HISTORY & CULTURE
Hoysala Temple
Veer Baal Diwas
Umang and Udaan
Kathakali
Kala Kumbh
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Medaram Jathara
Statue of Equality
Chauri Chaura Incident
Krishna Pankhi
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
Banarasi Pashmina
Alluri Sitaram Raju & Rampa Rebellion
Maharana Pratap Jayanti
Jagadguru Basaveshwara
Shree Kalika Mata Temple
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur
Varanasi
Aurobindo Ghose
Pandurang Khankhoje
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
Mangarh Massacre of 1913
HISTORY
HOYSALA TEMPLE
Why is it relevant for prelims 2023?
The Hoysala Temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapura in Karnataka have been finalised as India’s nomination for consideration as World Heritage for the year 2022-2023.
Hoysala Architecture
Associated with Hoysala Empire which mostly concentrated in southern Karnataka between the 11th and 14th centuries.
Hybrid or Vesara as their unique style.
Some Unique Features
It contains multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star.
Made out of soapstone which is a relatively soft stone.
They are easily distinguishable from other medieval temples by their highly original star-like ground-plans and a profusion of decorative carvings.
Salabhanjika or madanika: It is a mythical women figure with stylized feminine characters who stands near a tree or grasping a branch of a tree The origin of this mythical woman figure trace back its origin from the Buddhist sculpture.
Some of the famous temples are:
Hoysaleshvara temple at Halebid, Karnataka that was built in dark schist stone by the Hoysala king in 1150
Chennakeshava temple in Somnathpura, Karnataka built around AD 1268 under Narasimha III
Kesava temple at Belur, Karnataka built by Vishnuvardhana.
All these three Hoysala temples are protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and therefore conservation and maintenance will be done by ASI
Remember!
The ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala’ are on UNESCO’s Tentative list since 15th April, 2014 and represent one of the highest points of human creative genius and stand testimony to the rich historical and cultural heritage of our country.
VEER BAAL DIWAS
Why is it relevant for prelims 2023?
PM announces 26th December as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ to mark martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1788730
About the history of martyrdom
The two Sahibzade were killed in 1704, in events sparked by the attack on Anandpur Sahib by the armies of the Mughals
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh had established the Khalsa, which the hill kings and the Mughal empire saw as a threat.
The kings had several battles with the Sikhs in the last decade of the 17th century, but had been unable to dislodge them from Anandpur Sahib.
The three, the 81-year-old Mata Gujari ji, and the two Sahibzade aged 7 and 9 – were imprisoned treacherously by the Mughal governor in the Thanda Burj (cold tower).
When the children were presented in court, they were offered riches and gifts and told to convert to Islam.
They were told their father and elder brothers had been killed in the war. The Sahibzade refused to convert or to bow to Wazir Khan.
After efforts to make them give up their religion failed, Wazir Khan decided that the boys would be bricked alive in 1704.
Read More : What is the Veer Bal Diwas? Who were Chhote Sahibzade Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh? (indianexpress.com)
UMANG AND UDAAN
Why is it relevant for prelims 2023?
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrates the joyous tradition of Harvest Festivals through “Umang” and “Udaan”.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1790005
More about Umang and Udaan.
The colourful Umang of Rangoli making and vibrant Udaan of Kite Flying was celebrated today amongst culture performances.
Important Harvest festivals
Lohri in Punjab
Vaisakhi in Punjab, Baisakhi in Punjab, Haryana and HP
Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Maghi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh
Poush Parbon in West Bengal
Laxmi Puja in West Bengal
Naba Barsho in West Bengal
Rongali Bihu in Assam
Bhogali Bihu in Assam
Nuakhai in Odisha
Pongal in Tamil Nadu
Makar Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka
Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Bisu parba in Karnataka
Onam in Kerala
KATHAKALI
Why is it relevant for prelims 2023?
About Milena Salvini
Milena Salvini (1930s – 25 January 2022) was an Italian-born French exponent and teacher of Indian classical dance.
Especially known for her services to Kathakali, in 2019 she was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.
Kathakali
A male-dominated performance.
In Kathakali recitals, props are used sparingly.
Manipravalam, a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit, is the language used in Kathakali songs.
Kathakali is known for its depiction of the rasas through eyebrow motions, which are used to tell the story.
The ‘Navarasas,‘ or nine important facial expressions, are taught to indicate various emotions.
Carnatic ragas—the raga and tala—are now used in Kathakali music, with the raga and tala conforming to the bhava, rasa, and dance patterns (nritta and Natya).
The Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila, Ilathalam, Idakka, and Shankhu make up the orchestra, which is also employed in other traditional Kerala performing arts.
KALA KUMBH
Why is it relevant for prelims 2023?
The gigantic and magnificent scrolls created under the unique initiative ‘Kala Kumbh’ installed at Rajpath for Republic Day 2022 celebrations.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=
What is Kala Kumbh?
The Kala Kumbh paintings are drawn on gigantic scrolls. They will display the courageous stories of unsung independence struggle heroes of India.
Key Points
The Kala Kumbh is organized under azadi ka amrit mahotsav.
More than 600 artists will participate in creating the scrolls. The artists are predominantly from Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
NETAJI SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE
Why is it relevant for prelims 2023?
NTPC celebrates 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
More about Subhash Chandra Bose
Twice elected President of the Indian National Congress, (1938-Haripur and 1939- Tripuri).
Actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and vehemently opposed the suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement and signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931.
Owing to political differences, he resigned from the Congress Presidentship in 1939 and organised the All India Forward Bloc a faction within the Congress in Bengal.
Stood for unqualified swaraj (independence), and opposed Motilal Nehru Report which spoke for dominion status for India.
In Calcutta, Bose organised mass protests and was arrested. He was later put under house arrest from where he escaped.
Organized youth and promoted trade union movements. In 1930, he was elected Mayor of Calcutta, the same year he was elected the President of AITUC.
Azad Hind Fauj
Leader of Azad Hind Government
Head of State of this Provisional Indian Government-in-exile
He had been a leader of the radical wing of the Indian National Congress in the late 1920s and 1930s, rising to become Congress president in 1938 and 1939 but was ousted following differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress leadership.
Subhas Chandra Bose had escaped from India in 1941 and gone to Germany to work for India’s Independence. In 1943, he came to Singapore to lead the Indian Independence league and rebuild the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) to make it an effective instrument for the freedom of India.
Netaji went to the Andaman which had been occupied by the Japanese and hoisted there the flag of India. In early 1944, three units of the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) took part in the attack on the north-eastern parts of India to oust the British from India.
The Azad Hind Fauj, with the slogan of ‘Delhi Chalo’ and the salutation Jai Hind was a source of inspiration to Indians, inside and outside the country. Netaji rallied together the Indians of all religions and regions, living in south-east Asia, for the cause of India’s freedom.
A women’s regiment of Azad Hind Fauj was formed, which was under the command of Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan. It was called the Rani Jhansi regiment. The Azad Hind Fauj became the symbol of unity and heroism to the people of India.
Bose’s death was seen as the end to the Azad Hind movement.
Extra Point
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep: Ross Island of Andaman & Nicobar Island
Bose is among the most misunderstood icons of modern India because much information about his work and his ideas have either remained unutilised or inaccessible.
MEDARAM JATHARA
Why is it relevant for UPSC Prelims 2023?
Asia’s largest tribal festival started with enormous traditional vigour experiencing a large number of pilgrims and devotees from all across the country.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1798997
The Medaram Jathara
It is the second-largest fair in India after Kumbh Mela and is celebrated by the Koya tribe of Telangana.
The celebration continues for four days.
This festival is with the objective of honouring the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma.
Saralamma was the daughter of Sammakka.
It is celebrated once every two years in the month of Magha (February) on the full moon day.
The idol of Saralamma is installed in the temple at Kannepalli, a small village near Medaram.
The Koya priests called Kaka Vaddes perform the rituals.
Traditional music is played with:
Doli – cylindrical drum
Akkum – Brass blowing instrument o
Thootha Kommu – Bison horn blowing instrument
Cymbals
Koya Tribes:
- Koyas are identified as a warrior tribe.
- They speak Odia and Telugu languages.
- The last queen of Malkangiri named Bagaru Devi had a large Koya army with the help of which she defeated Ramachandra Deva III of Jeypore.
- In 1880, during the British period, the Koya rebellion took place under the leadership of Koya youth Tama Dora.
- They opposed the British government in many ways.
- The principal tribe is found in the Malkangiri district of south Odisha.
- They are also found in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh apart from Odisha.
- Koyas are widely distributed in Kalimela, Mottu, Podia, Mathili and Kokonda blocks.
- The Koyas of Malkangiri are ethno-culturally connected to Bison-horn Murias of adjacent Chhattisgarh.
- They are known as Madia in the Sukuma region and Dorla in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
8. STATUE OF EQUALITY
Why is it relevant for UPSC Prelims 2023?
PM to dedicate to the nation 216-feet tall
‘Statue of Equality’ commemorating the 11th century Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya. It is a part of the ongoing 1000th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramanujacharya.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1795065
Key facts about Statue of Equality
The 216-feet tall Statue of Equality commemorates the 11th century Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya.
The Statue is made of ‘panchaloha’, a combination of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc and is among one of the tallest metallic statues in sitting position, in the world.
It is mounted on a 54-ft high base building, named ‘Bhadra Vedi’.
Shri Ramanujacharya
Shri Ramanujacharya, the 11th century Bhakti Saint, advocated the message of equality that was propagated across humanity.
He put forth his composition for Sanskrit Granth and gave the Tamil language equal importance in Bhakti Marg.
He preached the concept of equality among people irrespective of caste and creed which is also reflected in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
Vishishtadvaita philosophy is the non-dualistic school of Vedanta philosophy.
He fought for the entry of Dalits into the temples and propagated that for a human being, the character is important and not caste.
9.CHAURI CHAURA INCIDENT
Why is it relevant for UPSC Prelims 2023?
The Prime Minister remembered the historic Chauri Chaura incident on the completion of 100 years in 2022.
MORE ABOUT CHAURI CHAURA INCIDENT
On 4th February, volunteers congregated in the town, and after the meeting, proceeded in a procession to the local police station, and to picket the nearby Mundera bazaar.
The police fired into the crowd killing some people and injuring many volunteers.
In retaliation, the crowd proceeded to set the police station on fire.
Some of the policemen who tried to escape were caught and battered to death. A lot of police property, including weapons, was destroyed.
KRISHNA PANKHI
Why is it relevant for Prelims 2023?
PM Modi gifts ‘Krishna Pankhi’ to Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.
PM Modi gifts ‘Krishna Pankhi’ to Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida – ThePrint – ANIFeed
More about Krishna Pankhi
‘Krishna Pankhi’, a sandalwood artefact made in Rajasthan with intricate work with its windows depicting different poses of Lord Krishna, epitomising love, compassion and tenderness.
‘Pankhi’ is intricately carved with traditional tools and has a hand-carved peacock figure at top, India’s national bird.
The edges of the Pankhi is adorned with small ‘ghungaroo’ that move with the flow of wind.
It has hand carving along with a traditional ‘Jali’ designs.
MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE
Why is it relevant for Prelims 2023?
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to the great social reformer, philosopher and writer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1815521
About Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
He was born in the Poona district of Maharashtra in 1827.
His father, Govindrao was a vegetable vendor at Poona. Jyotirao’s family belonged to the ‘mali’ caste and their original title was ‘Gorhay’.
Malis was considered as an inferior caste by the Brahmins and were shunned socially.
Phule was also a merchant, author as well as a municipal council member.
In 1863, one of his businesses was to supply metal-casting equipment to construction sites. He was appointed commissioner to the Poona municipality and served in the position until 1883.
He led the movement against the prevailing caste restrictions in India
He is believed to be the fi rst Hindu to start an orphanage for unfortunate children. He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women’s education in India.
Major Publications: Tritiya Ratna (1855), Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869), Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkarayacha Aasud (1881).
BANARASI PASHMINA
Why is it relevant for Prelims 2023?
Recently, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched “Banarasi Pashmina” to boost self-sustainability & Artisanal Creativity.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1814859
Key facts about Banarasi Pashmina
This is for the first time that Pashmina products are being produced outside the region of LehLadakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
KVIC will be selling the “Made-in-Varanasi” Pashmina products through its showrooms, outlets and through its online portal.
It creates a fusion of diverse artistry from Leh-Ladakh, Delhi and Varanasi.
It aims to generate sustainable employment opportunities for women in Ladakh and diversify the skills of traditional weavers in Varanasi.
It would ensure round-the-year livelihood to women artisans in Leh-Ladakh where spinning activities are suspended for nearly half the year due to the extreme cold.
Pashmina
- The word Pashmina comes from the Persian word ‘Pashm’ which means ‘soft gold.
- Pashmina comes from an animal fibre Cashmere, derived from the Changthangi goat of Ladakh.
- It is indigenous to the high-altitude regions of Leh-Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
ALLURI SITARAM RAJU & RAMPA REBELLION
Why is it relevant for Prelims 2023?
Recently, the Vice President of India visited the birthplace of noted freedom fighter and revolutionary, Shri Alluri Sitarama Raju in Pandrangi village near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
About Alluri Sitaram Raju
He was an Indian revolutionary involved in the Indian independence movement.
Birth and Early Life: Born on July 4, 1897, into a humble middle-class family in a small village near the Coastal city of Visakhapatnam
He was strongly influenced by patriotic discourse quite early in his life.
Rampa Rebellion
The Rampa Rebellion of 1922, also known as the Manyam Rebellion.
It was a tribal uprising, led by Alluri Sitarama Raju in Godavari Agency of Madras Presidency, British India.
The Rampa administrative area was home to about 28,000 tribes.
These tribes followed the ‘Podu’ system of cultivation, whereby every year some amounts of forest tracts were cleared for cultivation, as it was their only source for food.
While for the tribes, the forests were essential for their survival, the Britishers wanted to evict them so that they could plunder these areas for wood, which would eventually help in building their railways and ships.
To get the forests cleared, ‘The Madras Forest Act, 1882’ was passed, thereby restricting the free movement of the tribal communities and prohibiting them from engaging in their traditional Podu agricultural system.
This oppressive order was the beginning of the Manyam Rebellion.
It began in August 1922 and lasted until the capture and killing of Raju in May 1924.
MAHARANA PRATAP JAYANTI
Why it is relevant for Prelims 2023?
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to Maharana Pratap on his Jayanti.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717168
Maharana Pratap
Maharana Pratap hailed from the Sisodiya clan of Rajputs in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan.
He was the 13th King of Mewar and was the eldest son of Maharaja Udai Singh II.
Maharana Udai Singh II was the founder of the present Udaipur city and ruled the kingdom of Mewar, with his capital at Chittor.
Extra Point
Battle of Haldighati
- It was fought in the year 1576 between Maharana Pratap and Mughal forces led by Raja Man Singh of Amber (general of the Mughal emperor Akbar).
- Maharana Pratap bravely fought the war but eventually lost it.
- According to some mythological texts, Chetak, who was Maharana Pratap’s loyal horse, also gave up his life when Maharana Pratap was leaving the battlefield.
JAGADGURU BASAVESHWARA
Why it is relevant for Prelims 2023?
Recently, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Jagadguru Basaveshwara on the sacred occasion of Basava Jayanthi.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1822196
About Jagadguru Basaveshwara:
Born in Bagevadi (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka) during 1131 AD.
He belonged to the Brahmin community.
He was a 12th Century Kannada social reformer, poet and philosopher during the rule of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I in Karnataka.
He is the founding saint of the Lingayat sect.
His philosophy was based on the principles of Arivu (true knowledge), ethos (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience), which brought about a social, religious, and economic revolution in the 12th century.
He spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas.
Major Contributions
As a social reformer: He worked towards uplifting the underprivileged classes & women and believed that all humans are equal, irrespective of class, caste, creed, and gender. He preached that there is only one Supreme Being and that is Shiva and that all animate and inanimate are equal before the Supreme Being.
Socio-economic principles: He gave two very important socio-economic principles:
“Kayaka” (Work-Divine work)- According to this, every individual of society should take up the job of his choice and perform it with all sincerity.
“Dasoha” (Distribution-Equal distribution)-There is no discrimination in vocations.
Extra Point
Kalyana Rajya: He established Kalyan Rajya in Karnataka, same in meaning to today’s welfare state.
SHREE KALIKA MATA TEMPLE
Why it is relevant for UPSC Prelims 2023?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the redeveloped temple of Shree Kalika Mata at Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal district of Gujarat.
About Shree Kalika Mata temple.
The sanctum sanctorum of this grand Mahakali temple has been made of gold.
It is one of the oldest temples in the region and attracts pilgrims in large numbers.
‘Dhwaja’ had not been hoisted since five centuries as the top of the temple was broken. Now, the Pavagadh temple has been completely renovated.
Redevelopment of the temple has been completed at a cost of 125 crore rupees.
BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR
Why it is relevant for UPSC Prelims 2023?
National Monuments Authority is observing the great warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s martyrdom.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1830958
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was a great Sikh warrior and a commander of Khalsa army who defeated the Mughals and freed a large part of North India.
He established the Khalsa rule in Punjab.
Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the Zamindari system, and granted property rights to the tillers of the land.
He was a Noble ruler who introduced the Nanak Shahi coins.
He was captured by Mughal ruler Farrukhsiyar and brought to Delhi and put to death in a most inhuman manner.
He was given the name ‘’Madho Das’’.
He established a monastery at Nānded, on the bank of the river Godāvarī, where in 1708 he became a disciple of, Guru Gobind Singh, who gave him the new name of Banda Bahadur.
VARANASI
News – Varanasi has been named first cultural and tourism capital of the SCO
Varanasi will become the Cultural and Tourism Capital of the SCO for 2022-23 under a new rotating initiative by SCO to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism among the member states.
Under this initiative, each year a city of the cultural heritage of a member country that will take over the rotating Presidency of the organisation will get the title to highlight its prominence.
The new initiative will come into force after the Samarkand summit following which India will take over the Presidency and host the next Heads of the State summit.
About Varanasi
Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilization for about 3000 years.
Also known as Benaras or Kashi, Varanasi has been a significant pilgrimage place for Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as well. Further, Vaishnavism and Shaivism have harmoniously co-existed in Benaras.
Varanasi’s culture is surrounded by the river Ganga.
It is widely believed by Hindus that death on the land of Kashi leads to the attainment of salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.
It is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism.
Varanasi was the capital of the kingdom of Kashi.
Sarnath is in the same city where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment.
Kashi is also believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar.
Varanasi has its own ‘Gharanas’ (style of music) in classical Indian music
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
A permanent intergovernmental international organization.
It was founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001.
SCO is a political, economic and military organization with 8 present member countries Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan and Iran.
India and Pakistan became members in 2017.
Before the creation of SCO, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five.
The objective of the organisation is to strengthen mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states, promotion of trade & economy, research & technology and culture and enhance ties in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc.
Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has mainly focused on regional security issues, its fight against regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism.
The SCO has been an observer in the UN General Assembly since 2005.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization | Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (un.org)
AUROBINDO GHOSE
News – 150th birth anniversary of Aurobindo Ghose on 15th August.
About Aurobindo Ghose
Aurobindo Ghosh born on August 15, 1872.
Did his education in England?
He was a professor at Baroda College.
He was a philosopher, poet, journalist, yogi, revolutionary etc.
He was one of the first nationalist leaders to put forth in his newspaper, Bande Mataram, the idea of complete independence of India.
He developed a radical approach to achieve the goal of complete independence that included non-cooperation, passive resistance, use of swadeshi etc.
His first philosophical magazine was Arya which was published in 1914.
Some of his writings were The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga and Savitri.
Source: Celebrating Sri Aurobindo on 150th birth anniversary : The Tribune India
PANDURANG KHANKHOJE
News – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will travel to Mexico to unveil the statue of freedom fighter and agriculturalist Pandurang Khankhoje.
About Pandurang Khankhoje
He born in the late 19th century in Maharashtra’s Wardha
As a student, Khankhoje was an ardent admirer of the French Revolution and of the American War of Independence.
Khankhoje was inspired by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Tilak urged him to visit Japan to learn from the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War
After staying for a while in Japan, where Khankhoje also met Chinese revolutionaries, he moved to the US.
In US, Khankhoje worked along with Indian labourers at a lumber mill.
Later at Stanford University, he met Lala Har Dayal.
Ghadar Party was formed in the US, Khankhoje, as one of the founders.
He used his military experience at Mount Tamalpais to train volunteers, mostly retired servicemen, to foment trouble for the British in India. However, due to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, their plans for a militant action in India were foiled.
Khankhoje was encouraged by the Mexican Revolution of 1910
In 1915, as the Ghadar movement faded, Khankhoje left for Paris to meet Madame Bhikaji Cama who sent him to Germany where he came in contact with Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, brother of Sarojini Naidu, in Berlin.
Later he met Vladimir Lenin in Russia after the Russian Revolution in 1917.
Fearing the British secret service, (he was facing possible deportation from Europe and could not go to India) Khankhoje set sail to Mexico. He was appointed as a professor at the National School of Agriculture in Chapingo.
He started studying the cultivation of new varieties of high-yielding corn and wheat, with emphasis on drought- and disease-resistant varieties, and hence became a part of the efforts to usher in the Green Revolution in Mexico.
UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
News – Warangal Thrissur and Nilambur from Kerala have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)
These cities joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in recognition of their outstanding efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all at the local level.
The new UNESCO learning cities were added to the network following their nomination by the National Commissions for UNESCO in the concerned countries and the recommendations of a jury of experts.
About UNESCO GNLC
UNESCO GNLC is an international network consisting of cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities.
It includes 294 cities from all around the world that share inspiration, know-how and best practice among each other.
The Network supports the achievement of all seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all) and SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable).
A strong commitment to lifelong learning by the mayor and city administration and a track record of good practices and policy initiatives are key prerequisites for becoming a learning city.
One open call for applications is issued every two years and the next open application round will be in 2023.
UNESCO learning cities
effectively mobilizes its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education;
revitalizes learning in families and communities;
facilitates learning for and in the workplace;
extends the use of modern learning technologies;
enhances quality and excellence in learning; and
fosters a culture of learning throughout life.
In doing so, the city enhances individual empowerment and social inclusion, economic development and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development.
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: 77 new members from 44 countries | Articles
MANGARH MASSACRE OF 1913
News – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared Mangarh Dham as a National Monument.
By the end of the 20th century, the Bhils living in Rajasthan and Gujarat became bonded labourers. The great famine of 1899-1900 which claimed the lives of over 6 lakh people, only worsened the situation for the Bhils. Social activist Guru Govindgiri, also known as Govind Guru, who known as the pioneer of the Bhagat movement emerged in this background. He realised that the socio-economic setup and prevalence of alcohol addiction which was the reason behind for the plight of the Bhils.
In an attempt to improve their condition, Guru Govindgiri began the Bhagat Movement in 1908 in which he propagated practices such as vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol. He also asked his supporters to reject bonded labour and fight for their rights. The epicentre of this agitation was Dungarpur and Banswara, densely populated by Bhils.
Guru Govindgiri himself, or his disciple, Punja Dhirji, had visions of a grand restoration of the Bhil people to their once-famed indigenous kingdoms or governance — a ‘Bhil Raj’. Therefore, in consultation with other Bhil leaders, it was decided to take some definite steps towards attaining a Bhil Raj. Messages were sent out to Govindgiri’s followers to congregate for a religious fair at Mangarh hill on 13 November 1913. Bhils from many parts of Dungarpur, Banswara, Kushalgarh, Kherwara, Sunth, etc., reached Mangarh.
This worried the British and the state authorities of Dungarpur, Banswara, Kushalgarh and Sunth. The British called upon the Bhils to leave Mangarh Hill before 15 November but that did not happen and the princely kingdoms of nearby Dungarpur, Banswara and Sunth pressured the colonial government who then sent in the Mewar Bhil Corps to attack the Mangarh Hill. The British political representative of the region RE Hamilton deployed the combined forces of British, Santrampur, Dungarpur, Banswara and a detachment of Mewar force moved towards Mangarh.
On 17 November 1913, the British Indian Army fired indiscriminately on Bhil protesters and it is said that over 1,500 people, including women and children died in the tragedy.
Source: Explained | What’s the 1913 Massacre of Mangarh That PM Modi Spoke About? (thequint.com)
