cultural heritage

LAKKUNDI AS ACENTRE OF REIGIOUS PLURALISM & TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE IN MEDIEVA DECCAN

Lakkundi in Karnataka is an important medieval heritage town known for its rich cultural, religious, and architectural legacy. Flourishing under the Western Chalukyas and Hoysalas, it became famous as the “village of a hundred temples and wells.” The site reflects religious pluralism, with strong associations with Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism, and the Virashaiva Bhakti movement.

Its beautifully carved temples and stepwells, built in the distinctive Kalyana Chalukya style, highlight both artistic excellence and sacred utility. Recent archaeological excavations, including evidence of much earlier habitation, have strengthened efforts to include Lakkundi in UNESCO’s World Heritage tentative list, underscoring its enduring historical significance.

ZEHANPORA & THE EVOLUTION OF BUDDHISM IN KASHMIR

The Zehanpora archaeological site in North Kashmir is a major Kushan-period Buddhist complex that provides crucial evidence of Kashmir’s role as a centre of Buddhist architecture, learning, and Mahayana thought, as well as its position on ancient trade and cultural exchange routes connecting India with Central Asia.

NCERT CONNECTS ANCIENT INDIAN INNOVATIONS TO MODERN EDUCATION

NCERT is revising textbooks under NEP 2020 to integrate historical contributions to science and mathematics, along with Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), to promote national pride. Successful implementation requires careful planning, strong supporting evidence, and thorough teacher training to maintain academic standards and prevent bias.

LUCKNOW: UNESCO’S NEW CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY

Lucknow has been designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan, honoring its rich Awadhi cuisine and cultural heritage. This recognition promotes sustainable tourism, preserves traditional recipes, supports local chefs, and enhances India’s global cultural presence through its culinary legacy.

Sustainable Tourism: Meaning, Challenges and Way Forward

Sustainable tourism strategy aims to address economic, social, and environmental impacts, focusing on environmental, socio-cultural, and economic sustainability. The government has implemented initiatives like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, to promote responsible tourism practices and reducing local resource pressure.

MERA GAON MERI DHAROHAR (MGMD) INITIATIVE: EXPLAINED

The Indian government has documented the cultural heritage of over 4.7 lakh villages under the 'Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar' initiative, aiming to create a comprehensive map of these villages, promoting cultural tourism and rural economies.