πSchools of Hindu laws
πMitakshara Law
β The Mitakshara Law is a legal and traditional Hindu law system that primarily governs the rules of inheritance and property rights among members of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF).
β It is one of the two major schools of Hindu law, the other being the Dayabhaga school.
β The Mitakshara law of succession applies to the entire country except West Bengal and Assam
β A son, by birth, acquires an interest in the ancestral property of the joint family.
β All the members enjoy coparcenary rights during the fatherβs lifetime.
β A wife cannot demand partition but has the right to a share in any partition between her husband and her sons.
πDayabhaga law
β The term Dayabhaga is derived from a similarly named text written by Jimutavahana
β It is observed in Bengal and Assam.
β A son has no automatic ownership right by birth but acquires it on the death of his father.
β Sons do not enjoy coparcenary rights when the father is alive.
β The share of each coparcener is defined and can be disposed of.
β son cannot demand partition as the father is the absolute owner.
#gs1
#history
@upsc_prep_squad
πMitakshara Law
β The Mitakshara Law is a legal and traditional Hindu law system that primarily governs the rules of inheritance and property rights among members of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF).
β It is one of the two major schools of Hindu law, the other being the Dayabhaga school.
β The Mitakshara law of succession applies to the entire country except West Bengal and Assam
β A son, by birth, acquires an interest in the ancestral property of the joint family.
β All the members enjoy coparcenary rights during the fatherβs lifetime.
β A wife cannot demand partition but has the right to a share in any partition between her husband and her sons.
πDayabhaga law
β The term Dayabhaga is derived from a similarly named text written by Jimutavahana
β It is observed in Bengal and Assam.
β A son has no automatic ownership right by birth but acquires it on the death of his father.
β Sons do not enjoy coparcenary rights when the father is alive.
β The share of each coparcener is defined and can be disposed of.
β son cannot demand partition as the father is the absolute owner.
#gs1
#history
@upsc_prep_squad
πKochrab Ashram
β The Prime Minister inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, recently to mark the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March.
β It was the first ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, following his return to India from South Africa. It is located in Kochrab village, situated on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
β It was called Satyagraha Ashram based on his ideas of achieving India's independence from British rule through peaceful methods.
β Mahatma Gandhi based himself here for about one-and-a-half years before moving to the new campus of Sabarmati Ashram. It is a colonial-style building with a white-washed faΓ§ade.
#gs1
#History
@upsc_prep_squad
β The Prime Minister inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, recently to mark the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March.
β It was the first ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, following his return to India from South Africa. It is located in Kochrab village, situated on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
β It was called Satyagraha Ashram based on his ideas of achieving India's independence from British rule through peaceful methods.
β Mahatma Gandhi based himself here for about one-and-a-half years before moving to the new campus of Sabarmati Ashram. It is a colonial-style building with a white-washed faΓ§ade.
#gs1
#History
@upsc_prep_squad
πRecently, the Prime Minister of India visited the Kalaram Mandir on the banks of the Godavari in the Panchavati area of Nashik, Maharashtra.
πKalaram temple
β The Kalaram temple derives its name from a black statue of the Lord β Kala Ram translates literally to βBlack Ramβ.
β It was built in 1792 with the efforts of Sardar Rangarao Odhekar.
β It is located on the banks of Godavari in the Panchavati area of the city.
πFeatures
β The sanctum sanctorum has statues of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman at the main entrance.
β The main temple has 14 steps, which represent the 14 years of Ramβs exile. It has 84 pillars, which represents the cycle of 84 lakh species that one has to complete in order to be born as a human.
πSignificance
This temple is the site of a landmark agitation led by Babasaheb Ambedkar demanding temple entry rights for Dalits more than 90 years ago
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
πKalaram temple
β The Kalaram temple derives its name from a black statue of the Lord β Kala Ram translates literally to βBlack Ramβ.
β It was built in 1792 with the efforts of Sardar Rangarao Odhekar.
β It is located on the banks of Godavari in the Panchavati area of the city.
πFeatures
β The sanctum sanctorum has statues of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman at the main entrance.
β The main temple has 14 steps, which represent the 14 years of Ramβs exile. It has 84 pillars, which represents the cycle of 84 lakh species that one has to complete in order to be born as a human.
πSignificance
This temple is the site of a landmark agitation led by Babasaheb Ambedkar demanding temple entry rights for Dalits more than 90 years ago
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
πBohag bihu
β The word Bihu is taken from the Sanskrit word Bishu meaning to ask blessings and prosperity from the Godsβ during harvesting season.
β Bohag or Rongali Bihu is one of Assamβs three Bihus, and it is one of the most significant festivals for the Assamese community.
β Bihu, in Assam, is of three types: Rangoli Bihu, Magh Bihu and Maghar Domahi.
It falls in the second week of April every year, marking the beginning of the harvest period.
β It celebrates the commencement of harvesting season and is also regarded as the first day of the Assamese New Year.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
β The word Bihu is taken from the Sanskrit word Bishu meaning to ask blessings and prosperity from the Godsβ during harvesting season.
β Bohag or Rongali Bihu is one of Assamβs three Bihus, and it is one of the most significant festivals for the Assamese community.
β Bihu, in Assam, is of three types: Rangoli Bihu, Magh Bihu and Maghar Domahi.
It falls in the second week of April every year, marking the beginning of the harvest period.
β It celebrates the commencement of harvesting season and is also regarded as the first day of the Assamese New Year.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
πGI Tag products
β Over 60 traditional products from across India, including Banaras Thandai, have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a historic recognition of the nation's cultural and artisanal diversity.
β Among the highlighted products, Assam's traditional crafts such as Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear), and others, showcase the rich heritage fascinatingly intertwined with the state's identity.
β Traditional attire and artifacts from various regions, including the Bodo Dokhona from Assam, and Tripura's Pachra-Rignai, exemplify the unique cultural expressions and traditions that have been meticulously preserved over centuries.
β The initiative to grant GI tags to these products supports nearly one lakh people directly, significantly affecting livelihoods and promoting the preservation of traditional skills and craftsmanship.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
β Over 60 traditional products from across India, including Banaras Thandai, have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a historic recognition of the nation's cultural and artisanal diversity.
β Among the highlighted products, Assam's traditional crafts such as Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear), and others, showcase the rich heritage fascinatingly intertwined with the state's identity.
β Traditional attire and artifacts from various regions, including the Bodo Dokhona from Assam, and Tripura's Pachra-Rignai, exemplify the unique cultural expressions and traditions that have been meticulously preserved over centuries.
β The initiative to grant GI tags to these products supports nearly one lakh people directly, significantly affecting livelihoods and promoting the preservation of traditional skills and craftsmanship.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
πGlove Puppets
β The glove puppets are found mainly in UP, Odisha, West Bengal and Kerela. These are worn on hand and puppeteer manipulates their heads and arms with fingers.
β They are also known as sleeve, hand or palm puppets. The head is made of either paper mache, cloth or wood, with two hands emerging from just below the neck.
β The manipulation is done using the first finger inserted in the head and the middle finger and the thumb as the two arms of the puppet. With the help of these three fingers, the glove puppet comes alive.
β In Uttar Pradesh, glove puppet plays usually present social themes.
β In Odisha, plays are based on stories of Radha and Krishna. It also involves the puppeteer playing on the dholak with one hand and manipulating the puppet with the other. The delivery of the dialogues, the movement of the puppet and the beat of the dholak are well synchronised and create a dramatic atmosphere.
β In Kerala, the traditional glove puppet play is called Pavakoothu. It came into existence during the 18th century due to the influence of Kathakali, the famous classical dance-drama of Kerala, on puppet performances.
πThe various features in Pavakoothu are:
β The head and the arms are carved of wood and joined together with thick cloth, cut and stitched into a small bag.
β The face of the puppets is decorated with paints, small and thin pieces of gilded tin, the feathers of the peacock like actors of Kathakalli on stage in their make-up, costume and ornaments.
β The height of a puppet varies from one foot to two feet.
The musical instruments used during the performance are Chenda, Chengiloa, llathalamand Shankhathe conch.
β The theme for Glove puppet plays in Kerala is based on the episodes from either the Ramayana or the Mahabharata
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
β The glove puppets are found mainly in UP, Odisha, West Bengal and Kerela. These are worn on hand and puppeteer manipulates their heads and arms with fingers.
β They are also known as sleeve, hand or palm puppets. The head is made of either paper mache, cloth or wood, with two hands emerging from just below the neck.
β The manipulation is done using the first finger inserted in the head and the middle finger and the thumb as the two arms of the puppet. With the help of these three fingers, the glove puppet comes alive.
β In Uttar Pradesh, glove puppet plays usually present social themes.
β In Odisha, plays are based on stories of Radha and Krishna. It also involves the puppeteer playing on the dholak with one hand and manipulating the puppet with the other. The delivery of the dialogues, the movement of the puppet and the beat of the dholak are well synchronised and create a dramatic atmosphere.
β In Kerala, the traditional glove puppet play is called Pavakoothu. It came into existence during the 18th century due to the influence of Kathakali, the famous classical dance-drama of Kerala, on puppet performances.
πThe various features in Pavakoothu are:
β The head and the arms are carved of wood and joined together with thick cloth, cut and stitched into a small bag.
β The face of the puppets is decorated with paints, small and thin pieces of gilded tin, the feathers of the peacock like actors of Kathakalli on stage in their make-up, costume and ornaments.
β The height of a puppet varies from one foot to two feet.
The musical instruments used during the performance are Chenda, Chengiloa, llathalamand Shankhathe conch.
β The theme for Glove puppet plays in Kerala is based on the episodes from either the Ramayana or the Mahabharata
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
π The grandeur of the chola empire one of the longest ruling dynasties in south India
#GS1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
@upsc_art_and_culture
#GS1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
@upsc_art_and_culture
πHumboldt glacier in news
Venezuela is likely become the first country in modern history to loose all its glaciers.
Humboldt the glacier of Venezula has shrunk to an area of less than 2 meter
πWhy glacier loss matters?
β Glaciers are the largest fresh water sources
β Cold glacier runoffs keep downstream water cooler, key to survival of many aquatics species
β Glaciers are main source of perennial rivers
β Melting of glacier can contribute to rise in sea levels
#gs1
#geography
#prelims
@upsc_prep_squad
Venezuela is likely become the first country in modern history to loose all its glaciers.
Humboldt the glacier of Venezula has shrunk to an area of less than 2 meter
πWhy glacier loss matters?
β Glaciers are the largest fresh water sources
β Cold glacier runoffs keep downstream water cooler, key to survival of many aquatics species
β Glaciers are main source of perennial rivers
β Melting of glacier can contribute to rise in sea levels
#gs1
#geography
#prelims
@upsc_prep_squad
πVirupaksha Temple. In news for restortation
πThe Virupaksha Temple:
β It is the largest monument of Chalukyas of Badami.
β This was later improvised in the Vijayanagar empire.
β This temple is special because it has a Panchayat hall kind of design with 12 pillars.
β This was the earliest experiment for a pillar-based structure in temple architecture.
β It is located in Hampi and, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
β Hampi is a temple town in South India and is acknowledged as one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
β Queen Lokamahadevi constructed Virupaksha Temple in 745 CE to commemorate her husband's (Vikramaditya II) victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi
β This temple was constructed in Lakkana Dandeshaβs assistance who was a commander under King Deva Raya II.
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
πThe Virupaksha Temple:
β It is the largest monument of Chalukyas of Badami.
β This was later improvised in the Vijayanagar empire.
β This temple is special because it has a Panchayat hall kind of design with 12 pillars.
β This was the earliest experiment for a pillar-based structure in temple architecture.
β It is located in Hampi and, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
β Hampi is a temple town in South India and is acknowledged as one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
β Queen Lokamahadevi constructed Virupaksha Temple in 745 CE to commemorate her husband's (Vikramaditya II) victory over the Pallavas of Kanchi
β This temple was constructed in Lakkana Dandeshaβs assistance who was a commander under King Deva Raya II.
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
πSrinagar has earned the tag of World's Craft city
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
@upsc_art_and_culture
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
@upsc_art_and_culture
πSrinagar has earned the tag of World's Craft city
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
@upsc_art_and_culture
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_prep_squad
@upsc_art_and_culture
πKharchi Puja:
β It is one of the main festivals of Tripura.
β It is performed during the months of July-Auguston the eighth day of the new moon.
β The meaning of Kharchi can be understood by splitting the word into two Tripuri words βKharβ or Kharta meaning sin and βChiβ or si meaning cleaning. Hence it signifies the cleansing of our sins.
β It occurs during the month of βAshadβ on the βShukla Ashtamiβ day.
β The fourteen Gods are worshipped by the Royal priest βChantai.
β It lasts for seven days and it takes place at old Agartala in the Fourteen Gods temple known as the βChaturdasha Devataβ temple premises.
β The Kharchi Puja deities do not have a full body; they have only heads which are worshipped.
β On the day of the puja, the fourteen Gods are taken from the temple to the river Saidraby the Chantai members and given bathe with the holy river water, then carried back to the temple.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
#pib
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_art_and_culture
β It is one of the main festivals of Tripura.
β It is performed during the months of July-Auguston the eighth day of the new moon.
β The meaning of Kharchi can be understood by splitting the word into two Tripuri words βKharβ or Kharta meaning sin and βChiβ or si meaning cleaning. Hence it signifies the cleansing of our sins.
β It occurs during the month of βAshadβ on the βShukla Ashtamiβ day.
β The fourteen Gods are worshipped by the Royal priest βChantai.
β It lasts for seven days and it takes place at old Agartala in the Fourteen Gods temple known as the βChaturdasha Devataβ temple premises.
β The Kharchi Puja deities do not have a full body; they have only heads which are worshipped.
β On the day of the puja, the fourteen Gods are taken from the temple to the river Saidraby the Chantai members and given bathe with the holy river water, then carried back to the temple.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
#pib
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_art_and_culture
πAssamβs Moidams to be considered for World Heritage List
πWhy in news?
β Assam's 'Moidams,' the mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty, will be considered for inclusion in the World Heritage Sites list at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee.
β India will host this session for the first time from July 21 to 31 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Currently, 1,199 properties from 168 countries are on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
πWhat are Moidams/Maidams?
β The Moidams (also Maidams) are the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty (13th century-19th century).
β The mound-burial system of the royals of the Ahom dynasty in Assamβs Charaideo district can be likened to the royal tombs of ancient China and the Pyramids of the Egyptians Pharaohs.
β The Ahom rule lasted for about 600 years until the British annexed Assam in 1826.
Charaideo, more than 400 km east of Guwahati, was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty founded by Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253.
Previously, those of the deceased with their paraphernalia were buried.
β However, after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation, entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Moidam at Charaideo.
β The Moidams enshrine the mortal remains of Ahom royalty and are highly venerated.
Although subject to vandalism by treasure seekers in early 20th CE, the group of Moidams in Choraideo has been systematically restored to safeguard its structural integrity.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
πWhy in news?
β Assam's 'Moidams,' the mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty, will be considered for inclusion in the World Heritage Sites list at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee.
β India will host this session for the first time from July 21 to 31 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Currently, 1,199 properties from 168 countries are on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
πWhat are Moidams/Maidams?
β The Moidams (also Maidams) are the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty (13th century-19th century).
β The mound-burial system of the royals of the Ahom dynasty in Assamβs Charaideo district can be likened to the royal tombs of ancient China and the Pyramids of the Egyptians Pharaohs.
β The Ahom rule lasted for about 600 years until the British annexed Assam in 1826.
Charaideo, more than 400 km east of Guwahati, was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty founded by Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha in 1253.
Previously, those of the deceased with their paraphernalia were buried.
β However, after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation, entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Moidam at Charaideo.
β The Moidams enshrine the mortal remains of Ahom royalty and are highly venerated.
Although subject to vandalism by treasure seekers in early 20th CE, the group of Moidams in Choraideo has been systematically restored to safeguard its structural integrity.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
πCharaideo Moidams added to UNESCOβs World Heritage list
π Click here
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
π Click here
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
πVattezhuthu:
β Vatteluttu, popularly known as Vattezhuthu, was a syllabic alphabet of south India (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) and Sri Lanka used for writing the Tamil and Malayalam languages.
β The name Vatteluttu is thought to mean either 'rounded script', 'northern script', or 'chiseled script'.
β It first appeared in stone inscriptions in southern India dating from the 4th century AD.
β It probably developed from the Tamil-Brahmi script; a variant of the Brahmi script used to write Old Tamil between from about the 3rd century BC until the 1st century AD.
β Vatteluttu was used to write Tamil and Malayalam in Tamil Nadu until the 9th century.
β In Kerala, Vatteluttu continued to be used until the 15th century. It changed over time to become theMalayalam script, with some letters borrowed from the Grantha script.
β Vatteluttu also developed into the Koleluttu script, which was used, especially by Christians and Muslims, in Kerala until the 19th century.
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
β Vatteluttu, popularly known as Vattezhuthu, was a syllabic alphabet of south India (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) and Sri Lanka used for writing the Tamil and Malayalam languages.
β The name Vatteluttu is thought to mean either 'rounded script', 'northern script', or 'chiseled script'.
β It first appeared in stone inscriptions in southern India dating from the 4th century AD.
β It probably developed from the Tamil-Brahmi script; a variant of the Brahmi script used to write Old Tamil between from about the 3rd century BC until the 1st century AD.
β Vatteluttu was used to write Tamil and Malayalam in Tamil Nadu until the 9th century.
β In Kerala, Vatteluttu continued to be used until the 15th century. It changed over time to become theMalayalam script, with some letters borrowed from the Grantha script.
β Vatteluttu also developed into the Koleluttu script, which was used, especially by Christians and Muslims, in Kerala until the 19th century.
#gs1
#prelims
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
πTungabhadra River:
β It is a major river in the south Indian peninsula.
It is the largesttributary of the Krishna River.
πOrigin:
β It is formed by the union of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra, and hence the name.
β Both the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
β The two rivers merge atKoodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, giving birth to the Tungabhadra River.
πCourse:
β It flows in a more or less northwest direction before joining the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
β The Krishna Riverfinally ends in the Bay of Bengal.
β The river has a total length of 531 km and a catchment area of 28,000 sq.
β It flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
β It is influenced chiefly by the South-West monsoon.
β Major Tributaries: Varada River andHagari (Vedathy) River.
β The river has several dams and reservoirs built on it, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, the Bhadra Dam, the Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.
#gs1
#geography
@upsc_prep_squad
β It is a major river in the south Indian peninsula.
It is the largesttributary of the Krishna River.
πOrigin:
β It is formed by the union of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra, and hence the name.
β Both the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
β The two rivers merge atKoodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, giving birth to the Tungabhadra River.
πCourse:
β It flows in a more or less northwest direction before joining the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
β The Krishna Riverfinally ends in the Bay of Bengal.
β The river has a total length of 531 km and a catchment area of 28,000 sq.
β It flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
β It is influenced chiefly by the South-West monsoon.
β Major Tributaries: Varada River andHagari (Vedathy) River.
β The river has several dams and reservoirs built on it, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, the Bhadra Dam, the Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.
#gs1
#geography
@upsc_prep_squad
πVirupaksha Temple
β The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, has been in the news due to concerns over the conservation efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly after a temple pavilion, saalu mantapa, collapsed during heavy rains in 2024.
πHistorical significance:
β Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
β Location: It is situated in Hampi, within the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, the temple is part of the larger Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
β Inception: The temple has been in continuous operation since its inception in the 7th century AD, making it one of India's oldest functioning temples.
Development: Originally a modest shrine, the temple was expanded to its current grandeur during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, with further additions from the Chalukyan and Hoysala eras.
πArchitectural features:
β Style: The temple is built in the South Indian architectural style, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and advanced engineering.
β Main structure: The temple complex includes a sanctum sanctorum, multiple pillared halls (the most elaborate being a hall with 100 pillars), antechambers, and grand gopurams (gateway towers).
Gopurams:
β The temple has three prominent gopurams, with the eastern gopuram being the largest, standing nine storeys tall and 50 meters high.
β The other two are smaller gopurams located on the inner east and inner northern sides of the complex.
β Sculptural details: The gopurams are adorned with beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities.
πInnovative construction:
β The temple's design incorporates principles of physics, such as the Rectilinear Light Theory and the pinhole camera effect.
β Mathematical concepts like fractals, geometry, complex mathematics, and the Fibonacci sequence were also utilized in the construction.
β Notably, the temple features an inverted pinhole image of its tower on the inner wall, a remarkable example of ancient engineering.
β Cultural importance: The Virupaksha Temple remains a focal point of religious and cultural activities in Hampi, continuing to attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Its uninterrupted history of worship highlights its enduring significance in India's spiritual landscape.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture
β The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, has been in the news due to concerns over the conservation efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly after a temple pavilion, saalu mantapa, collapsed during heavy rains in 2024.
πHistorical significance:
β Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
β Location: It is situated in Hampi, within the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, the temple is part of the larger Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
β Inception: The temple has been in continuous operation since its inception in the 7th century AD, making it one of India's oldest functioning temples.
Development: Originally a modest shrine, the temple was expanded to its current grandeur during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, with further additions from the Chalukyan and Hoysala eras.
πArchitectural features:
β Style: The temple is built in the South Indian architectural style, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and advanced engineering.
β Main structure: The temple complex includes a sanctum sanctorum, multiple pillared halls (the most elaborate being a hall with 100 pillars), antechambers, and grand gopurams (gateway towers).
Gopurams:
β The temple has three prominent gopurams, with the eastern gopuram being the largest, standing nine storeys tall and 50 meters high.
β The other two are smaller gopurams located on the inner east and inner northern sides of the complex.
β Sculptural details: The gopurams are adorned with beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities.
πInnovative construction:
β The temple's design incorporates principles of physics, such as the Rectilinear Light Theory and the pinhole camera effect.
β Mathematical concepts like fractals, geometry, complex mathematics, and the Fibonacci sequence were also utilized in the construction.
β Notably, the temple features an inverted pinhole image of its tower on the inner wall, a remarkable example of ancient engineering.
β Cultural importance: The Virupaksha Temple remains a focal point of religious and cultural activities in Hampi, continuing to attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Its uninterrupted history of worship highlights its enduring significance in India's spiritual landscape.
#gs1
#art_and_culture
@upsc_art_and_culture