UGC NTA NET/JRF Exam, INDIAN CULTURE, AUGUST-2024

The word 'Urdu' originates from the Turkish word Ordu, which means "army" or "camp." It developed as a language during the medieval period when Persian, Turkish, and Arabic influences merged with the local languages of the Indian subcontinent, especially during the Mughal era. Over time, Urdu evolved as a distinct language with significant Persian and Arabic vocabulary but retained its grammatical roots from Prakrit and Sanskrit-based languages.

The temples of Khajuraho, built between the 9th and 11th centuries, represent the Nagara style of temple architecture, specifically the Chandela style. The Chandela dynasty, ruling over the Bundelkhand region, constructed these temples, known for their intricate sculptures, detailed carvings, and artistic depiction of deities, celestial beings, and human activities. The temples are classified into three groups-Western, Eastern, and Southern-each reflecting unique architectural brilliance.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, met the famous saint Kabir in Varanasi. Both saints emphasized devotion to one supreme God and rejected rituals and caste distinctions. This meeting is historically significant because it reflects the spiritual exchanges between the Bhakti and Sufi movements, which shaped the religious landscape of medieval India.

Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, is located near the Ravi River in present-day Pakistan. This town, formerly known as Talwandi, was renamed Nankana Sahib in honour of Guru Nanak. The site is now one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Sikhs and is home to Gurudwara Janam Asthan, marking his birthplace.

During the Mughal period, mansabdars who maintained cavalry (sawars) were allowed to keep five per cent of their total salary for emergent expenditures. The Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar, was a military and administrative system where officials were granted ranks (mansabs) based on their military responsibilities. The sawars were responsible for maintaining a specified number of cavalrymen, and this allowance helped them manage costs related to horses, weapons, and soldiers' upkeep.

The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan in memory of her father, is considered the first Mughal structure extensively decorated with 'Pietra dura'. Pietra dura is a decorative art technique involving inlaying semi-precious stones into white marble to create intricate floral and geometric designs. This technique later reached its zenith in the Taj Mahal.

'Barvai Nayika Bhed' was written by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana, a renowned poet, scholar, and one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in the court of Emperor Akbar. His literary contributions included works in Sanskrit, Persian, and Hindi, and he is best remembered for his Dohas (couplets) that reflect deep philosophical and moral teachings.

The Persian translation of the Mahabharata, known as Razmnama (Book of War), was carried out under the supervision of Faizi, the court poet and scholar of Emperor Akbar. Faizi, along with his brother Abul Fazl, played a crucial role in Akbar's cultural and religious initiatives, including translations of Hindu texts into Persian as part of his policy of religious tolerance.

'Kitab-e-Nauras' was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the ruler of Bijapur, and is a treatise on Indian classical music. He was a patron of the arts and music and attempted to blend Hindu and Islamic traditions in his court. His work praises Ragas (melodic frameworks) and celebrates the synthesis of Deccan culture.

The poet 'Bihari' was in the court of Raja Jai Singh of Amber (Jaipur). Bihari is famous for his work Satasai, a collection of 700 Hindi couplets written in Braj Bhasha. His poetry is known for its wit, romanticism, and deep insights into human emotions and courtly life.