Current Affairs - Art and Culture

The Saudagari block print, a traditional textile art form, has been officially granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This craft is practised by artisans in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, and has been preserved for nearly 300 years. The art involves intricate hand-carved wooden block prints on fabric using natural dyes, with designs deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural heritage. The recognition highlights Ahmedabad’s rich tradition in textile arts, with families like the Banglawalas playing key roles in keeping this craft alive and relevant in contemporary fashion.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released a report titled "Antiquity of Iron: Recent radiometric dates from Tamil Nadu," which highlighted that the Iron Age began on Tamil soil, around 5,300 years ago (4th millennium BCE). This assertion challenges earlier beliefs about the timeline of iron usage in India and emphasizes Tamil Nadu's significant role in early technological advancements, particularly in metallurgy. The report suggests that the region may have skipped the Copper/Bronze Age, directly transitioning into the Iron Age due to scarce copper resources.

The statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar was unveiled in the Philippines, specifically at the Gullas College of Medicine (GCM) in Cebu. The Indian Ambassador, Harsh Kumar Jain, participated in the unveiling ceremony. The event was organized by the Gullas College of Medicine under the leadership of Dr. David Pillai, the Chief Executive Adviser of GCM, who had commissioned the statue. This event highlights the cross-cultural appreciation and recognition of Thiruvalluvar's contributions.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with MyGov, has launched the 'Culinary, Crafts & Clicks – Moods & Magic' festival to celebrate India's cultural heritage. The event, held at locations like Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan, brings together artisans, photographers, and food enthusiasts. A key attraction is the ‘Moods & Magic’ photography contest, encouraging participants to capture vibrant public spaces. Winners of the contest will receive cash prizes, and selected photos will be showcased on official platforms, highlighting the dynamic interaction between people and urban environments.

Hyderabad’s Musi River heritage sites, including landmarks like the Telangana High Court, State Central Library, Osmania General Hospital, and British Residency, were added to the World Monuments Watch. This recognition highlights the need for preservation amid challenges like urbanization and pollution. The Musi River, a tributary of the Krishna River, originates in the Ananthagiri Hills and plays a significant role in the region's history and culture by supporting vital reservoirs and historic structures.