Category: Art & Culture

West Bengal has recently received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven traditional products. This recognition includes popular items like ‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’ and Baruipur guavas. About Geographical Indication (GI) Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin. It signifies quality and reputation linked to that location. GI tags…

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a revered Bo tree located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide. Believed to be over 2,300 years old, it is the oldest living human-planted tree with a recorded planting date. This sacred tree is a descendant of the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, under…

Kannadippaya, a traditional handicraft from Kerala, has recently been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition ensures market protection and elevates the craft to a global platform. The GI tag was granted to two artisan groups in Idukki district, marking kannadippaya as the first tribal handicraft from Kerala to receive this honour. What is…

The recent discovery of an inscription related to Rajaraja Chola I atop the Somagiri hills in Melavalavu, Madurai, has captivated historians. This inscription, believed to date back to around 1000 CE, marks Rajaraja Chola’s influence in the Pandya region. It mentions a military commander, Viranarana Pallavarayan, and details the construction of a temple by Malaiyappa…

The Kumbakonam betel leaf and Thovalai flower garland from Tamil Nadu received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This recognition ensures the protection of these products from misuse and promotes their unique qualities. With this addition, Tamil Nadu now boasts 62 GI products. About Geographical Indication (GI) Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have…

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is a key festival in Assam. Celebrated in mid-April, it marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of the agricultural season. Historical Context Rongali Bihu has deep roots in Assamese culture. It signifies the arrival of spring and the beginning of the harvesting season. The festival has…

The recent unveiling of a set of copper plates from the reign of Devaraya I marks archaeological discovery. These plates, linked to the Vijayanagara Empire, provide vital information about the era’s history and governance. The plates were issued during Devaraya I’s coronation in 1406 CE and are inscribed in Sanskrit, Kannada, and Nāgarī characters. They…

The Sarhul festival marks cultural event for Adivasis in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region. Celebrated in spring, it venerates the Sal tree, which is central to Adivasi tradition. This festival represents a deep connection to nature and the cycle of life. It marks the Adivasi community’s agricultural practices and their spiritual beliefs. Significance of the…

The Maharashtra government has taken step towards honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On March 21, 2025, an expert committee was formed under the Minister of Tourism to oversee the construction of a grand memorial in Agra. This site is historically as it was where Shivaji was held under house arrest by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The government…

The tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, is currently under scrutiny. Recent protests have sparked violent clashes in Nagpur. The protests demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, which has been a symbol of historical grievances. In response, the Archaeological Survey of India has installed tin sheets around the tomb to protect it from…