Current Affairs - Art and Culture

Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka, located in Gujarat, are rich in cultural, religious, and archaeological significance. Dwarka is revered as the kingdom of Lord Krishna and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is believed that Krishna established the city by reclaiming land from the sea, making it Gujarat's first capital. The region is home to historic structures like the Dwarkadhish Temple and Sharada Peeth. Beyt Dwarka, situated off the coast, has archaeological layers dating back to the Harappan and Mauryan periods. The ASI's underwater study aims to uncover ancient maritime heritage at these significant coastal sites in Gujarat.

The two-day conclave, focused on Buddhism and its cultural influence in Northeast India, will take place in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, starting from April 21, 2025. Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Namsai, has a deep historical connection to Buddhism, especially Theravāda Buddhism, making it an ideal location for such an event. The conclave will showcase the region's Buddhist traditions, cultural impact, and global connections, and will feature discussions, cultural performances, and practices like Vipassana meditation. The event emphasizes the important role of Buddhism in shaping the region's art, culture, and values.

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.