Nov-16Cul Flashcards
Nov-16Cul -Index
- Bhakti Movement
- World’s Oldest Rock Art Found
- Jallikattu
8.1. BHAKTI MOVEMENT
Why in News?
Much like other civilizations, the image of the singer-songwriter in India has had a powerful impact on its society and history.
What is the Bhakti Movement?
Bhakti movement refers to the religious movement during the medieval period which emphasized single-minded devotion to god.
It originated in South India between 7th and 12th century. It then moved northwards.
It achieved a great deal of popularity through the poems of the Alvars and Nayanars, the Vaishnavite and Shaivite poets
Bhakti movement preached unity of God or one God through different names.
It propagated the concept of Bhakti, intense love and devotion.
It condemned rituals, ceremonies and blind faith.
It preached open-mindedness about deciding religious matters.
It challenged the caste distinction.
Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Surdas and Tulsi Das, Chaitanya are great exponents of Bhakti movement.
Impact of the Bhakti Movement on the Medieval Society
The Bhakti movement helped bridge the gap between the Hindus and Muslims and encouraged religious toleration. It happened due to the leaders of Bhakti movement and the Sufi saints.
The followers of this movement rejected the caste distinction.
Importance of women in the social fabric increased. The practice of Sati took a backseat.
The movement aroused an awakening among the people regarding futility of ritualism and superstitions.
Some rulers adopted liberal policies under the influence of the Bhakti movement.
Bhakti saints preached in the local dialects thereby promoting vernacular literature.
It is known for giving birth to the new sect of Sikhism.
The movement empowered those from the lowest rungs of society.
8.2. WORLD’S OLDEST ROCK ART FOUND
Why in news?
Pre-historic paintings (Petroglyphs) have been found in the
rock shelters of Bhimbetka, a world heritage site in
Madhya Pradesh and at Dharaki-Chattan(hillock) near
Bhanpura in Madnasur district, MP. They date back to 2-5
lakh years old. Auditorium Cave, Bhimbetka
Ten cupules (cup-shape hollows) were found covered by
remains dating from the Acheulian period.
The petroglyphs were created on heavily recrystallized,
very hard quartzite that was extensively mined during the
Lower Palaeolithic.
Cupules are non-functional cup-shaped depressions found
on a rock surface which are created by a number of human
blows.
Daraki-Chattan Rock Shelter
Two vertical panels densely pitted with 498 cupules dating from a Lower Palaeolithic chopping tool culture were found at a second Stone Age site at Daraki-Chattan, a small, narrow and deep cave in the Indragarh Hill, near Tehsil Bhanpura, Madhya Pradesh.
Box–What is Petroglyph? In prehistoric art, the term “petroglyphs” (derived from the Greek word “petra” meaning stone, and “glyphein” meaning to carve) is used to describe any image created on a rock surface by scouring, scratching, engraving, chiseling, carving or any similar method.
Difference Between Petroglyphs and Rock Art?
Whereas a petroglyph is a narrow type of stonework, the term “rock art” is a much wider term which embraces three types of art: (1) Petroglyphs; (2) Pictographs, including cave painting or any other form of pictorial symbol; and (3) Megalithic Art, or petroforms, involving the arrangement of stones.
8.3. JALLIKATTU
Why in news?
The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the review petition filed by Tamil Nadu to review a 2014 apex court judgment banning Jallikattu, a form of bullfighting, which has been popular for centuries in the state.
What is Jallikattu?
It is a bull-vaulting event practised in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day.
Participants tackle the bull in an arena by its hump and try to hang on till they cross the finishing line.
It is popular in the districts of Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul — a region also known as the Jallikattu belt.
It is an ancient sport. Sangam literature (2nd BCE – 2nd CE), has many detailed references to Eru Thazhuvuthal (hugging the bull)
