Art and Culture
Q1 Briefly mention the legal protection available to Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) in India. Also, highlight the major changes envisaged under AMASR (Amendment) Bill. (10M)
Introduction
In India, Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) are protected under the 1958 AMASR Act. The country has 3,695 Centrally Protected Monuments or Sites under the ASI’s care. The Union Culture Ministry is currently working on amendments to the AMASR Act.
Body:
Legal protection available to Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) in India:
- The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: This is the primary legislation that governs the protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India.
- The Act empowers the Central Government to declare a site as a protected monument and regulate activities in and around it.
- It also provides for penalties for unauthorized excavation, construction, or other actions that may damage or deface the monument.
- Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972: This Act regulates the export, import, and transfer of antiquities and art treasures to prevent their illegal trafficking.
- It ensures that valuable artifacts and antiquities related to AMASR remain within the country and are accessible for study and public display.
- State Protection: In addition to the central laws, various states in India may have their own laws and regulations for the protection of AMASR within their territories.
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): is responsible for surveying, protecting, and conserving archaeological heritage in the country and plays a crucial role in identifying, maintaining, and promoting the preservation of AMASR.
Major changes envisaged under AMASR (Amendment) Bill:
- Construction in prohibited areas: the AMASR 1958 act, prohibited construction 100 meters around a protected monument or area.
- The Bill amends this provision to permit construction of public works in ‘prohibited areas’ for public purposes.
- Definition of ‘public works’: The Bill introduces a definition for ‘public works’, which includes the construction of any infrastructure that is financed and carried out by the central government for public purposes.
- Strengthening ASI: The Bill aims to strengthen the ASI’s powers by granting it the authority to take up conservation work on non-protected sites in consultation with the relevant authorities.
- National Monuments Authority: It intends to establish a National Monuments Authority to streamline decision-making and provide centralized oversight for conservation and preservation efforts.
- Impact assessment of proposed public works: The Bill empowers the National Monuments Authority to consider an impact assessment of the proposed public works in a prohibited area, including its (i) archaeological impact; (ii) visual impact; and (iii) heritage impact.
- Procedure for seeking permission for public works: As per the Bill, the relevant central government department, that seeks to carry out construction for public purposes in a prohibited area, should make an application to the competent authority.
- Heritage by-laws: Given the unique nature of each monument, the Act also proposed heritage by-laws for each monument to be prepared by an expert body.
Conclusion
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 has been successful in preventing the unauthorized excavation, removal, and alteration of AMASR, and it has helped to ensure that these important cultural resources are preserved for future generations.
Q2. Discuss the significance of the national emblem — the Lion Capital of Ashoka in Indian polity, art and architecture. (15M)
Introduction
The national emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital, originally found atop the Ashoka Column at Sarnath, established in 250 BC. The capital was adopted as the national emblem on January 26, 1950. It was chosen as a symbol of contemporary India’s reaffirmation of its ancient commitment to world peace and goodwill.
Body:
Significance of the national emblem — the Lion Capital of Ashoka in Indian polity, art and architecture:
Indian polity
- Symbol of Sovereignty and Authority: It appears at the top of Indian government documents, official letterheads, and various currency notes and coins.
- As the national emblem, it represents the sovereignty and authority of the Indian state and government.
- Representation of the Indian State: The four lions on the capital standing back-to-back, represents the national identity of India. It symbolizes the unified and diverse nature of the country, with the four lions denoting the four cardinal directions and the entire nation coming together under one emblem.
- Historical Heritage: As a symbol that traces back to the Mauryan period, the Lion Capital represents India’s ancient history and cultural heritage.
- It serves as a reminder of the country’s historical past and the grandeur of the Mauryan empire, which played a significant role in shaping Indian polity.
- National Pride: The Lion Capital evokes a sense of national pride among Indians, as it symbolizes the unity and strength of the nation. It instills a feeling of belonging and patriotism, reminding citizens of their shared identity and common purpose.
- Continuity and Stability: As an ancient symbol that has endured through centuries, the Lion Capital represents continuity and stability in Indian polity.
- It transcends political changes and reflects the enduring values and principles that guide the nation.
- Inspiration for Governance: It carries the message of justice, equity, and righteous rule, values that are integral to Indian polity and governance.
Art and architecture
- Art: The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a remarkable piece of ancient Indian art and a prime example of Mauryan sculpture. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with intricate details and exquisite carvings.
- Representation of Buddhist Art: The Lion Capital is a prime representation of Buddhist art during the Mauryan era. The presence of the four Dharma Chakras (wheels) below the abacus on the Lion Capital represents the teachings of Buddha, making it an important religious symbol.
- Inspiration for Artistic Expression: The artistic beauty of the Lion Capital has inspired various forms of art in India, such as paintings, sculptures, and engravings, all of which draw inspiration from its design.
- Influence on architecture: This architectural style can be seen in different historical sites across the country, demonstrating the significance of the Lion Capital in shaping architectural practices during that time.
- Contemporary relevance: The symbol of the Lion Capital can be seen in various historical and modern architectural structures across the country, representing a blend of historical and contemporary architectural influences.
Conclusion
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage, encompassing its political legacy, artistic excellence, and architectural ingenuity. It stands as a reminder of India’s historical past and continues to be an essential emblem representing the nation’s ethos and values.
Ethics
Syllabus: “Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in human actions”
Q3. How does lack of love and patience affect the ethical behaviour of individuals in their private sphere? Elucidate (10M)
Introduction:
In personal relationships, values such as love and Patience nurture empathy and understanding, fostering strong and harmonious bonds.
Body:
Lack of love and patience may lead to:
- Reduced Empathy and Compassion: towards others. When individuals are impatient or indifferent, they may overlook the feelings and needs of their loved ones, impacting ethical behavior.
- Weakened Trust and Respect: a parent’s constant impatience with their child’s mistakes may erode the child’s trust in their parent’s.
- Tendency towards Selfishness: Individuals lacking love and patience may become more self-centered and focused on their own needs and desires, disregarding the well-being of others.
- Increased Conflict and Hostility: Siblings constantly arguing and fighting due to impatience with each other’s differences. “Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” – Joyce Meyer
- Impact on Mental Health: Absence of love and patience can lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil in individuals, affecting their mental well-being.
- Ineffective Communication: Impatience can hinder effective communication. For instance, Friends unable to have open and patient conversations about their differing viewpoints may drift apart.
- Ethical Dilemmas in Decision-Making: When love and patience are lacking, individuals may struggle to make ethical decisions, as they may prioritize immediate gratification.
- On an average child in Delhi NCR start smoking bidi at 8 years of age said the Global Youth Tobacco Survey report (GYTS).
- Impact on Role Modeling: A child observing their parent’s impatience such as domestic violence may adopt similar behavior, affecting their ethical development.
As Dalai lama says “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
Conclusion:
Cultivating love and compassion values enables individuals to navigate challenges with empathy, kindness, and respect, enriching their personal relationships and fostering a more ethical society.
Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE
Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram Account HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn: HERE
