Current Affairs - Art and Culture

The Banaras Shehnai, a traditional wind instrument known for its ceremonial and spiritual importance, was recently awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, formally recognizing its roots in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Revered through the legacy of Ustad Bismillah Khan, who made the instrument internationally famous, the shehnai is crafted with deep cultural and philosophical significance. Artisans from Varanasi, using Sheesham and Sagwan wood along with reeds from Bihar, create each piece with intricate care and precision. The GI tag honours the historical craftsmanship, protects the authenticity of the instrument, and ensures that its geographical and cultural identity is preserved for future generations.

Meghalaya achieved a major cultural and economic milestone in April 2025 when its traditional Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom products were granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. This recognition safeguards the unique identity of these handwoven crafts, enhances their market appeal, and offers legal protection against imitation. The Ryndia silk is hand-spun, naturally dyed, and organically produced, originating from the Umden-Diwon region—Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk Village. The Khasi handloom, known for its intricate weaves and use of natural dyes, reflects the heritage of the Khasi community. The GI tag brings pride, prosperity, and global visibility to local artisans.

On April 8, 2025, the Maharashtra government officially announced the renaming of Khultabad to its original name, Ratnapur. This renaming is part of a broader initiative by the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to reclaim and restore pre-Mughal historical and cultural identities of towns across the state. Khultabad, located in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, holds deep spiritual and historical significance, including being the burial site of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The move is presented as a cultural restoration, not just a political act, and aligns with recent similar renamings like Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv.

Haryana has taken a significant step in preserving India's ancient heritage by declaring the Harappan-era sites of Mitathal and Tighrana in the Bhiwani district as protected archaeological monuments. These sites, which date back over 4,400 years, provide critical insights into the Harappan and post-Harappan periods, particularly in areas like early urban planning, agriculture, and craft industries. The state government, through the Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department, issued a legal notification to ensure their preservation under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, of 1964. This move will prevent encroachment and promote better conservation of these historically rich sites.

The Kumbakonam betel leaf, grown in the fertile Cauvery river basin of Thanjavur, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag by the Government of India. This recognition highlights the unique taste and aroma of the betel leaf cultivated in regions like Kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru, and Papanasam. The GI Tag helps protect the product from commercial misuse, ensures authenticity, and boosts the economic prospects of local farmers. The GI status, published in the Government Gazette on November 30, 2024, strengthens the cultural and commercial significance of Kumbakonam’s betel leaf.