Daily Answer Writing Program Day 02- 25th May, 2021 Syllabus- GS Paper I- History- History (Art & Culture, Ancient, Medieval, Modern & World) & Current Affairs Q1. Ancient Indian temple architecture is not limited to Indian boundaries. Illustrate? (150 Words, 10 marks) Introduction The Science of Architecture and Civil Construction was known ever since ancient India as Sthapatya- Shastra. This science eventually evolved during the time of ancient India and culminated during Gupta Period. However, It didn’t stopped here, Indian techniques of art and architecture spread beyond Indian boundaries through conquests as well as cultural confluences. Body East Asia 1. China has built Indian style cave temples and monastic complexes on a large scale. Colossal images were carved & caves were beautifully painted like Dunhuang, Yun-kang and Lung-men. 2. In AD 404, an Indian monk built two temples in the Pyongyang city in Korea. South East Asia 1. In Indonesia, the Indian style temple Prambanan & the largest Shiva temple in Java. 2. The famous 108-metre-high statue of Buddha at Dong Duong closely resembles the Amaravati sculptures. 3. In the Bali islands many idols of Ganesha have been found. 4. In Thailand, number of temples were built. Ayutthaya (Ayodhya) is one example. There are 400 Indian style of temples in Bangkok. 5. In Myanmar, King Aniruddha was a great builder who adopted Indian style of temple architecture and built Shwezigon Pagoda and about a thousand other temples 6. In Cambodia, huge monuments and temple of Indian style are constructed & embellished with sculptural representations of Shiva, Vishnu. Like Angkor Wat (the abode of Vishnu- Vaikuntha dhama). 7. In Malaysia, there is a place called Ligor where over 50 Indian temples are found. South Asia 1. Afghanistan, Bodhisattvas statues at Bamiyan, are carved out on hillside in 1st CE under Kanishka. 2. Sri Lanka, hemispherical stupas were built between 3rd BCE to 4th CE. Europe 1. Christian Basilicas (churches) have similarities with the Buddhist Stupas i.e their mosaics seem have borrowed ideas from, the Buddhist chaityas. 2. Indian motifs can also be traced in Gothic sculpture like in the cathedrals of Bayeux, Achen and Trier. Islamic Countries 1. The dome mosques in Islamic Countries are derived from the Indian style of Stupa. Ex: The famous Sophia mosque in Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus Straits. Conclusion Indian art and architecture, especially temple architecture, is a significant link between India and the rest of Asia. It can be a bulwark of Indian soft power through people to people contact. Q2. Discuss the role of Sanskrit in ancient Indian literature, the reasons for its decline and its role in the present Indian context. (150 words, 10 Marks) Introduction Sanskrit is the Indo-Aryan language which is said to be the mother of many Indian languages such as Hindi, Maithili etc. and finds its origin in Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas dating back to around 3500 years from now. Body Role in ancient India: 1. The development of its grammar began with Ashtadhyayi of Panini in 4th century BC 2. Some of the earliest text including Vedas, Brahamanas and Upnishads giving information about philosophical and social life of Vedic times. 3. Some of the major Buddhist and Jain literature are compiled in Sanskrit e.g. lalitvistara, one the most sacred text of Mahayana Buddhism. 4. Sanskrit texts were carried to China by Fa-xien. 5. There were many texts written in Sanskrit during the time of Guptas which depicted its literary peak e.g. plays, epics and poems of Kalidasa and Brihadmihira like Abhijanshakuntalam and Meghdootam. Reasons for the decline of Sanskrit: 1. Sanskrit was mainly of use by high Varna of the society (Brahmin community) for communication and education. However, the language of masses was Prakrit. 2. Sanskrit was very complex language not easily understood by common people and thus got neglected over time. 3. There was lack of patronage by rulers in later period like Palas patronaged Buddhism. 4. Invasion of foreigners led to the establishment of their rule i.e Delhi Sultanate and then Mughal Rule 5. Rise of other philosophies/religions like Buddhism, Jainism and other school of thoughts led to declined emphasis on Sanskrit. Relevance of Sanskrit in present context: 1. It reflects the cultural heritage of India whereby it is a language which evolved and grew in India. 2. Enrichment of Sanskrit is a contribution towards literary development of a language indigenous to India. Ex: progress of Sanskrit would lead to its study throughout the world along with its relevant literary works. 3. Can be used to strengthen our soft power diplomacy in international geopolitics. Initiatives taken by government of India for its revival: 1. Providing financial assistance to Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalayas/ Shodh Sansthans. 2. Award of merit scholarships to students of Sanskrit Pathshala to college level. 3. Financial assistance to NGOs/Higher educational institutions of Sanskrit for various research projects/programs. 4. Sanskrit is also taught through non-formal Sanskrit education programme by setting up its learning centers. Conclusion Thus, it could be said that although Sanskrit enjoys an eminent position in history and literature of India, it needs to be revived by conscious effort by the active role of government and civil society to attain its formal glory. Q3. The Northeast participation in India’s freedom struggle is a tale of valour and courage. Comment (250 words, 15 Marks) Introduction The Indian freedom struggle against the British colonial rule was characterised by both national as well as regional efforts. In the Northeast, this struggle was a tale of valour and courage. The participation of leaders of the Northeast in India’s freedom struggle has been a lesser-known, neglected part of our history and therefore, needs to be given its due by reminiscing and celebrating these acts of valour. Body Northeast Participation in National Movement: 1. It was driven by demands of political autonomy and less to do with the loss of land. 2. It was not always a forest-based or agrarian revolt, since control over it was retained by the locals and the tribals. 3. These movements often remained aloof from the mainstream freedom movement and political awakening, yet they were spontaneous and retained their aboriginal character. 4. These uprisings remained secular and focused on the remedy of the issue at hand. Movements before 1857: 1. Ahoms Revolt (1828-33): against the non-fulfilment of the pledges of the Company by dividing the Ahom kingdom. 2. Khasis Revolt (the 1830s): Hilly region between Jaintia and Garo, led by Nunklow ruler Tirath Singh, against the occupation of the hilly region. 3. Singhpos rebellion (the 1830s): In Assam, which led to the murder of British political agent of Assam by Singhpos in 1839, it was ultimately suppressed. Movements after 1857: 1. Kukis’ Revolt (1917-19): In Manipur, against British policies of recruiting labour during the first World War. 2. Revolutions in Tripura: Against hike in house tax rates and the settlement of outsiders in the region. Led by notable leaders like Parikshit Jamatia & The Reangs revolt led by Ratnamani and by Bharti Singh. 3. Zeliangsong Movement (the 1920s): led by Zemi Liangmei and Rongmei tribes, against the failure of British to protect them during the Kuki violence in 1917-19. 4. Naga Movement (1905-31): In Manipur, led by Jadonang against British rule and for setting up a Naga Raj. 5. Heraka Cult (the 1930s): In Manipur, led by Gaidinliu, the movement was suppressed but Kabul Naga Association was formed in 1946. 6. Other smaller movements: were the revolt of the Syntengs of Jaintia Hills in 1860-62; the Phulagiri peasants’ rebellion in 1861, the revolt of Saflas in 1872-73; the uprising of the Kacha Nagas of Cachhar in 1882; and a woman’s war in Manipur in 1904. Apart from the movements, it is imperative to also remember the many leaders of the struggle: 1. Kanaklata Baruah (Assam): During the Quit India Movement, Kanaklata of Assam joined the Mrityu Bahini, a death squad comprising groups of youth from the Gohpur subdivision of Assam & was made the leader of the women cadres. • Bahini decided to hoist the national flag at the local police station at Gohpur in Assam's present-day Biswanath district. • Barua led a procession of unarmed villagers to the station on 20 September 1942. Police threatened the crowd with dire consequences but Barua marched ahead carrying the national flag. • She was then shot dead by the Britishers while trying to hoist the national flag at the station. 2. Pa Togan Nengminja (Meghalaya): Pa Togan Nengminza along with his brave warriors attacked the British soldiers (at their camp in Matcha Rongrek village) while the remaining British soldiers retaliated. • The Garo warriors were ill-equipped and had to suffer heavy loss. • The brave warrior died on the spot, succumbing to a barrage of bullets. 3. Tirot Sing Syiem (Meghalaya): U Tirot Sing (1802 – 1835) was one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 19th century. Sing spent most of his life fighting against British attempts to take over control of the Khasi hills. 4. U Kiang Nongbah (Meghalaya): The brave U Kiang Nangbah led an uprising against the British and was hanged by the British publicly at Iawmusiang in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills district on 30 December 1862. 5. Rani Gaidinliu (Manipur/Nagaland): Rani Gaidinliu was a Rongmei Naga spiritual and political leader from Manipur. • Ranima, as she was popularly and affectionately called, led a movement against the British colonialism in the 1930s and the struggle soon turned into a battle to uproot British from Manipur and Nagaland. 6. Shoorvir Pasaltha Khuangchera (Mizoram): Shoorvir Pasaltha Khuangchera, the first Mizo freedom fighter to sacrifice his life fighting British imperialism in 1890.