Upsc prelims

🔆 Sculpture Traditions in the Indus Valley Civilisation 📍 Introduction 🟢 The Indus Valley or Harappan Civilisation flourished during the Bronze Age. 🟢 Its artistic traditions are reflected in sculptures made of stone, metal and terracotta. 🟢 The discovery of statues, figurines and seals indicates a high degree of artistic imagination and technical skill. 📍 Broad Phases of Ancient Indian Sculpture 🟢 Indus Valley Civilisation Phase 🟢 Mauryan/Buddhist Phase 🟢 Post-Mauryan Phase 🟢 Gupta Phase 🟢 South Indian Phase 📍 1. Stone Sculptures 🟢 Bearded Man/Priest-King 🟢 Made of steatite 🟢 Found at Mohenjo-daro 🟢 Depicted wearing a shawl decorated with trefoil patterns 🟢 Features include a trimmed moustache and beard, middle-parted hair and a headband. 🟢 An armlet and perforations around the neck are also visible. 🟢 Male Torso 🟢 Found at Harappa 🟢 Made of red sandstone 🟢 Socket holes in the neck and shoulders suggest that the head and arms were attached separately. 🟢 Despite being damaged, the sculpture reflects remarkable vitality and anatomical understanding. 📍 2. Metal Sculptures 🟢 Bronze casting was practised at major Harappan sites. 🟢 The Lost Wax Technique (Cire Perdue) was used. 🟢 Bronze Dancing Girl 🟢 Found at Mohenjo-daro 🟢 A small bronze figure, about 10.8 cm high 🟢 Depicted in a confident posture with one hand on the hip. 🟢 Adorned with numerous bangles and ornaments. 🟢 Represents exceptional mastery of bronze casting and naturalistic expression. 🟢 Other bronze figures include animal sculptures such as buffaloes and bulls. 📍 Lost Wax Technique 🟢 A model of the desired figure was first made in wax. 🟢 It was covered with clay to create a mould. 🟢 The mould was heated, allowing the wax to melt and drain out. 🟢 Molten metal was then poured into the hollow mould. 🟢 After cooling, the clay covering was removed to reveal the metal sculpture. 📍 3. Terracotta Sculptures 🟢 Mother Goddess 🟢 One of the prominent terracotta figurines is associated with Mohenjo-daro. 🟢 It is commonly interpreted as representing fertility and prosperity. 🟢 Such figurines are generally depicted standing and wearing ornaments and elaborate headgear. 🟢 Terracotta figurines also depict humans, animals and everyday life, reflecting the social and cultural world of the Harappans. 📍 Seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation 🟢 Seals were mainly made of steatite, though other materials were also used. 🟢 They depict animals, human figures, religious symbols and the undeciphered Indus script. 🟢 They were likely used for identification, administration and commercial purposes. 📍 Important Seals 🟢 Pashupati Seal 🟢 Made of steatite and found at Mohenjo-daro 🟢 Depicts a central figure seated in a yogic or cross-legged posture. 🟢 Surrounded by an elephant, tiger, rhinoceros and buffalo, with two animals below the seat. 🟢 The figure has a distinctive horned headgear. 🟢 It is often interpreted as a possible proto-Shiva or Pashupati figure, though this interpretation remains debated. 🟢 Unicorn Seal 🟢 Depicts a distinctive, possibly mythical one-horned animal. 🟢 Reflects the Harappans’ artistic imagination and symbolic tradition. 🟢 One of the most common motifs on Indus seals. 🟢 Bull Seal 🟢 Depicts a powerful humped bull. 🟢 Reflects the sculptors’ close observation of animals and knowledge of anatomy. 📍 Significance of Harappan Sculpture and Seals 🟢 Reflects advanced artistic and technical skills. 🟢 Provides insights into dress, ornaments and hairstyles. 🟢 Indicates commercial and administrative practices. 🟢 Offers clues about religious beliefs and symbolic traditions. 🟢 Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of human and animal forms. 🔆 The sculpture tradition of the Indus Valley Civilisation laid the foundation for India’s long and diverse artistic heritage. #prelims #art_and_culture https://t.me/Studytoday1 https://t.me/upsc_art_and_culture

🔆 Administration of the Mauryan Period 📍 Nature of Administration 🟢 The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralised and bureaucratic system of administration. 🟢 The King was the nucleus of the administrative structure. 🟢 The Arthashastra of Kautilya (Chanakya) and the account of Megasthenes are important sources for understanding Mauryan administration. 📍 Saptanga Theory of the State According to Kautilya, a state consisted of seven elements: 🟢 Swami/Raja – The King 🟢 Amatya – Ministers and high officials 🟢 Janapada – Territory and population 🟢 Durga – Fortified capital/fort 🟢 Kosha – Treasury 🟢 Danda/Bala – Army or coercive power 🟢 Mitra – Ally or friend 📍 Mantri Parishad The King was assisted by a Mantri Parishad (Council of Ministers), which included: 🟢 Yuvaraja – Crown Prince 🟢 Purohita – Chief Priest 🟢 Senapati – Commander-in-Chief 🟢 Samaharta – Chief Collector of Revenue 🟢 Sannidhata – Chief Treasury Officer 📍 Provincial Administration 🟢 The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, often governed by princes or members of the royal family. 🟢 Provinces were further divided into smaller administrative units. 🟢 Important provincial centres included Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali and Suvarnagiri. 🟢 Pataliputra was the imperial capital. 📍 Military Administration 🟢 The Mauryas maintained a large and powerful standing army. 🟢 They also maintained a naval force. 🟢 According to Megasthenes, military administration was managed by a board of 30 members, divided into six committees of five members each. 🟢 Infantry 🟢 Cavalry 🟢 Elephants 🟢 Chariots 🟢 Navy 🟢 Transport and logistics 🔆 The Mauryan administrative system combined strong central authority with an elaborate network of officials, helping the empire govern a vast and diverse territory. #history #prelims #mains Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM https://t.me/Upsc_4_history

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🔆 Yoga and the Challenge of Patents 📍 Why in News? 🟢 The article “The Lotus Position”, published in The Times of India on 23rd June 2023, highlighted how the existing patent and intellectual property regime can threaten the universal reach of yoga. 🟢 Syllabus: GS1 – Indian Culture 🟢 Relevance: Ancient Indian system of medicine 📍 How can the Universal Reach of Yoga be Ensured? 🟢 Yoga should remain free from copyrights, patents and royalty payments. 🟢 Ancient Indian knowledge should serve all humanity in leading a healthier life. 🟢 It should work as well for the poor as for the rich. 🟢 Commercialisation and trademarking of traditional yoga practices, asanas or breathing exercises can restrict universal access. 📍 Why is the Patent Regime Discriminatory Against Traditional Knowledge? 🟢 Patent laws generally reward novelty and formally documented innovation. 🟢 Traditional knowledge passed orally through generations is often not recognised as “prior art” or treated on par with knowledge documented in Western journals and databases. 🟢 This creates opportunities for biopiracy, where traditional knowledge and resources may be commercially appropriated. 📍 Turmeric Patent Case 🟢 India successfully challenged a US patent relating to the wound-healing properties of turmeric. 🟢 The case demonstrated how traditional knowledge can be wrongly patented when existing knowledge is inadequately documented or recognised by patent authorities. 📍 Way Forward 🟢 Traditional knowledge should be properly documented and protected. 🟢 Patent examination systems should adequately recognise prior existing and community-held knowledge. 🟢 Global intellectual property regimes should ensure equitable treatment of developing countries’ traditional knowledge. 🟢 Yoga, as humanity’s shared heritage rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, should remain universally accessible. #prelims #art_and_culture https://t.me/Studytoday1 https://t.me/upsc_art_and_culture

🔆 Khond Disturbances (1882) 📍 Introduction 🟢 The Khonds (Kondhs) are one of the major tribal communities of eastern and central India, concentrated mainly in Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh. 🟢 The 1882 disturbances emerged from a combination of agrarian exploitation, colonial expansion and disruption of the traditional tribal order. 📍 Events Leading to the Disturbances 🟢 In Kalahandi, where a large Khond population had settled, Raja Udit Partab Deo sought to increase revenue collection. 🟢 The powers of the Umraos or chief headmen were drastically curtailed. 🟢 Khonds were ousted from their villages, which were subsequently granted to Kultas, a cultivating caste. 🟢 This reduced many Khonds to the status of landless labourers and created deep resentment. 📍 Colonial Conquest and Transformation 🟢 The Ghumsar Wars (1835–37) and the conflicts of 1846–48 between the Khonds and the British reflected the expansion and consolidation of colonial rule. 🟢 Colonial intervention led to the suppression of Meriah, the practice of human sacrifice, from the mid-19th century. 🟢 More significantly, colonial rule transformed the traditional system of political legitimisation. 📍 Disruption of the Traditional Tribal Order 🟢 Traditionally, the relationship between the ruling Hindu elite and the Khonds was based on mutual cooperation. 🟢 The Hindu rulers derived political legitimacy from the tribal communities. 🟢 Colonial rule disrupted this relationship and subjugated the Khonds to British authority. 🟢 Colonial penetration into Khond tracts also exposed the tribal population to external social, economic and political forces, significantly altering their traditional organisation. 📍 Khond Disturbances of 1882 🟢 The disturbances continued for more than six months and unfolded in two phases: 🟢 First Phase: Large-scale plundering of Kulta villages and property. 🟢 Second Phase: The movement became more violent, witnessing intensive bloodshed and cruelty. 📍 Nature of the Revolt 🟢 The revolt originated from colonial land and revenue policies. 🟢 It reflected the resistance of a tribal community against agrarian dispossession and external intervention. 🟢 The movement also challenged British sovereignty in the region. 🟢 However, the unrest failed to achieve substantial gains for the Khonds and ultimately contributed to the further strengthening of colonial structures. #history #prelims #mains Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM https://t.me/Upsc_4_history

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🔆 Mahatma Ayyankali 📍 Why in News? 🟢 Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Ayyankali on his birth anniversary. 📍 About Mahatma Ayyankali 🟢 A pioneering social reformer and Dalit rights leader from Kerala who challenged caste-based discrimination in the erstwhile Travancore. 🟢 Born in 1863 at Venganoor, Kerala, to Ayyan and Mala. 🟢 Belonged to the Pulaya community, one of the most oppressed communities in Kerala. 🟢 His ideas were influenced by social reformers such as Ayyavu Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru. 📍 Major Contributions 🟢 Villuvandi Protest (1893): Rode a bullock cart on public roads, defying caste restrictions that denied oppressed communities freedom of movement. 🟢 Right to Use Public Roads: Organised protests demanding equal access to public roads for oppressed castes. 🟢 Fight for Education: Demanded admission of Pulaya children into public schools and established a school at Venganoor in 1904. 🟢 Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (1907): Founded the organisation for the welfare and upliftment of poor and marginalised communities. 🟢 Agricultural Labour Strike: Led agricultural workers in demanding education for Pulaya children. 🟢 Kallumala Samaram (1915): Supported the struggle of Pulaya women against caste-based restrictions on clothing and ornaments. 🟢 Political Representation: Became the first Pulaya representative in the Travancore Legislative Assembly in 1910. 📍 Legacy 🟢 Played a major role in advancing social equality, freedom of movement, education and labour rights for marginalised communities. 🟢 Passed away on 18 June 1941. 📍 Prelims Focus 🟢 Mahatma Ayyankali → Kerala/Travancore → Pulaya community 🟢 Villuvandi Protest → 1893 🟢 Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham → 1907 🟢 Kallumala Samaram → 1915 🟢 First Pulaya representative → Travancore Legislative Assembly (1910) #history #prelims #mains Join https://t.me/CSE_EXAM https://t.me/Upsc_4_history

🔆 Rajghat Excavations 📍 Why in News? 🟢 After nearly 70 years, researchers recently opened 22 boxes containing artefacts and records from the 1957 Rajghat excavations. 📍 Location & Historical Significance 🟢 Rajghat is located on the north-eastern edge of Varanasi, near the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers. 🟢 It is an important archaeological site of the Middle Ganga Valley. 🟢 Archaeologists associate the site with ancient Varanasi, which was the capital of the Kashi Mahajanapada. 📍 Excavation History 🟢 Archaeological remains were first discovered in 1939 during the expansion of the Kashi railway station. 🟢 Systematic excavations were jointly conducted by the ASI and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) between 1957 and 1969. 🟢 The excavations were supervised by A. K. Narain and archaeologist T. N. Roy. 📍 Key Archaeological Findings 🟢 Remains of ancient settlements and structures, believed to include houses. 🟢 Terracotta objects, sculptures, ancient coins, tools and stamp seals. 🟢 Artefacts made of copper, ivory and bone. 🟢 Several seals bearing inscriptions, including those in the Brahmi script. 🟢 A human skeleton discovered at the site was also found preserved in a sealed box for about 70 years. 📍 Significance of Inscriptions 🟢 The seals and inscriptions can provide insights into the evolution of scripts. 🟢 They may also help understand the governance, trade and economic systems of the concerned historical periods. 📍 Photographic Archives 🟢 The boxes contain around 3,000 glass slides and over 5,000 photographic negatives. 🟢 These document archaeological sites across India, including Rajghat, Manjhi, Ratnagiri, Ajanta and Ellora. 🟢 They provide rare visual records of these sites before weathering, restoration and modern development altered them. 🟢 The collection also contains rare images of idols of Vishnu, Shiva and Buddha. 📍 Prelims Focus 🟢 Rajghat → Varanasi → Middle Ganga Valley 🟢 Near → Confluence of Ganga and Varuna rivers 🟢 Ancient association → Capital of Kashi Mahajanapada 🟢 Excavations → ASI + BHU → 1957–1969 🟢 Inscriptions → Brahmi script 🟢 Recently opened → 22 boxes from 1957 excavations #prelims #art_and_culture https://t.me/Studytoday1 https://t.me/upsc_art_and_culture

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