2. Culture -44 T Flashcards
- DANCES & MUSIC
• Natyashastra of Bharat Muni describes three aspects of dance: o Natya highlights the dramatic element o Nritya is essentially expressional, performed specifically to convey the meaning of a theme or idea. o Nritta on the other hand, is pure dance where body movements do not express any mood (bhava), nor do they convey any meaning
1.1. KATHAK
Why in news?
• Google celebrated the 97th birth anniversary
of legendary Kathak dancer Sitara Devi with
a doodle.
About Sitara Devi
• She was described as Nṛitya Samrajni,
meaning “Empress of Dance” by
Rabindranath Tagore
• She was conferred with prestigious honours
like Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma
Shree, Kalidas Samman and the India Lifetime
Achievement Award.
About Kathak
• It is a traditional dance form of Uttar Pradesh
which traces its origin back to the Ras Leela
of Brajbhoomi. It derives its name from
“kathika” meaning story tellers.
• The dance form is characterized by intricate
footworks and is generally accompanied with
dhrupad music. Other music such as Taranas,
Thumris and Ghazals were also introduced
during the Mughal period.
• It is the only Indian classical dance having a
synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions.
• Kathak is also known for the development of
different gharanas (Lucknow, Jaipur, Raigarh,
Banaras) as it is the only classical dance based
on Hindustani style of music.
• Other famous proponents: Birju Maharaj,
Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Damayanti Joshi
etc.
1.3. OTHER CLASSICAL DANCES
Dance form Key features Kathakali • classical dance of Kerela • blend of dance, music and acting (“Katha” meaning story and “Kali” meaning drama) • Dramatizes stories and most recitals are a representation of conflict between good and evil. • Symbolizes the element of sky or ether. • Codified hastamudras and facial expressions • Elaborate makeup with different colors along with a headgear • Associated instruments: Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila, Ilathalam, Idakka and Shankhu. Bharatna tyam • Oldest classical dance from Tamil Nadu. • Also known as ekaharya, where one dancer takes on many roles in a single performance. • Associated instruments: mridangam, veena or violin, flute and cymbal. Manipuri • It has its roots in the ancient festival of Lai Haraoba. The dance gained prominence under the advent of Vaishanvism. • Most popular forms of Manipuri dance: Ras, Sankirtana and Thang-Ta. • The main theme revolves around Radha, Krishna and the gopis. • Manipuri dance incorporates both the tandava and lasya. It is known for its lyrical and graceful movements. The facial expressions are natural and not exaggerated. • Associated instrument: Pung and Kartal. Sattriya • Introduced by the great Vaishnava saint in Assam, Sankaradeva for propagation of the Vaishnava faith. • This tradition has been preserved by the Sattras i.e. Vaishnava maths or monasteries. • Governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hastamudras, footworks, aharyas, music etc. • Majuli island in Assam is closely associated with this dance. Mohiniat tam • Classical solo dance form of Kerala, performed by women. It is interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the female form taken by Vishnu to kill Bhasmasura. • Characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps. • It belongs to the LASYA style which is feminine, tender and graceful. • Symbolises element of air • Importance to the hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya with subtle facial expressions. Kuchipud i • Originated in Kuchipudi village, Krishna district of modern Andhra Pradesh. • It was conceived in 17th century by Vaishnava poet Siddhendra Yogi from Yakshagana – dance-drama. • It comprises of techniques such as dancing on the rim of brass plate and with a pitcher full of water on the head. This is called Tarangam. • Sometimes, the Kuchipudi performer combines the role of both dancer and singer. The style is known for both solo and group performances. • The dance is performed on Carnatic music where singer is accompanied by musical instruments like mridangam, violin, flute and tambura
1.4. SANGRAI DANCE
Why in news?
• Traditional Sangrai dance of Tripura was
presented in Republic Day parade for the first
time.
Details
• It is performed by the Mog tribal community
of Tripura on the occasion of Sangrai festival
• The day is celebrated to welcome the new
year.
• The Mog are the Arakanese descendants and
follow Buddhism
Related information
• Maharashtra won the best tableau award on
Republic Day Parade which was based on
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation who
introduced Ashtapradhan mandal (Council of
Eight Ministers) consisting of
o Peshwa (chief minister),
o Amatya or majumdar (finance),
o Sachiv or shuru nawis(correspondence),
o Sumant or dabir(foreign minister)
o Senapati or san-i-naubat (recruitment,
training and discipline of the army)
o Mantri or waqia nawis: (personal safety of
the king)
o Nyayadhish (administration of justice)
o Dhanadhyaksha or the pundit rao (looking
after charitable work)
• Himachal Pradesh’s tableau depicted a model of
Kye Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery
established in the 11th century located in the Spiti
Valley.
• Chhattisgarh’s displayed artists performing dance
based on Kalidasa’s Meghadootam (a lyric poem
which tells the story of a yaksha who has been
exiled from his kingdom).
Other important works for Kalidas
• Abhijnanashakuntala - depicting love, separation
& reunion of King Dushyanta, Sakuntala & their
son (Bharata)
• Raghuvamsha – deals with the themes from
Ramayana
• Malvikagnimitram - play tells the story of the love
of Agnimitra, son of Pushyamitra Sunga
• Kumarasambhav – theme is courtship of Shiva
and Parvati
• Ritusamhara – this poem portrays six Indian
seasons.
1.5. THUMRI
Why in news?
• Girija Devi, one of the foundational figures of
Banaras and Senia gharana of thumri passed
away.
Background
• There are two main schools of Indian classical
music: the Hindustani style of the North and
the Carnatic music of the South.
• Well-known Hindustani styles include
Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khayal, Tappa and Thumri.
Thumri: It is primarily a vocal style of romance
music written from the perspective of the woman
and sung in a literary dialect of Hindi called Braj
Bhasha. The thumri is very lyrical in its structure
and presentation.
Dhrupad: Tansen was one of the best-known
dhrupad singers and one of the nine jewels of
Emperor Akbar’s court. It is a northern Indian
style that features a straight delivery and no
embroidery or embellishment. Singers are
accompanied by a been and pakhawaj barrel
drum.
Dhamar: Dhamar is a form similar to dhrupad but
has more embellishments.
Khayal: Khayal means “imagination”. Amir
Khusrou of the 13th century gave it an
impetus. It is a form of classical singing with more
elaborate embellishments and embroidery. The
Khayal has various gharanas – Gwalior Gharana,
Agra Ghrana etc.
Tappa: It consists of the song uttered in fast
note patterns. Ragas in which Tappa
compositions are set remain same as in Thumri
style.
Hindustani music Carnatic music
It has its roots in Vedic
traditions where
hymns in Sama Veda, a
sacred text, were sung
rather than chanted
It developed
significantly during the
Bhakti movement
It features a number of
Turko-Persian musical
elements.
No Turko-Persian
influence
There is bandish of
time
There is no such
Bandish
There are more than
one style of singing
known as gharanas
It is written to be sung
in a specific way
Use of tabla, sarangi,
sitar, santoor, clarionet,
violin & flute
Use of veena,
mridangam, mandolin,
jalatarangam, violin &
flue
- PAINTINGS & OTHER ART FORMS
2. 1. MODERN PAINTING
Why in news?
• Recently, exhibitions in Victoria Memorial
Hall went live on the Google Art & Culture
Project where Abanindranath’s Bharatmata
was one of the most famous paintings
featured.
Modern Indian Painting
Roughly, the modern period in Indian art began
around 1857. Various styles of painting evolved in
modern era are:
• Company Style of painting: It is a hybrid style
of painting that emerged in the colonial
period. It combined elements of Rajput,
Mughal and other Indian styles of painting
with European elements.
• Bazaar Painting: Unlike the Company
paintings, they did not mix the Indian style
with the European techniques. They simply
copied the Greek and Roman style. This
school was prevalent in Bengal and Bihar.
The paintings showed Indian bazaars with
European background.
• Kalighat Painting: It is done on cloth or patas
which began developing around the temple
of Kalighat in Bengal where local village scroll
painters (called patuas) and potters began
introducing new features in traditional
painting such as
o Use of shading to give painting a rounded
form (3-D effect).
o use of a bold, deliberately non-realistic
style, where the figures emerge large and
powerful, with a minimum of lines, detail
and colors.
o painting social and political themes unlike
religious only in previous times.
Major exponents of modern painting are Raja
Ravi Verma (“Raphael of the East” due to brilliant
brush strokes and lifelike paintings),
Abanindranath Tagore etc. Abanindranath’s
‘Bharatmata’ (1905) was the first purely Indian
idea of the spirit of motherland.
2.2. PUPPETRY
Why in news?
• Recently, on 21st March World Puppetry day
was celebrated.
Puppetry in India
• The earliest reference to the art of puppetry
is found in Tamil classic ‘Silappadikaaram’
written around the 1st or 2nd century B.C.
• The puppeteer narrates the story in prose or
lyrical form while the puppet shows provides
the visual treat.
• Stories from puranic literature, local myths
and legends form the subject of puppetry
shows in ancient India.
• There are mainly four types of puppet forms
in India: String puppets, shadow puppets,
rod puppets and glove puppets.
• String Puppetry: String puppets or
marionettes have jointed limbs controlled by
strings. Some of the famous string puppetry
are:
o Kathputli, Rajasthan
o Kundhei, Odisha
o Gombeyatta, Karnataka
o Bommalattam, Tamil Nadu.
• Shadow Puppetry: Shadow puppets are flat
figures which are pressed against a screen
with strong source of light behind it to create
shadows. Some of the famous shadow
puppetry are:
o Togalu Gombeyatta, Karnataka
o Tholu Bommalata, Andhara Pradesh
o Ravanachayya, Odisha
• Rod Puppetry: Rod puppets are an extension
of glove-puppets, but often much larger and
supported and manipulated by rods from
below. Some of the famous rod puppetry are:
o Putul Nautch, West Bengal
o Odisha Rod Puppet
o Yampuri, Bihar
• Glove Puppetry: Glove puppets are also
known as sleeve, hand or palm puppets. The
head is made of papier mache, cloth or wood,
with two hands emerging from just below the
neck and rest of the body is generally a
flowing skirt. These puppets are made to
produce various types of movements at the
hands of a puppeteer. Eg: Pavakoothu,
Kerala.
2.3. THEATRE OLYMPICS
Why in news?
• India is hosting the 8th edition of the Theatre
Olympics – “The Biggest Theatre Celebration
of the World” across various Indian cities.
Theatre Olympics
Established in 1993, the Theatre Olympics is the
foremost international theatre festival, presenting the
finest productions of well-known theatre practitioners
from around the world.
Different Traditional Theatre Forms in India
• Bhand Pather (Kashmir)
• Swang (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh etc.)
• Nautanki (Uttar Pradesh)
• Rasleela (Uttar Pradesh)
• Bhavai (Gujarat)
• Jatra (Bengal)
• Maach (Madhya Pradesh)
• Bhaona (Assam)
• Tamasha (Maharashtra)
• Dashavtar (Konkan and Goa regions)
• Krishnattam (folk theatre of Kerela)
• Mudiyettu (folk theatre of Kerela)
• Kudiyattam (Kerela)
• Yakshagaana (Karnataka)
• Therukoothu (folk drama of Tamil Nadu)
- SCULPTURE AND ARCHITECTURE
3. 1. BUDDHIST MONASTERIES
Why in news?
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has
unearthed structures resembling Buddhist
monasteries in Vadnagar city of Gujarat.
Archaeological survey of India
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the
Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for
the archaeological researches and protection of
the cultural heritage of the nation.
• It main objective is maintenance of ancient
monuments and archaeological sites and remains
of national importance,
• Additionally, it regulates all archaeological
activities in the country as per the provisions of the
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities
and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
• A three-day festival, Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC
Festival of Buddhist Heritage was celebrated
in New Delhi.
• A proposal to build a 70 ft. Buddha statue in
Ghantasala in Andhra Pradesh has been
passed by the government.
Types of Buddhist Architecture
• Three major types of Buddhist architecture
are found:
o Stupa: It is a burial mound for the
Buddha. It comprises of a hemispherical
dome. The original stupas contained the
Buddha’s ashes. One of the most famous
stupas in India is the Sanchi Stupa in
Madhya Pradesh. Piprahwa Stupa in
Uttar Pradesh is one of the earliest one.
o Viharas: It is the resident hall of the
monks. It was a dwelling of one or two
stories, fronted by a pillared veranda.
o Chaitya or Chaityagriha: It refers to an
assembly hall that contains a stupa. Ex:
Chaitya at Karle caves near Lonavala,
Maharashtra.
• These were in the form of Rock-cut Caves
mostly.
Important Buddhist Sites
Eight Astamahasthanas (holy places):
• Lumbini, Nepal: Birth of Buddha.
• Bodhgaya, Bihar: Enlightment of Buddha.
• Sarnath, UP: First sermon or
Dhammachakraparivartan
• Kushinagar, UP: Death or mahaparinirvana
o “Mahaparinirvana” refers to the ultimate state
of Nirvana (everlasting, highest peace and
happiness)
• Along with these, the other four are Shravasti,
Sankasya, Rajgir and Vaishali.
Important monasteries
• Ladakh: Hemis, Thiksey, Phuktal Monastery,
Zanskar, Rizong
• Leh: Diskit Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery
• Karnataka: Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
(Coorg)
• Himachal Pradesh: Dhankar, Tabo Monastery
(Spiti Valley), Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat
(Kangra Valley), Namgyal Monastery
(Dharamshala), Gandhola Monastery, Kungri
Monastery, Kardang Monastery
• West Bengal: Ghoom Monastery
• Uttarakhand: Mindrolling Monastery (Dehradun).
• Sikkim: Rumtek and Gonjang Monastery, Enchey
Monastery, Ralang Monastery, Pemayangtse
Monastery.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Monastery.
3.2. HOYSALA TEMPLE
ARCHITECTURE
Why in news?
• A Hoysala style temple is being built by a
public trust in Venkatapura in Kolar district of
Karnataka.
Hoysala Architecture
• The Hoysala dynasty ruled in south Karnataka
between the 11th and 14th centuries. The
Hoysala architectural style is considered an
intermediate between the Indo-Aryan and
Dravidian traditions.
• Its temples are ornate and complex. Another
characteristic feature of Hoysala temple is
that it used soapstone instead of sandstone.
• The temples have a star shaped base with
the main structure standing on a raised
platform. The temples are also covered with
intricate sculptural carvings.
• Some of the famous Hoysala style temples
are: Chennakesava temple in Belur,
Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu and the
Ishwara temple in Arasikere.
3.3. ANANDA TEMPLE
Why in news?
• Prime Minister visited the Ananda Temple at
Bagan in Myanmar which is being restored by
the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
More on News
• It is a Buddhist temple built in 12th century by
King Kyansittha of Burma. It is the second
largest temple in the entire Bagan region and
is considered a masterpiece of Mon
Architecture. ASI took up the conservation
work of the temple after MoU was signed in
2010.
Other Conservation Works of ASI
• Bamiyan Caves – The Bamiyan Buddha
statues in Afghanistan were carved out of
rock facing the Bamiyan valley in 6-7th
century. Prior to their destruction in 2001 by
terrorist activities, the Bamiyan Buddhas
were considered to be the largest Buddha
sculptures in the world.
• Angkor Wat (Cambodia) - Built between A.D.
1113 and 1150 roughly and encompassing an
area of about 500 acres (200 hectares) is one
of the largest religious monuments ever
constructed. The temple was built by King
Suryavarman II. It was originally built as a
Hindu temple dedicated to God Vishnu, but it
was converted to a Buddhist temple in 14th
century.
• Ta Prohm Temple (Cambodia) - Built from
1186 A.D. and originally known as Rajavihara
(Monastery of the King), Ta Prohm was a
Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of
Jayavarman VII.
• Vat Phou Temple in Laos – This ruined Khmer
temple complex is older than Angkor Wat.
One temple at the site is as old as 5th century.
It is an active Buddhist religious place.
However, various carvings can be found of
Indra (the Hindu god of war, storms, and
rainfall) riding a three-headed elephant and
Vishnu riding on a garuda, an eagle. It is a
UNESCO world heritage site.
• My Son Temple (Vietnam) - My Son
Sanctuary dates from the 4th to the 13th
centuries CE. The property is located in the
mountainous border Duy Xuyen District of
Quang Nam Province, in central Viet Nam. It
is a Hindu temple constructed during the My
Son civilization.
3.4. AJANTA CAVES
Why in news?
Recently, digital restoration of Ajanta caves in
Maharashtra has been taken up.
More about Ajanta Caves
• It includes 29 rock-cut Buddhist caves and
has various chaityas and viharas.
• The Ajanta caves are mainly famous for its
paintings and sculptures. Various themes of
paintings include Mahaparinirvana of Buddha,
Padmapani (Boddhisattva holding a padmalotus), Vajrapani (Boddhisattva holding the
vajra – ritual object) and theme of Mara
Vijaya.
• Ajanta paintings are not true fresco – as
plaster was set and then painted.
More rock-cut caves
• Ellora Caves – They are situated near
Aurangabad Maharashtra and are related to
Buddhism, Jainism and Brahmanism. It is
known for Kailashnath Temple which has
been excavated from a single piece of Rock.
Buddhist caves have images belonging to
Vajrayana Buddhism and Brahmanical caves
have Shaivism and Vaishnavite themes.
• Elephanta Caves - They are located on
Elephanta Islands, Maharashtra. These were
earlier dominated by Buddhist images then
by Shaivism images. The most imposing figure
– Trimurti is here, which shows Shiva as
creator, preserver destroyer
• Bhimbhetka Caves – It is located near
Bhopal, MP and its remains date back to
Lower Palaeolithic Age to the Early Medieval
Ages. They are famous for its rock paintings
mainly executed in red and white with
occasional use of green and yellow. The
themes of paintings range from events of
daily life to sacred and real images.
• Bhaja Caves and Karle Caves- They were built
during the Mauryan times and are one of the
most important Buddhist Centres of Hinayana
faith. They also contain painting of Buddha.
• Kanheri Caves, Mumbai- They are renowned
for their natural Basalt formations, ancient
Indian styled architecture and the 109 special
entrances to the caves. There are about 34
unfinished paintings of Buddha within the
Caves.
• Udaygiri Caves- They are Located in Vidisha,
Madhya Pradesh and contain some of the
oldest Hindu temples. They were built during
the Gupta period and has illustrations related
to Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism
(Durga) as well as important inscriptions from
the Gupta period. They are home to iconic
Varaha sculpture which represents the story
of the rescue of Bhudevi (Earth). It has simple
ochre paintings.
3.5. POST-INDEPENDENCE
ARCHITECTURE
Why in news?
World Monuments Fund has placed 25 cultural
heritage sites spanning 30 countries on its 2018
World Monuments Watch list.
World Monument Fund (WMF)
It is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1965
by individuals concerned about the accelerating
destruction of important artistic treasures throughout
the world.
Through its programme World Monuments Watch, it
aims to identify imperiled cultural heritage sites and
direct financial and technical support for their
preservation.
Impact
• Putting the heritage sites on watch list means
that they are currently threatened by conflict,
climate change, or other dangers.
• The sites include storm-ravaged areas in the
Caribbean, the Gulf, and Mexico, and the
Souk in Aleppo, Syria, which has been
damaged in the country’s ongoing civil war.
• From India “Post-Independence Architecture
of Delhi” has been identified for
preservation.
• It came to light after demolition of Hall of
Nations building without even waiting for the
court hearing for the same. The building was
constructed in 1972 by famous architect Raj
Rewal.
Other major Post Independence Architectural
Marvels
• Urban planning of Chandigarh by French architect
Le Corbusier with hierarchy of roads and many
Green belts
• Mass housing projects of Laurie Baker in Kerala
using locally available materials and construct
buildings so as to merge them with environment.
• Architectural marvels of Charles Correa which
includes Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum at
the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Jawahar
Kala Kendra in Jaipur, New Bombay with special
emphasis on prevailing resources, energy and
climate as major determinants in the ordering of
space.
- LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
4. 1. PRAKRIT
Why in news?
• Despite a significant contribution to history,
Prakrit is yet to get the classical language
status.
The Government of India has awarded the distinction
of classical language to Kannada, Malayalam, Odia,
Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu
Criteria for declaring classical language are:
• High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history
over a period of 1500-2000 years
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is
considered a valuable heritage by generations of
speakers
• The literary tradition be original and not borrowed
from another speech community
• The classical language and literature being distinct
from modern, there may also be a discontinuity
between the classical language and its later forms
or its offshoots.
About Prakrit
• Prakrit in the widest sense of the term, was
indicative of any language that in any manner
deviated from the standard one, i.e. Sanskrit.
It was the spoken language of Indians along
with Pali after the Vedic period.
• The Prakrit language is believed to have been
used while composing the Jain scriptures.
• Prakrit is well known for Gathasaptashati
(700 verses) by Hala (300 A.D.), the best
example of erotic literature. It is a
compilation of 700 verses along with his own
contribution of 44 poems.
• The sacred texts (Siddhanta or Agama) of the two
main sects of the Jains employed three types of
Prakrit. The oldest sutras of the Svetambara sect
are written in Ardha-Magadhi, while later books
are in Maharastri. The sacred books of the
Digambara sect are written in Savraseni.
4.2. KONKANI
Why in news?
• Konkani Bhasha Mandal will translate 100
books in Konkani in order to promote and
preserve children’s literature in Konkani.
About Konkani
• It is the official language of the state of Goa
and it is one of 22 scheduled languages
mentioned in the 8th schedule of the
Constitution.
• It is spoken all along the Konkan and Malabar
coasts.
• Konkani is the only language that is written in
five different scripts – Roman, Devnagri,
Kannada, Persian Arabic and Malayam.
• One of the first firm evidence of this language
was through 263rd abhanga of Marathi poet
Namdev, a Bhakti saint.
• Konkani became the first Asian language ever
to be printed in 1556
4.3. NOBEL PRIZE IN
LITERATURE: KAZUO
ISHIGURO
Why in news?
Swedish academy has awarded Nobel Prize in
Literature for year 2017 to British author Kazuo
Ishiguro.
More about the news
• He is best known for his novel ‘The Remains
of the Day’ for which Ishiguro has won
Booker prize as well in 1989.
• His other works include ‘A Pale View of Hills’,
‘An Artist of the Floating World’ etc.
• Rabindranath Tagore is the only Indian who
has won Nobel Prize in Literature.
• Major works of Rabindranath Tagore are
Gitanjali, The Postmaster, Chaturanga,
Chokher Bali etc.
4.4. PADMAAVAT
Why in news?
• Every year Rajputs celebrate the Jauhar (selfimmolation) of Rani Padmavati between the
months of February and March.
Padmaavat
• It is a piece of poetry dating back to 16th
century written in Awadhi language by Sufi
poet Malik Mohammed Jayasi. The poem is
the story of the historic siege of Chittor by
Alauddin Khilji.
• Malik Mohammed Jayasi was an Indian Sufi
poet of the 15th century who wrote in both
Awadhi and Persian.
Allauddin Khilji Reforms
• He maintained large permanent standing
army who was to be paid salary in cash
• He introduced system of dag (branding of
horse) and huliya/chehra (descriptive rolls of
soldiers)
• He established four separate markets and a
department to fix prices was also set up.
• He introduced scientific measurement of land
for the assessment of land revenue, first
Delhi sultan to do so. He also introduced
Kharaj where 50% of produce was to be given
to state
• No one was allowed to buy directly from the
cultivators, only traders could do so. All
merchants in Delhi were required to register
themselves
• He also put an end to the special privileges
of the Chaudhuris (headmen of the
parganas), Khuts (zamindars), and
Muquddams (headmen of the villages). Even
big landlords could not escape taxes
• He introduced two new taxes—a horse tax
and a tax on all milk cows. Jazia was imposed
on non-Muslims
4.5. SAHITYA AKADEMI
AWARDS
Why in news?
• The Sahitya Akademi announced its annual
awards in 24 languages which include English
and Rajasthani along with 22 schedule
languages mentioned in the Constitution.
About Sahitya Akademi Awards
• The Sahitya Akademi presents awards to the
most outstanding books of literary merit
published in any of the major Indian
languages recognised by the Akademi.
• Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy
of Letters is the central institution for literary
dialogue, publication and promotion in the
country and the only institution that
undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian
languages.
• It was setup by the Government of India in
1954 but it functions autonomously. It is
registered as a society under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
Other Literary Awards
Vyas Samman
The Vyas Samman 2017 has been awarded to Mamta
Kalia “Dukkam Sukkam”.
It is a literary award for Hindi literary work published
in the last 10 years given by the K K Birla Foundation
since 1991.
Bhasha Samman
The 2018 Bhasha Samman has been awarded to
Magahi writer Shesh Anand Madhukar.
It is also awarded by the Sahitya Akademi to writers
who have made significant contribution to India
languages other than the 24 languages covered by the
Sahitya Akademi.
Jnanpith Award (Gyaanpeeth Award)
The 2017 Jnanpith Award has been awarded to Hindi
litterateur Krishna Sobti.
The Jnanpith Award is given by the Bharatiya Jnanpith
Organisation which was founded by the Sahu Shanti
Prasad Jain. It recognises litterateurs who write in any
one of the 22 Indian languages listed in the Schedule
Eight of the Indian Constitution.
Saraswati Samman
Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar sail won the Saraswati
Samman 2017 for “Hawthan”.
It is awarded by the K K Birla Foundation for
outstanding prose or poetry literary works in ant of
the 22 Indian languages listed in the Constitution.
Sangeet Natak Academi – India’s National Academy
for music, dance and drama.
• It was the first national academy of arts setup by
the Government of India in 1952. It is registered
as a society under the Societies Registration Act,
1986.
• It functions as the apex body of the performing
arts in the country, preserving and promoting the
vast intangible heritage of India’s diverse culture
expressed in the forms of music, dance and
drama.
• The academy also collaborates with international
organisation like the UNESCO to save the cultural
heritage of the country.
Lalit Kala Academi
• It is the National Academy of Art setup by the
Government of India in 1954 and registered as a
society under the Societies Registration Act, 1896.
• It is the Government’s apex cultural body in the
field of visual arts in India. It is an autonomous
body, funded by the Ministry of Culture.
4.6. INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE ON DEMETRIOS
GALANOS
Why in news?
• International Conference on ‘Demetrios
Galanos and his Legacy’ was held in New
Delhi by the Indira Gandhi National Centre
for Arts (IGNCA).
About IGNCA
• It is an autonomous arts intuition under the
Ministry of Culture. It was established in the
memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• It has launched Bharat Vidya Paryojana, a longterm academic program in 2016 with an aim to
reconceive Indology through Bharat
About Demetrios Galanos
• He was a Greek scholar who came to India to
study in the 19th century.
• He translated the Bhagvad Gita into Greek
among many other Sanskrit texts. His major
contribution was the compilation of a
Sanskrit-English-Greek lexicon of about 9000
words.
Other Famous Translators
• Charles Wilkins: He is famous for being the
first translator of Bhagvad Gita into English.
He published a book that was titled,
‘Bhagvat-geeta, or Dialogues of Kreeshna and
Arjoon’. In 1785.
• James Princep: He was the founding editor
of Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and
is remembered deciphering the Kharosthi and
Brahmi scripts of ancient India.
