Art and culture

KATHAK

Why in News

“Kathak dancers create Guinness record.”

 One of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance.

 Kathak can be danced in many taals. 

 Kathak evolved during the Bhakti movement, by incorporating the childhood and stories of the 

Hindu god Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of north Indian kingdoms.

 During the period of Mughal rule, the emperors were patrons of Kathak dance and actively promoted 

it in their royal courts.

 Kathak performances include Urdu ghazal and commonly used instruments brought during the 

Mughal period.

 Kathak is found in four distinct forms, called “gharana”, named after the cities where the Kathak

dance tradition evolved – Jaipur, Benares and Lucknow.

 The focus is more on footwork; the movements are skillfully controlled and performed straight

legged by dancers wearing ankle-bells.

 Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the North Indian music.

 Some prominent dancers include Birju Maharaj, Sitara Dev 

PLACES OF WORSHIP ACT

 Law that was made to keep the peace between diff erent religious groups by saying that the religious 

character of places of worship should stay as it was in 1947, just before India became inThis is NOT applicable to ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and remains 

covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

 NOT applicable to Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya

 The law also says that If there are any court cases about changing a religious place’s identity from 

before India got independence on August 15, 1947, those cases will be stopped. Also, no one can 

start new cases. 

JAGANNATH TEMPLE

Why in News

“The Union Govt. has approved a new 32 Km railway line connecting the temple towns of Puri and 

Konark”

 Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, in Puri in the state of Odisha on the eastern coast 

of India.

 It was constructed by a famous king of Ganga Dynasty Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva dating 

back to 12th century 

 The Puri temple is famous for its Annual Ratha yatra, or chariot festival.

 Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, with the Pancharatha (Five chariots) type consisting of two 

anurathas, two konakas and one ratha.

 Jagannath temple is a pancharatha with well-developed pagas.

KONARK SUN TEMPLE

 On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun , It is Culmination of 

Kalingan temple architecture.

 Built by King Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1244.

 It was given the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO.

 The temple, built from Khondalite rocks, is also known as’BLACK PAGODA’ due to its dark colour.

 It is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with 

symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. 

 The temple has vimana (principal sanctuary) and was surmounted by a high tower with a shikhara 

(crowning cap). It has, to the east, the jahamogana (audience hall), farther to the east, the natmandir 

(dance hall).

RANI CHENAMMA

Why in News

“200 years of Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against after British East Indis company”

 In 1824, Rani Chennamma of Kittur led a revolt against the British for not recognizing her adopted

heir under the ‘doctrine of lapse’.

 Remembered for her bravery and leadership in resisting colonial forces

 Marking 200 years since Rani Chennamma’s revolt, social groups have launched a campaign in

her honor, aiming to inspire women to fi ght against patriarchal, undemocratic, and caste-based

oppression, using her legacy as a beacon of resistance and empowermen