Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The Forest Department and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam imposed restrictions at Ahobilam shrine in Nallamala forest due to intense heat endangering wild animals. Ahobilam, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, houses nine Narasimha shrines in a 5km radius. Recently, the ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ became a state festival. To protect wildlife, plastic use is banned. Additionally, a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan exists due to security reasons and logistical challenges in daily worship.

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The Department of Archaeology and Museums discovered a coin hoard at Phanigiri site in Suryapet district, Telangana, from the Ikshvaku period. Phanigiri, meaning “hillock of snake hood,” is a Buddhist site approximately 110 km from Hyderabad. Excavations revealed a Mahastupa, Chaitya Grihas, viharas, and a life-size Stucco of Bodhisattva. Brahmi label inscriptions from Satavahana and Ikshvaku times (~2nd – 3rd Century A.D.) were also found, along with a thorana’s panel indicating co-existence of Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

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Gangaur, a significant festival in Rajasthan, honors the union of Lord Shiva (Gan) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri), symbolizing marital bliss. Celebrated in Chaitra (March-April), it signifies the onset of spring. Women worship clay idols of Gan and Gauri, seeking blessings for marital happiness or their husbands’ well-being. Unmarried girls pray for suitable spouses, while married women wish for their husbands’ health and longevity.

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History buffs aim to preserve the laterite-brick ruins of Fort Emmanuel, constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 at Fort Kochi Beach, Kerala. Originally a symbol of alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and Portugal, it housed the town within its walls. Dutch forces took over in 1683, followed by British control in 1795. By 1947, it lay in ruins, signifying its historical importance amidst foreign occupation.

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The 34th Seng Khihlang festival concluded in Wahiajer, Meghalaya. Hosted by the Seng Khasi Sein Raij, it unifies followers of the Khasi Indigenous Faith. A highlight is the exchange of the Monolith, symbolizing unity. This year, Wahiajer received it from Seng Khasi Shaid Shaid. Khasi people, indigenous to Meghalaya and parts of Assam and Bangladesh, celebrate their culture and faith during Seng Khihlang, showcasing their vibrant community.

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Renowned Yakshagana ‘bhagavatha’, Subrahmanya Dhareshwara, known for his captivating voice, passed away in Bengaluru. Trained under the legendary Narnappa Uppura, he began his professional career in Yakshagana at 21. His father’s influence, an amateur artiste, nurtured his early interest in the art form. Dhareshwara served as a ‘bhagavatha’ for four decades, retiring from Perdoor Yakshagana mela. Even after retirement, he continued performing in various Yakshagana shows until his recent demise.

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The Koothandavar festival in Koovagam, Tamil Nadu, unfolds a narrative of marriage and widowhood within a day during the Tamil month of Chithirai. Lasting 18 days, it honors Lord Aravan’s sacrifice from the Tamil Mahabharata. Transgender individuals marry Aravan on the 17th day, symbolizing devotion. On the final day, Aravan is ritually sacrificed, and his widowed spouses mourn, echoing Lord Krishna’s lament for Aravan’s plight. This unique celebration draws global attention to transgender identity.

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The week-long annual Gangamma Jatara folk festival, celebrated in the first half of May, is a significant event in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Honoring Goddess Gangamma, believed to be Lord Venkateswara’s younger sister, the festival attracts devotees to the Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple. Unique traditions include the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sending a symbolic birthday gift, “Parisu,” from Lord Venkateswara to Goddess Gangamma.

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A portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka, specifically the ‘saalu mantap’ pavilion, collapsed due to torrential rains. Dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom. It showcases Dravida temple architecture with grand gopuras, Vimana, intricate carvings, and pillared halls.

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A recently discovered sarcophagus fragment beneath a religious center’s floor is identified as belonging to Ramesses II, a prominent ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Sarcophagi, highly decorated coffins, date back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Typically made of stone, they vary in design and are adorned with carvings and inscriptions. Sarcophagi offer valuable insights into ancient societies’ art, culture, and beliefs, making them significant artifacts for archaeologists and historians.