24TH July 2024 (14 Topics)

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'Purvodaya' Plan to boost Tourism

Context

The Union Budget 2024 has marked a significant shift towards promoting tourism in Bihar and Odisha, highlighting these states' cultural richness and potential for economic development. This move aligns with the government's broader strategy of regional development under the 'Purvodaya' plan, aimed at transforming the eastern region of India into a hub of growth and cultural heritage.

What is 'Purvodaya' Plan?

The 'Purvodaya' plan targets holistic development across Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
To propel these states as engines of development, it emphasizes:
- human resource development
- infrastructure enhancement
- economic opportunities
Tourism Strategy: The shift from circuit-based to destination-based tourism signifies a focused approach towards developing specific tourist destinations. This includes upgrading tourist facilities, improving connectivity, and boosting local economies through tourism-related activities.

Focus on Bihar and Odisha:

Tourism Development: Bihar and Odisha have been identified for comprehensive tourism development initiatives. The focus includes enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, and tourist facilities at key heritage sites like the
- Vishnupad temple in Gaya
- Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya (Bihar)
- and various cultural and natural attractions in Odisha
A new temple corridor will be constructed for Vishnupad at Gaya. Similarly, a new corridor will be built for Mahabodhi temple corridor at Bodh Gaya. Both the corridors will be supported and modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath temple
On the same lines, a comprehensive development scheme has been announced for Rajgir. Rajgir has immense spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
Nalanda in Bihar will be developed as tourist destination.

Fact Box: Key-Locations

Vishnupad temple in Gaya: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was erected during 1787 by Queen Ahilyabai.
- It is located on the banks of Phalguriver.
- It features a 40-cm-long footprint of Lord Vishnu in a basalt rock.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex: It is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha (566-486 BC), and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment.
- It is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
- It is an example of early brick structures in India.
- It is believed that in 531 BC, Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree located west of the main temple.
- The complex comprises the main temple and six sacred sites within an enclosed area
  - Bodhi Tree: A descendant of the original tree where Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment.
  - Animeshlochan Chaitya: A prayer hall where Buddha spent the Second Week of his meditation.
  - Ratnachakrama: Also known as the Jewelled Ambulatory, where Buddha walked during the Third Week.
  - Ratnaghar Chaitya: Where Buddha spent the Fourth Week, located near the north-east enclosure wall.
  - AjapalaNigrodh Tree: Marked by a pillar where Buddha meditated and interacted with Brahmins during the Fifth Week.
  - Lotus Pond: Where Buddha spent the Sixth Week, located south of the enclosure.

§ Rajyatana Tree: Marked as the site where Buddha spent the Seventh Week.

Nalanda University: The new campus of Nalanda University was recently inaugurated at Rajgir, Bihar. The University is conceived as a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. The original Nalanda University was established around 427 CE by Gupta Emperor Kumaragupta I. Later, it also received patronage from Harshavardhana and the Pala rulers.
- Founded 1600 years ago, Nalanda is recognized as the world's first residential university, pre-dating Oxford and Bologna by over 500 years.
- Decline: Nalanda began its decline during the late Pala period but faced devastation during BakhtiyarKhilji's invasion around 1200 CE. The library, housing millions of manuscripts, was famously burned for three months.
- Historical Travellers: Accounts from Chinese travelers like Hiuen-Tsang and I-Tsing provide detailed insights into the university's academic and cultural richness.
- UN Heritage Site: The ruins of Nalanda were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, underscoring its global historical significance.
Rajgir is an ancient city famous in Bihar, known for its Jain temple and hot spring.

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'Purvodaya' Plan to boost Tourism

What is 'Purvodaya' Plan?

Fact Box: Key-Locations

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