Culture📖 3 min read

Sangeet Natak Akademi Adds 3 MP Traditions to Intangible Heritage

The Sangeet Natak Akademi has recognised three cultural traditions from Madhya Pradesh, adding them to India's National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Source: GNews India Heritage
Summary of News

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, has recently inscribed three distinct cultural traditions from Madhya Pradesh into India s National Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. These traditions are 'Gwalior's Raga Dhrupad', 'The Art of Batik Printing' from Ujjain, and 'The Traditional Craft of Wooden Craftsmanship' from Budhni. This recognition aims to preserve and promote these unique cultural expressions. The Sangeet Natak Akademi plays a crucial role in identifying and documenting India's diverse intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations. This initiative highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Madhya Pradesh and the importance of safeguarding traditional arts and crafts.

Why It Matters

This news is important for competitive exams under the 'Art and Culture' section of General Awareness (UPSC GS Paper I, SSC, State PSCs). Aspirants should know about the Sangeet Natak Akademi, its role in cultural preservation, and specific examples of intangible cultural heritage. Questions often focus on organisations responsible for cultural heritage and specific art forms or crafts from different states.

Key Points for Exam
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi inscribed 3 Madhya Pradesh traditions.
  • The traditions include Gwalior's Raga Dhrupad.
  • Ujjain's Art of Batik Printing is also on the list.
  • Budhni's Traditional Craft of Wooden Craftsmanship is the third addition.
  • The inscription is part of India s National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance, and drama.
Important Keywords Explained
Sangeet Natak Akademiorganization

Established in 1953, the Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance, and drama. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its main functions include promoting performing arts, giving awards, and preserving India's intangible cultural heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)concept

ICH refers to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognise as part of their cultural heritage. It includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship.

Dhrupadconcept

Dhrupad is one of the oldest and grandest forms of Hindustani classical music. It is characterised by its emphasis on purity of raga, intricate melodic development, and rhythmic complexity. Gwalior is known for its distinct style of Dhrupad.

Batik Printingconcept

Batik is an ancient wax-resist dyeing technique applied to fabric. Originating from Indonesia, it involves drawing designs on cloth with wax, then dyeing the fabric. The wax resists the dye, creating intricate patterns. Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is known for its Batik printing.

Additional Facts & Context
1Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards are the highest national recognition given to practicing artists.
2UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity includes 14 elements from India.
3The first element from India inscribed on UNESCO's ICH list was 'Vedic Chanting' in 2008.
4The latest Indian element on UNESCO's ICH list is 'Garba of Gujarat', added in 2023.
Examiner's Tip

Exams frequently ask about the establishment year and functions of cultural bodies like Sangeet Natak Akademi. Also, specific art forms, crafts, and their associated regions are common questions in the 'Art and Culture' section.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'MP's DAB' for Madhya Pradesh's three traditions: Dhrupad, Art of Batik, Budhni Wooden Craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of Sangeet Natak Akademi in preserving Indian culture?

The Sangeet Natak Akademi plays a vital role in preserving Indian culture by documenting, promoting, and conserving various forms of music, dance, and drama. It identifies and inscribes intangible cultural heritage, provides grants, organises festivals, and confers national awards to artists, ensuring the continuity of traditional arts.

Which three traditions from Madhya Pradesh were added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list?

The three traditions from Madhya Pradesh added to India's National Intangible Cultural Heritage list are 'Gwalior's Raga Dhrupad', 'The Art of Batik Printing' from Ujjain, and 'The Traditional Craft of Wooden Craftsmanship' from Budhni. These represent diverse artistic and craft forms.

What is the significance of Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition?

Recognition of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is significant as it helps in safeguarding traditional practices, knowledge, and skills from disappearing. It raises awareness about their cultural value, encourages communities to continue these traditions, and often leads to support for their preservation and promotion.

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