Short News Article

History

Mughal Garden renamed as Amrit Udyan

The iconic Mughal Gardens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi were renamed as the ‘Amrit Udyan’.

About:

• As the Mughal Gardens become the Amrit Udyan, a part of the grand Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• The renaming has done to end the long legacy of foreign invasions in the country.
• Unique features of the garden:
• The Mughal garden was made in the charbagh structure which was intended to create a representation of an earthly utopia – jannat – in which humans co-exist in perfect harmony with all elements of nature.
• The roses remain the star attraction of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• It has rectilinear layouts, divided in four equal sections; these gardens can be found across lands previously ruled by the Mughal.
• A defining feature of these gardens is the use of waterways, often to demarcate the various quadrants of the garden.
• These were not only crucial to maintain the flora of the garden; they also were an important part of its aesthetic.
• Fountains were often built, symbolising the “cycle of life.”

History

Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023

Recently, the Beating retreat ceremony was attended by President as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister.

About:

• The ceremony was held in Vijay Chowk, Delhi, as a sombre end to the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations in India, including the Republic Day parade held nearby a few days prior.
• It consists of synchronised marches and memorable musical pieces.
• Such a ceremony was also held by Armed Forces in the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and others.

What is Beating retreat means?

• Also called ‘Beating the Retreat’ traces its origin in India to the early 1950s.
• The idea marks a centuries-old military tradition when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield to return to their camps at sunset at the sound of the Retreat.

Features of the Ceremony:

• The musical bands: The bands are a unique feature, and this year 29 Indian tunes will be played by the music bands of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the State Police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
• The bands play these songs and the national flag is unfurled.
• Instruments used: Military Bands, Pipes and Drums Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments perform during the ceremony.

Art and Culture

Toys in India

Traditional toys of India are in verge of extinction and needs revival.

About:

• The Indian toy industry and craftspeople face survival challenges in today’s market, despite “vocal for local” initiative.
• Some of the indigenous toys are:
  • Pallankuzhi,
  • Natungram wooden dolls,
  • Kondapalli toys,
  • Channapatna toys,
  • chaturanga, 
  • pachisi, 
  • bhatukali, 
  • bagh chal and 
  • kathputli are some of the traditional toys and games.

Traditional toys and Competition:

• Traditional Indian toys cannot compete with video games, flexi toys, moving and spinning toys, robotic and AI-enabled toys of China and other countries.
• Moreover, Chinese toys are available in all variants: electric, mechanical, plastic, wooden and soft cloth versions.