painting : oldest art of india (gs- i art and culture
TRANSCRIPT
Date - 18 September 2021
Painting : Oldest Art of India (GS- I Artand culture )
(In courtesy of the birth anniversary of M. FHussain )
Context
● The history of painting in India goes back to the paleolithic period.From Bhimvetka , we have the oldest evidences of Indian painting
● M.F Hussain, a legendary Indian artist who got internationalrecognition in the area of painting borned 17 Sept 1915. On theoccasion of his birth anniversary his contribution to Indian art is beingremembered .
● He was awarded with several awards like Padm Vibhusan, padmBhusan, Padm Shri
● National Film Fare award . His artworks include Mother Terresa,Horses, mother India , Lady with Vina, untitled lovers etc
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Characteristics of M. F Hussain’s Painting
● A series on Indian Civilization by Hussain was marked by paintingthe Hindu deity Ganesha. Known as the remover of obstacles.Ganesha is a patron of the arts and letters, worshipped at thebeginning of any endeavour.
● Elephant figure was another famous figure in which He has paintedas a four-armed man with an elephant head, this is tried to show withthe ancient terracotta goddess figure. .
● In his painting Hussain showed the three legendary dynasties ofancient India – Mauryan dynasty , later mauryan dyynasties as theinvador and third was Muslim dysnaties for the modern period hepainted British ruling class also In his painting , Hussain payedatribute to legendary Ravindra nath tagore . ravindra nath tagore hadalso been popular in the field of painting and literature. ‘ . there forethis type of painting is called poems in stone Hussain paintingnarrates the contemporary situation also . he painted pictures ofworking women , loving women and showing the situation of deprivedwoman. In his painting various dimensions of cotemporary society arealso been reflected
● In this picture , the painting is interpreting the situation of three bigcities like Delhi, Varanasi and Mumbai. These three cities had beenpopular in India as the centres of politics, spiritualism and theeconomy
● He was an expert of Indian dance . His painting also narrates theIndian dance pattern . Husain painted the regional diversity of Indiandance forms, an integral part of high culture and festival ritual.Hussain also loves Indian cinema. He was great lover of MadhuriDixit and he liked the dance of Madhuri Dixit. In his painting , his lovetoward dance is also reflected History of Indian Painting
It goes back up to the Paleolithic period. Indian Painting has diversifiedcharacteristics , mainly regional characteristics. .
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● In fact , the Indian artist’s nature has also been romantic , so theyalways tried to create beauty through his work. This effort can beseen everywhere in Indian art TDuring the Gupta period , paintingflourished in the entire India . Gupta period , the painting of God/goddess as well as ordinary man, women could also be seen
● Many painting of Gupta period show the Erotic art of ancient india● Style of Indian paintings varies from region to region. It has gone
through many changes since prehistoric times. India’s tradition,cultural sentiments and religious beliefs influence different styles ofIndian art and paintings.
● Thre are various forms of Indian painting. This classification is basedeither on the name of the region or on the name of the ruler . Forexample Miniature painting Puri painting, Mali paintingT Warlipainting,, Kalighat painting, Maithili painting, Mughal painting, Tanjorepainting, Jadupatua painting,, Mysore painting, Phad painting, Muralpainting, Pahari painting.
● Indian painting is popular worldwide. Indians always use To decoratetheir houses at the time of various festivals .
● Indian art and painting is not only recognised in India but also atworld level.
By Dr Anshul Bajpai
Swarn SinghPlut
us IA
S
Picking up the threads from theAfghan rubble ( GS-II, International
Relations)
BACKGROUND : All this was started when, in 2001, the US was respondingto the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington, where nearly 3,000 peoplewere killed. Later on, Officials identified Islamist militant group al-Qaeda, andits leader Osama was found responsible. Laden was in Afghanistan, under theprotection of the Taliban, who were in power since 1996. When the Talibanrefused to hand him over Osama, the US intervened using its military,pledging to quickly remove the Taliban. Moreover it vowed to supportdemocracy plus eliminating the terrorist threat and the rest is history.
Context- After the coming back of Taliban and taking the control ofAfghanistan ,currently of all the countries involved in Afghanistan, Indiapossibly has the best credentials to enable Kabul’s neutrality.
Result of taking over by Taliban-
Several thousands were displaced and forced to flee the country. Theoverweening threat remained including the presence of many new terroristoutfits, like Daesh, ISIS-K, al Qaeda, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), ETIM-K (a militant group from China’s Xinjiang), andthe Fidayeen mahas among others, all of them are the enduring legacies of 20years of foreign occupation there.
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The Taliban have recently announced the setting up of an interim government,headed by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as the acting Prime Minister.Presently the Government is a Taliban construct, and Pashtun in character.Pakistan holds some important key cards given the prominent role assigned toits protégés, like Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mohammad Yaqoob, the son ofMullah Omar.
India’s engagement-
India’s efforts regarding the economic development of Afghanistan have beenrendered as infructuous, additionally, its reputation has suffered lastingdamage. More serious is the issue that India’s relations with the newleadership of Taliban remain strained due to its association with the NorthernAlliance, and later with the Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani administrations.
U.S.A.’s another error-
The decision of the Donald Trump Administration to have talks with theTaliban — and not the government headed by Mr. Ghani — to withdrawal U.S.troops which not only legitimised the Taliban and acknowledged theirimportant role in Afghanistan affairs, the U.S. has committed one error afteranother.
Role of Pakistan and Qatar-
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The Safe havens of the Taliban for the last 2 decades have been in Pakistanand these were well known to the ISI, who nurtured it. Even the U.S. knewthat the Taliban’s Shura Council, located in Quetta (Balochistan).
In a bid to outflank Saudi Arabia (and emerge as the new fulcrum of WestAsian politics), Qatar is known to play both sides. While being perceived as aU.S. ally,it is offering a shoulder for the Taliban to lean on.
Different Global players w.r.t. Afghanistan-
● Russia, is recently seeking to enlarge its influence in Eurasia.● China, looks at Afghanistan as a prize both from a geo-economic and
geo-political standpoint.● The U.A.E. and Qatar have already shown their hand.● Saudi Arabia is curious to involve, to prevent Iran from extending its
influence into Afghanistan.● Iran is anxious to secure a hold in Afghanistan to ensure its own
security.● Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, have a troubled relationship with
Afghanistan, are not unwilling to maintain peace with a Taliban ledAfghanistan.
The path for New Delhi-
India’s concerns regarding Afghanistan- regarding Geo-political positioning,as to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a crucible for pro-terror forces thatcould impact India’s security. India can take a mediating role among thedifferent nations anxious to involve themselves in Afghanistan, and help
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maintain Afghanistan’s neutrality making it a buffer zone to prevent furtherChinese expansionism towards South Asia.
BY RAJEEV YADAV
Faculty of HISTORY(Optional) and G.S.
Swarn Singh
Arc de Triomphe : Its ArtisticSignificance (Paper I : Art and
Culture)
Context
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is another important monument of Paris afterthe Eiffel Tower . France. It was constructed in 1806, 15th Aug on theoccasion of Napoleon’s 37th birthday and its foundation was completed whenhe married in 1810. After his death this work was interrupted but finally it
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finished by 1831. This was legendary work and it was gifted to Napoleon onhis birthday.
Features
● This was influenced with the Arch of Titus in Rome, Italy,● The dimension of the Arc de Triomphe has is overall height of 50
metres (164 ft), width of 45 m (148 ft) and depth of 22 m (72 ft),● The most significant feature of the Arc de Triomphe is that this tomb
is dedicated to the Unknown Soldier.● These soldiers were killed in various wars and were buried in France
. Many soldiers who gave their life for the nation , even They couldnot be recognised forever.
● This monument is paying tribute to them.● Since its inauguration on Armistice Day in 1920, it has come to
represent all soldiers who were killed during various wars but couldnot be recognised . This monument generally pays tribute to theirsoldiers.
● Some of the greatest French artists of the 19th century who hadplayed an important role in the nation’s history crafted a series ofsculptures on The Arc de Triomphe by. Each of the designsrepresents a significant theme in the nation’s history.
● The most famous is a cluster of statues by Francois Rude entitledDeparture of the Volunteers of 1792, which depicts a group ofvolunteers from Marseilles fighting for the National Guard during theFrench Revolution.
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Four Pillar Showcase : Four SeparateSculpture Groups
● A great architect, François Rude made its design . He was the greatfan of Napoleon. He had faith in democratic ideology. He had been asupporter of the Jacobin club . This sculpture dedicated to theFrench First Republic during the uprising that took place on the 10thof August of 1795
● The Next One is Le Triomphe de 1810 and Jean-Pierre Cortotdesigned it . He was also a core supporter of Napoleon . Thiscommemorates the Treaty of Schönbrunn and features Napoleonbeing crowned in victory.
● The third pillar is the symbol of the Résistance de 1814Antoine Étexdesigned it . It commemorates French resistance during the War ofthe Sixth Coalition.
● Fourth pillar represents the Paix de 1815, Antoine Étex designed it .This one narrates the Treaty of Paris. Antoine Étex believed indemocracy . Initially he liked Napoleon but later he had becomeangry to Napoleon
Christo, whose full name was Christo Javacheff, was a great architect ofFrance . His work regarding architecture provided recognition not only inFrance during that time but also in Entire Europe and even in Entire world . Hewrapped up a stretch of coastline in Australia and the Reichstag parliamentbuilding in Berlin, and strung up a huge curtain in part of a canyon inColorado. He worked closely with Jeanne-Claude on the projects.
The pair covered Paris’s Ponf Neuf bridge in yellow cloth in 1985.Tourists willstill be able to visit the Arc de Triomphe and its panoramic terrace, which loom
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over one end of the Champs-Elysees. For a few days during the work,however, it has been closed.
(By Dr Anshul Bajpai )
Swarn Singh
CONNECTING INDIA AND ASEAN(GS-2 Bilateral Groupings;
International organisation; Groupings& Agreements Involving India and/or
Affecting India’s Interests)
CONTEXT:- Virtual ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summiton the Future of India-ASEAN Connectivity Partnerships, the Indiangovernment underlined the importance of trans-border connectivity betweenIndia and ASEAN nations.
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ABOUT ASEAN:- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is aregional organization which was established to promote political and socialstability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states.The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
ASEAN was established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration(Bangkok Declaration) by its founding fathers.
Following are the members of ASEAN
1. Thailand (founding member)2. The Philippines (founding member)
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3. Malaysia (founding member)4. Singapore (founding member)5. Indonesia (founding member)6. Brunei (joined in 1984)7. Vietnam (joined in 1995)8. Lao PDR (joined in 1997)9. Myanmar (joined in 1997)10. Cambodia (joined in 1999
Connectivity between India and ASEAN
India currently is working with ASEAN on multiple connectivity projects,through land, water, and air. It will gradually change the geopolitical landscapeof the region. In order to assist such development, India is aggressivelydeveloping necessary infrastructure in the north-east eg BCIM project(Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Corridor). It will help India’s northeasternstates to develop their economic potential and integrate with mainland India.
India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is central to India’s growingengagement with her eastern neighbours and will further enable small andmedium-sized enterprises in the border areas to explore new businessopportunities. India contributes actively to ASEAN-led forums such as theEast Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus, and ASEANRegional Forum. ASEAN-India and East Asia summits symbolised India’s“continued commitment” to strengthen its engagement with ASEAN members.
TRANS-BORDER CONNECTIVITYPROJECTS
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India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: It is one of the flagshipprojects for land connectivity between India and ASEAN. Connecting the threecountries from Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) to Bagan (Myanmar), wasfirst proposed in 2002. Moreover a Motor vehicle agreement between thesethree countries is in its final stage. Once signed it will be the first-ever crossborder facilitation agreement between South and Southeast Asia.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP): It is a projectthat focuses on maritime connectivity between India and ASEAN. It wasinitiated by the government of India in 2008 and entirely funded by India.Toseek a shorter alternative route through Myanmar for the transportation ofgoods to the northeast region of India. It connects Kolkata (India) to Sittweand Paletwa (Myanmar) by sea and river respectively.
Mekong-India Economic Corridor (MIEC): It involves the integration of fourMekong countries – Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia along withIndia, connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Dawei, Bangkok, and Phnom Penh withChennai.The corridor will provide opportunities for the participant countries todevelop infrastructure, enhance their economic base with the region, andespecially reduce the transit distance between India and ASEAN countries.
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Way forward:-
India’s geostrategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region depend on India’sbilateral and multilateral engagements with the countries in the region.Maintaining cordiality with ASEAN as an organisation and with the individualSoutheast Asian countries remains crucial for India.
By
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