For the first time, the G20 Summit made its way to the vibrant city of New Delhi. Scheduled on the 9th and 10th of September 2023, the 18th edition of this global platform carried the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, nestled within the bustling Pragati Maidan, was selected as this significant event’s venue.
Highlighting India’s Rich Cultural Legacy
The summit was used not just as a meeting ground for world leaders, but also as a stage to showcase India’s cultural heritage. A wall bearing the mural of the Konark Wheel, a historic emblem from Odisha’s Sun Temple, was set up as an inviting backdrop at the convention center.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple, dating back to the 13th century CE, is situated along the coast in Puri district, Odisha. Historians attribute the temple’s construction to King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty around 1250 CE. Dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God, the temple complex features the striking likeness of a 100-foot-high chariot complete with wheels and horses – all intricately carved from stone.
The Temple’s Role in Heritage & Currency
Labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple not only serves as a significant pilgrimage spot for Hindus but also finds an important place on the reverse side of the Indian currency note of 10 rupees. Aptly named the “Black Pagoda” by European sailors back in 1676, the temple is a herald of Kalinga temple architecture due to its grand tiered tower appearance.
Key Architectural Features of the Konark Sun Temple
The temple is symbolized as the chariot of the Sun God, depicted through twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses, representing its journey across the heavens. The chariot’s wheels, each with 24 spokes, symbolize 24 hours in a day and double as sundials with the shadows cast by the spokes indicating the time.
The temple’s architectural design comprises several organized spatial units. The vimana (central sanctuary) once boasted of a towering structure capped with a shikhara (crowning cap), known as Rekha deul. However, it was taken down during the 19th century. Meanwhile, the jahamogana (audience hall or Mandap), continues to dominate the ruins with its pyramidal grandeur. Further east, the natmandir (dance hall) can be observed standing high on a platform.
Previous Year UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In a previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination, the candidates were asked, “The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are…?”(2012). The candidates had the option to choose from: three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent, three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified, three main styles of Indian temple architecture, or three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India. The correct answer was the ‘three main styles of Indian temple architecture’.
A question for the Mains exam was, “Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.”(2020). Another one was, “Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.”(2018).