Introduction & Overview
The art, architecture, and cultural expressions of medieval India continue to resonate in the contemporary world, not just as historical artifacts but as living heritage. Current affairs related to this domain frequently feature in news due to UNESCO recognitions, efforts to protect traditional crafts through Geographical Indications (GI) tags, repatriation of stolen antiquities, government initiatives promoting classical arts, and ongoing debates surrounding historical narratives and heritage management.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding these current linkages is crucial as they reflect the dynamic interaction between India's rich past and its present-day socio-cultural, economic, and political concerns. This module connects the static knowledge of medieval art and culture with its contemporary relevance and challenges.
9.7.1: UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Recognition & Conservation
UNESCO accords World Heritage status to sites of outstanding universal value. India has numerous medieval sites on this list, but their conservation faces significant challenges.
Recent Additions (Medieval/Post-Medieval links):
- Santiniketan (West Bengal) (Inscribed 2023): Represents continuity and reinterpretation of Indian traditions, some drawing from medieval aesthetics.
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka) (Inscribed 2023): Chennakeshava Temple (Belur), Hoysalesvara Temple (Halebidu), Keshava Temple (Somanathapura) – classic 12th-13th century Hoysala architecture.
- Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (Inscribed 2021): A 13th-century engineering and artistic marvel.
Existing Medieval Sites:
Include Qutb Minar and its Monuments (Delhi), Humayun's Tomb (Delhi), Red Fort Complex (Delhi), Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Group of Monuments at Hampi, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Great Living Chola Temples, Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Historic City of Ahmadabad (first Indian city).
- Environmental Degradation: Pollution affecting structures (e.g., Taj Mahal yellowing).
- Encroachment & Urban Pressure: Illegal constructions and population pressure (e.g., Hampi, Fatehpur Sikri).
- Resource Crunch: Inadequate funding and skilled manpower for ASI.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods posing risks.
- Lack of Public Awareness & Vandalism.
- Developmental Pressures: Infrastructure projects near protected sites.
- Pilgrimage Pressure: At living religious sites like some Chola temples.
Conceptual Representation of Challenges:
- Adopt a Heritage Scheme (Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan): Ministry of Tourism, Culture & ASI collaboration to involve private sector for amenities and maintenance.
- HRIDAY Scheme (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana): (Completed 2019) Focused on holistic development of heritage cities.
- ASI's ongoing conservation projects.
| UNESCO Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Additions | Santiniketan (2023), Hoysala Temples (Belur, Halebid, Somanathapura) (2023), Ramappa Temple (2021). |
| Key Medieval Sites | Hampi, Fatehpur Sikri, Chola Temples, Qutb Minar, Khajuraho, etc. |
| Conservation | Pollution, Encroachment, Funding. ASI is key. |
| Govt. Schemes | Adopt a Heritage (Ongoing), HRIDAY (Completed). |
- Major Debates/Discussions: Conservation vs. Tourism vs. Local Livelihoods; Effectiveness of "Adopt a Heritage" (commercialization vs. efficiency).
- Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes: Continuity: Enduring appeal of medieval art/sites. Changes: Increased state intervention, international frameworks (UNESCO), growing public awareness, technology in conservation.
- Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact: Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy, Economic Impact (tourism), National Identity.
- Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples: PM Modi's cultural diplomacy during foreign visits.
9.7.3: Repatriation of Artifacts
Efforts to bring back stolen or illicitly exported art objects from the medieval period, reflecting India's assertion over its cultural heritage.
Context:
Many Indian artifacts (sculptures, paintings, manuscripts from medieval period) were illicitly trafficked or taken during colonial rule and post-independence.
Legal Framework & International Conventions:
- Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (India).
- UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
Efforts & Nodal Agency:
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture is the nodal agency.
- Diplomatic efforts, legal channels, collaboration with international law enforcement.
Recent Successes:
- USA: Returned hundreds of artifacts. E.g., a 12th-century bronze Nataraja (Chola period). In October 2023, US returned 307 antiquities (~USD 4 million value) to India.
- Australia: National Gallery of Australia returned several artifacts (e.g., sculptures from Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan).
- United Kingdom: Return of a 12th-century Brahma-Brahmani sculpture.
- Idol Wing of Tamil Nadu Police: Very active in tracing and recovering stolen temple idols.
Challenges:
- Proving provenance (origin and ownership).
- Lengthy legal processes.
- Reluctance of some museums/collectors abroad.
| Repatriation Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Antiquities Act 1972, UNESCO 1970 Convention. |
| Nodal Agency | ASI (Ministry of Culture). |
| Recent Returns | From USA (307 items in Oct 2023), Australia, UK. Active Idol Wing (TN Police). |
| Challenges | Proving provenance, legal hurdles. |
- Major Debates/Discussions: Ethical Imperative vs. Universal Museums; Practical challenges in proving illicit trafficking.
- Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes: Changes: Increased awareness, stronger legal frameworks, diplomatic efforts.
- Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact: Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy (PM Modi's foreign visits include cultural elements/agreements).
- Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples: G20 Culture Working Group focus on restitution.
9.7.4: Promotion of Classical Arts
Government and private initiatives actively promote and preserve classical music, dance, and art forms, many of which evolved from medieval traditions or temple arts.
Ministry of Culture Schemes:
- Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY): Umbrella scheme for promotion of art/culture, cultural infrastructure, safeguarding intangible heritage.
Autonomous Institutions under Ministry of Culture:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi: Apex body for performing arts.
- Lalit Kala Akademi: Promotes fine arts (painting, sculpture).
- Sahitya Akademi: Promotes literature.
- National School of Drama (NSD).
- Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA): Research and dissemination.
- Seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs): Promote regional arts.
Festivals:
- Government supports numerous festivals (e.g., Khajuraho Dance Festival, Konark Festival).
Private Initiatives:
- SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth).
- Corporate sponsorships, private trusts, foundations.
- Guru-Shishya Parampara still active.
Recent Focus:
- Digital platforms for promotion and archival.
- Inclusion of arts education in schools (NEP 2020 emphasis).
- Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List by UNESCO: India has several elements, e.g., Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Garba of Gujarat (2023).
| Classical Arts Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Govt. Institutions | Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, IGNCA, ZCCs. |
| Govt. Schemes | Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY). |
| UNESCO ICH | Durga Puja (2021), Garba (2023) are recent. |
| Focus | Guru-Shishya, Digital platforms, Arts in education (NEP 2020). |
- Major Debates/Discussions: Tradition vs. Modernity (keeping relevance); Financial viability for artists; Role of state vs. market support.
- Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes: Continuity: Enduring appeal of art forms, traditional skills. Changes: State patronage, digital platforms, NEP 2020 focus.
- Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact: Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy, Economic Impact (employment), National Identity.
- Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples: UNESCO ICH inscriptions (Garba, Durga Puja).
9.7.5: Debates on Historical Narratives & Heritage
Interpretations of medieval art and architecture, issues of cultural appropriation, and the ongoing balance between preservation and development remain significant contemporary concerns.
- Ongoing debates on the nature of "Indo-Islamic" architecture – syncretism vs. assertion of power.
- Controversies over the origins/original nature of certain monuments (e.g., Qutb Minar complex, Gyanvapi Mosque issue, Taj Mahal controversies).
- Rewriting of history textbooks or museum narratives to reflect particular ideological stances.
Cultural Appropriation:
- Use of traditional motifs/art forms by commercial entities without due credit or benefit to artisans.
- Debates around display/interpretation of Indian artifacts in foreign museums.
Preservation vs. Development:
- Balancing heritage conservation with infrastructure development needs.
- The AMASR Act (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, amended in 2010) regulates construction around protected monuments. Debates around AMASR (Amendment) Bill, 2023, regarding potential dilution.
Role of Institutions:
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Primary body for protection, conservation, excavation.
- Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA): Research, documentation.
- National Museum, New Delhi: Undergoing major revamp and relocation (Central Vista project).
Recent Issues:
- "Kartavya Path" (formerly Rajpath) and Central Vista redevelopment.
- Discussions around decolonization of museums and heritage narratives.
| Heritage Debates Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Narratives | Indo-Islamic architecture, monument origins (Qutb, Gyanvapi). |
| Legal | AMASR Act 1958 (amended 2010), proposed AMASR Bill 2023. |
| Institutions' Role | ASI (conservation), National Museum (revamp), IGNCA (research). |
| Current Issues | Central Vista, decolonization of narratives. |
- Major Debates/Discussions: Objectivity vs. Ideology in interpretations; AMASR Act amendment debates (stringency vs. developmental needs).
- Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes: Continuity: Contested interpretations of history. Changes: Increased public discourse, legal frameworks, institutional roles.
- Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact: National Identity & Social Cohesion (interpretations can be divisive), Legal and Ethical Frameworks.
- Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples: National Museum Revamp, "Kartavya Path" project.
Conclusion & Significance
The current affairs linkage for medieval art, architecture, and culture underscores its enduring legacy and contemporary relevance. Efforts in conservation, GI tagging, repatriation, and promotion of classical arts highlight a commitment to preserving this heritage. However, challenges remain in resource allocation, balancing development with preservation, and navigating complex historical narratives.
A multi-pronged approach involving government agencies, private sector, civil society, and local communities, guided by robust legal frameworks and informed public discourse, is essential for safeguarding India's rich medieval heritage for future generations. This heritage is not just a relic of the past but a source of identity, knowledge, economic opportunity, and soft power in the present.
G20 India Presidency's cultural track is a significant overarching current affairs linkage for 2023, showcasing India's heritage globally.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims MCQs:
1. (UPSC CSE 2019) Consider the following pairs:
- Puthukkuli shawls : Tamil Nadu
- Sujni embroidery : Maharashtra
- Uppada Jamdani sarees : Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1 only
Hint/Explanation: This tests knowledge of traditional crafts and their regions, relevant to GI tags. Sujni embroidery is from Bihar. Uppada Jamdani is from Andhra Pradesh. Puthukkuli shawls are associated with the Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu.
2. (UPSC CSE 2018) With reference to India’s diversity, what is the difference between Kutiyattam and Garba? (Statement format, paraphrased for brevity)
- Kutiyattam is a Sanskrit theatre tradition from Kerala on UNESCO’s ICH list, while Garba is a folk dance from Gujarat.
- Kutiyattam performances are exclusively done by male artists.
Select the correct answer.
Answer: Statement 1 is correct. (Garba was added to ICH list in 2023, question pre-dates it but the core distinction is valid). Kutiyattam is not exclusively male.
Hint/Explanation: Tests knowledge of classical/folk art forms and UNESCO recognition.
3. (UPSC CSE 2014) The ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ scheme was launched by:
- (a) Ministry of Culture
- (b) Ministry of Tourism
- (c) Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism jointly with ASI
- (d) NITI Aayog
Answer: (c) Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism jointly with ASI (Effectively, Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and ASI)
Hint/Explanation: Tests knowledge of government schemes related to heritage.
Mains Questions:
1. (UPSC CSE 2020) Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (15 marks)
Direction/Value Points: Explain how religious philosophies (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic Sufism) influenced temple architecture, stupas, viharas, mosques, dargahs. Iconography, symbolism in sculptures and paintings derived from texts and traditions. Vastu Shastra, Shilpa Shastras. Concept of cyclical time, divine narratives. Syncretic traditions in medieval art. This question asks for static knowledge but current affairs on interpretation of monuments could be subtly linked in conclusion.
2. (UPSC CSE 2018) Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (10 marks)
Direction/Value Points: Why safeguard: Intrinsic value, identity, tourism, soft power, education. Threats (link to current issues): Neglect, vandalism, pollution, illicit trafficking, encroachment, lack of funding, debates over interpretation. Measures taken: ASI role, legal acts (AMASR, Antiquities Act), UNESCO listing, GI tags, repatriation efforts, schemes like Adopt a Heritage. Way Forward: Community participation, technological aids, awareness, stronger enforcement. This question directly lends itself to current affairs integration.
3. (UPSC CSE 2022) Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (10 marks)
Direction/Value Points: While focused on symbolism, examples would span ancient to medieval. Lion: Power, royalty, dharma (Ashokan pillar), Durga's vahana, Narasimha avatar, Singh rashi, in temple sculptures. Bull: Nandi (Shiva's vahana), agriculture, strength, Indus Valley seals, in temple motifs, Vrishabha rashi. Could mention conservation of sites where these are prominent as a passing contemporary link.
Trend Analysis (Past 10 Years)
- Prelims: Increasing questions on GI tags, traditional crafts, textiles; common on UNESCO World Heritage Sites/ICH; factual questions on art forms; government schemes.
- Mains: Shift towards analytical questions linking heritage with contemporary issues (governance, conservation, soft power, identity). Questions on role of institutions, challenges in preservation. Expectation to integrate current developments.
- Overall: Linkage between static Art & Culture and Current Affairs is becoming more pronounced. UPSC expects awareness of historical aspects AND present-day relevance, challenges, and government's role.
Original MCQs for Prelims
1. Consider the following statements regarding recent developments in Indian heritage:
- The 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas' and 'Santiniketan' were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
- The AMASR (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to further strengthen the prohibited zones around centrally protected monuments by increasing their radius.
- Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was recently inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (Inscribed 2023). Statement 2 is incorrect: The proposed AMASR amendment bill contains provisions that could potentially redefine or allow certain public works in prohibited/regulated areas, which has raised concerns about dilution, not necessarily strengthening by increasing radius for all. Statement 3 is correct (Inscribed December 2023).
2. Which of the following initiatives/bodies is primarily responsible for the repatriation of illicitly trafficked Indian antiquities from abroad?
- (a) National Monuments Authority
- (b) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
- (c) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- (d) Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Answer: (c) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Explanation: The ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the nodal agency in India for matters related to the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, and for pursuing the restitution of Indian antiquities.
Original Descriptive Questions for Mains
1. "The recognition of traditional Indian crafts and cultural expressions through Geographical Indications (GI) tags and UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list is not merely symbolic, but a vital tool for their preservation and sustainable promotion." Critically analyze this statement in the context of medieval-origin heritage. (15 marks, 250 words)
Key Points/Structure: Introduction (GI tags, UNESCO ICH, relevance to medieval heritage). Arguments for "Vital Tool" (Preservation, Economic Empowerment, Cultural Identity, Sustainable Promotion). Critical Analysis (Challenges/Limitations - Ensuring benefits to artisans, quality control, tokenism vs. concrete support, funding). Examples (GI-tagged crafts, ICH elements with medieval roots). Conclusion (potent tools if used strategically).
2. Discuss the challenges and strategies involved in balancing heritage conservation with modern developmental needs in India, particularly concerning monuments and sites from the medieval period. Refer to recent policy debates or initiatives. (10 marks, 150 words)
Key Points/Structure: Introduction (tension between preservation and development). Challenges (Encroachment, infrastructure, resources, public awareness, pressure to amend legislation). Strategies & Initiatives (AMASR Act, Heritage Impact Assessments, schemes like Adopt a Heritage, technology, community involvement). Recent Policy Debates (AMASR (Amendment) Bill, 2023). Conclusion (sensitive, participatory, legally sound approach needed).