Konark Wheel Shines at G-20 Summit Venue

• 13 Sep 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

The 18^th G20 Summit was held in New Delhi, for the first time on 9th -10th September 2023, under the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

• The venue of the summit was the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. As part of showcasing India’s cultural diversity and heritage, a wall depicting the mural of the historic Konark Wheel of Odisha’s Sun Temple is placed as the backdrop for welcoming world leaders at the summit venue.

What are the Key Facts About Konark Sun Temple?

• About:
  • The Konark Sun Temple is a 13^th-century CE Sun temple at Konark, on the coastline in Puri district, Odisha, India.
  • The temple is attributed to King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE.
  • Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot-high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone.
  • The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and is depicted on the reverse side of the Indian currency note of 10 rupees.
  • The Sun Temple is the culmination of Kalinga temple architecture.
  • The temple was also called the “Black Pagoda” by European sailors as early as 1676 because it looked like a great tiered tower that appeared black. Similarly, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the "White Pagoda."
• Key Features:
  • The temple represents a chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses evoking its movement across the heavens.
    • The wheels have 24 spokes that symbolize the 24 hours in a day. The wheels also function as sundials, as the shadows cast by the spokes indicate the time of the day.
  • The temple comprises several distinct and well-organized spatial units.
    • The vimana (principal sanctuary) was surmounted by a high tower with a shikhara (crowning cap) also known as Rekha deul, which was razed in the 19th century.
    • To the east, the jahamogana (audience hall or Mandap) dominates the ruins with its pyramidal mass.
    • Farther to the east, the natmandir (dance hall), today unroofed, rises on a high platform.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the (2012)

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture

(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

Ans: (c)

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Mains

Q. Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020)

Q Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (2018)