art and culture

Poompuhar Port: Ancient Sangam-Era Maritime Heritage Unearthed Through Underwater Archaeological Survey

The ancient Poompuhar Port, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, has once again come into the limelight as the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) successfully completed the first phase of an underwater archaeological survey off its coast in Mayiladuthurai district....

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India List From 1985 to 2025

Context: India has also officially nominated Sarnath for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List (2025–26 cycle). Historical Significance of Saranth Buddhist Heritage: Located near Varanasi, it is the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartana) in...

Moran Community of Assam, History, Language and Culture

Context: Organisations representing the Moran community in Assam have intensified their push for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe. About Moran Community Distribution: Indigenous tribes of Assam are mainly found in Upper Assam — Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar. History: led the...

Ho Tribe: History, Culture, Language and Traditions of an Adivasi Community

Context: Recently, members of the Ho tribe in Jharkhand staged a protest to protect their traditional Manki-Munda system. About Ho Tribe Ho Tribe is mainly found in Jharkhand’s Kolhan region (West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan districts). The Ho are an...

Gyan Bharatam Mission for Manuscripts, Objectives and Significance

Context: The Ministry of Culture will launch ‘Gyan Bharatam’ at the first-ever Gyan Bharatam International Conference on ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage’. The Union Budget 2025-26 announced a special mission for the survey, documentation and conservation of India’s...

Apatani Tribe: Location and Distinctive Identity

Context: The Apatani women’s tattoos and nose plugs—once symbols of identity and protection—are now fading. About the Apatani Tribe Location: Indigenous tribe living in the Ziro Valley, Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. Distinctive Identity: Women traditionally wore facial tattoos and...

National Maritime Heritage Complex Development in Lothal

Context: The Chief of the Naval Staff visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. About National Maritime Heritage Complex Purpose: The project aims to showcase India's 4,500-year-old maritime heritage and will become the world's greatest maritime complex...

Vrindavani Vastra to return from British Museum for 2027 Exhibition

Context: The British Museum has agreed to transfer the 16th-century Vrindavani Vastra to Assam in 2027 for an 18-month public exhibition. Vrindavani Vastra Vrindavani Vastra is a 16th-century textile created under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva, a saint-reformer from Assam, at...

Dhirio Bullfighting of Goa

Context: Goa MLAs have demanded the legalisation of dhirio. About Dhirio-Bullfighting Bullfighting, locally known as dhirio or dhiri, is considered an integral part of Goa’s cultural heritage. Traditionally associated with post-harvest celebrations and local church feasts. Traditional Venues Held in...

Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha Return Home to India

News? Jewels forming a portion of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, which had recently come up for auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, were repatriated to India. Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha The Piprahwa Relics are a group of...