the News? The Prime Minister has inaugurated the First Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 being held at Red Fort. Note: A Biennale is a large-scale art… Continue reading First India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023
Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya gets Geographical Indication tag
Source: The post is based on the article “Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya gets Geographical Indication tag” published in “Deccan Herald” on 5th December 2023 Why in the News? Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric, Garo Dakmanda (traditional dress), Larnai pottery and Garo Chubitchi (alcoholic beverage) has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. What is Lakadong Turmeric? Specifications… Continue reading Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya gets Geographical Indication tag
Garba of Gujarat makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Source: The post is based on the article “Garba of Gujarat makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list” published in “The Hindu” on 7th December 2023 Why in the News? Garba has been included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is the 15th cultural item from India to make it to… Continue reading Garba of Gujarat makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Parthenon Sculptures
Source- This post is based on the article “What are the Parthenon Sculptures, at the centre of the row between Britain and Greece?” published in “The Indian Express” on 28th November 2023. Why in the News? Greece and the UK are engaged in a diplomatic row over the status of the Parthenon Sculptures housed at… Continue reading Parthenon Sculptures
International Seminar on Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and the legacy of Mahima Cult
Source: The post is based on the article “International Seminar on Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and the legacy of Mahima Cult” published in “PIB” on 26th November 2023 Why in the News? The Union Minister for Education inaugurated the ‘International Seminar on Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and the legacy of Mahima Cult’ in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.… Continue reading International Seminar on Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and the legacy of Mahima Cult
