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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

Monthly DNA

15 Apr, 2026

37 Min Read

Kaavi Art

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Visual Art

Kaavi Art

Goa showcased Kaavi Art through its tableau during the Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2025. It is a traditional mural art form associated with the Konkan region, especially old temples and sacred structures in Goa.

Kaavi Art is known for its distinctive reddish appearance created from natural laterite soil. The craft reflects the cultural, religious and architectural traditions of the Konkan region and remains closely linked with heritage temple structures.

Aspect Details
Origin Kaavi Art is an ancient mural tradition of Goa and the Konkan region.
Surface It is commonly found on old temples, walls and heritage structures.
Material Used The term “Kaav” in Konkani refers to red laterite soil, which gives the art its distinctive colour.
Theme The art usually depicts religious, natural and cultural motifs.
PT Facts
  • Region: Konkan region.
  • Main State: Goa.
  • Art Type: Traditional mural or wall art.
  • Main Pigment: Red laterite soil pigment.
  • Common Location: Old temples and sacred structures.
  • Republic Day Link: Showcased by Goa in the 2025 Republic Day Parade.

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Dokra Artwork

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Visual Art

Dokra Artwork

During his visit to France from 10–12 February 2025, India’s Prime Minister gifted Dokra Art pieces to the French President. Dokra is a traditional bell-metal craft practised by tribal and artisan communities in different parts of India.

The craft is known for its rustic metal finish, handmade appearance and use of the ancient lost-wax casting method. It reflects one of India’s oldest continuing metal-craft traditions.

Aspect Details
Origin Dokra is a form of ancient bell-metal craft practised by the Ojha community in states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana.
Metals Used The structures are usually made of brass, nickel and zinc.
Technique Dokra uses the traditional Indian technique of bronze casting through the lost-wax method.
Historical Link The famous Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro is one of the earliest known lost-wax casting artefacts.
PT Facts
  • Craft Type: Ancient bell-metal craft.
  • Technique: Lost-wax casting method.
  • Community Link: Ojha community and other tribal-artisan groups.
  • Major States: Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Telangana.
  • Material: Brass, nickel and zinc alloys.
  • Ancient Link: Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro shows early lost-wax casting tradition.

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Etikoppaka Toy Craft

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Visual Art

Etikoppaka Toy Craft

Eco-friendly toys from Andhra Pradesh were showcased in the Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2025. Etikoppaka toys are traditional toys made by artisans of Etikoppaka village, located on the banks of the Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district.

The craft is known for its use of soft wood, natural dyes and the lacquer-turning technique, giving the toys a smooth, glossy and eco-friendly finish.

Aspect Details
Origin Etikoppaka toys are made by artisans of Etikoppaka village in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
Materials Used These toys are made from the wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria), which is lightweight, soft and suitable for intricate carvings.
Colours They are coloured using natural dyes derived from seeds, roots, leaves and bark.
Technique The toys are finished with a lacquer-turning technique, giving them a smooth, glossy and durable finish.
Recognition Etikoppaka toys received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
PT Facts
  • State: Andhra Pradesh.
  • Village: Etikoppaka.
  • District: Visakhapatnam.
  • River Link: Varaha River.
  • Wood Used: Ankudu tree wood.
  • Technique: Lac-turning technique.
  • GI Tag: 2017.

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Terracotta Craft Village of Assam

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Visual Art

Terracotta Craft Village of Assam

In the 2026 Republic Day Parade, Assam’s tableau showcased Asharikandi’s terracotta heritage. Asharikandi, located in the Dhubri district of Assam, is one of India’s largest and famous clusters for terracotta and pottery.

The craft tradition reflects Assam’s rural artisan culture and long-standing clay-based heritage. The village is especially known for handcrafted terracotta figures and pottery made using locally available clay.

Aspect Details
Location Asharikandi is located in the Dhubri district of Assam.
Craft It is known for terracotta and pottery made from local clay.
Speciality It is world-renowned for the “Hatima Doll”, a traditional figure of a mother with two children.
Cultural Value The craft reflects Assam’s rural artisan tradition and clay-based cultural heritage.
PT Facts
  • State: Assam.
  • Village: Asharikandi.
  • District: Dhubri.
  • Craft: Terracotta and pottery.
  • Famous Product: Hatima Doll.
  • Republic Day Link: Featured in Assam’s 2026 Republic Day tableau.

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New GI Logo Recognition for Kashmir Carpets

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Visual Art

New GI Logo Recognition for Kashmir Carpets

On 7 February 2025, the Kashmir hand-knotted carpet “Kal baffi” received a new GI logo from the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai. This strengthens the authenticity and market identity of Kashmir’s traditional carpet craft.

Kashmir carpets are globally known for their intricate hand-knotting, Persian influence and premium craftsmanship using wool and silk. The GI recognition further enhances the protection and branding of the craft.

About Kashmir Carpet
  • Origin: Kashmir carpet dates back to the 15th century, when Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin brought carpet weavers from Persia and Central Asia to train local artisans.
  • Speciality: It is usually handmade and hand-knotted, using pure wool or pure silk.
  • Other GI-tagged Kashmir crafts: Papier-mâché, Kashmir Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Khatamband and Walnut Wood Carving.
PT Facts
  • Date: 7 February 2025.
  • Product: Kashmir hand-knotted carpet, also called Kal baffi.
  • Authority: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.
  • Historical Patron: Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin.
  • Material: Pure wool or pure silk.
  • Other GI Crafts: Papier-mâché, Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Khatamband and Walnut Wood Carving.

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Thanjavur Painting

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Indian Paintings

Thanjavur Painting

On 23 December 2025, the Department of Posts successfully transported a priceless Thanjavur art of Lord Shri Ram from Spain to India. Thanjavur painting is a classical South Indian art form known for devotional themes, gold foil work and decorative richness.

The art form reflects temple-linked devotion, royal patronage and ornamental craftsmanship, with paintings usually centred on Hindu deities and sacred stories.

Aspect Details
Origin It is a classical South Indian art form originating from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
Historical Growth It flourished under the patronage of the Nayakas of Thanjavur and later the Marathas.
Style It is known for opulence, relief work, rich colours and the use of 22-carat gold foil and semi-precious stones.
Themes The paintings are devotional and mainly depict Hindu deities and scenes from religious texts.
Popular Depictions Common subjects include Butter-Thief Krishna, Yashoda Krishna, Lakshmi and Ganesha.
Recurring Themes Rama Pattabhishekam and Meenakshi Thirukalyanam are recurring themes.
PT Facts
  • State: Tamil Nadu.
  • Origin Town: Thanjavur.
  • Art Type: Classical South Indian devotional painting.
  • Patronage: Nayakas and Marathas.
  • Special Feature: 22-carat gold foil and semi-precious stone decoration.
  • Common Themes: Hindu deities, Krishna, Lakshmi, Rama Pattabhishekam and Meenakshi Thirukalyanam.

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Daruma Doll

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Puppetry

Daruma Doll

During his visit to Japan, PM Narendra Modi received a Daruma Doll from the chief priest of Shorinzan Daruma Temple. The Daruma is a traditional Japanese wish doll and a symbol of perseverance and resilience.

The Daruma reflects the spirit of determination and recovery after setbacks. It also represents a strong cultural and spiritual connection between India, Buddhism and Japanese Zen traditions.

Aspect Details
Description The Daruma is a traditional Japanese wish doll, usually made of papier-mâché.
Meaning It represents the Japanese proverb “Nanakorobi yaoki”, meaning “fall seven times, get up eight”.
Indian Connection It traces back to Bodhidharma, a 5th-century Indian monk from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, revered in Japan as Daruma.
Cultural Link Bodhidharma is linked with the spread of Zen Buddhist philosophy in East Asia.
PT Facts
  • Country: Japan.
  • Type: Traditional Japanese wish doll.
  • Associated Figure: Bodhidharma, revered as Daruma in Japan.
  • Indian Link: Bodhidharma is linked with Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
  • Symbolism: Resilience, determination and good luck.
  • Cultural Link: India, Buddhism and Japanese Zen tradition.

Source:

Lucknow: “UNESCO City of Gastronomy”

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Architecture

Lucknow: “UNESCO City of Gastronomy”

Lucknow was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on 31 October 2025 for its rich, historic Awadhi cuisine, vibrant food culture and sustainable culinary practices.

The recognition places Lucknow within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, highlighting the role of food traditions, culinary heritage and creativity in sustainable urban development.

Aspect Details
UNESCO Recognition Lucknow received the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on 31 October 2025.
Indian Link It joins the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) alongside Hyderabad, which became the first Indian city to receive this designation in 2019.
About UCCN The network promotes cooperation among cities that identify creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
Creative Fields The network covers seven fields—crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music.
Indian Cities in the UCCN
  • Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Art, 2015.
  • Varanasi: Creative City of Music, 2015.
  • Chennai: Creative City of Music, 2017.
  • Mumbai: Film, 2019.
  • Hyderabad: Gastronomy, 2019.
  • Srinagar: Crafts and Folk Art, 2021.
  • Kozhikode: City of Literature, 2023.
  • Gwalior: Creative City of Music, 2023.
  • Lucknow: Gastronomy, 2025.
PT Facts
  • Date: 31 October 2025.
  • Recognition: UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
  • Network: UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
  • Speciality: Awadhi cuisine.
  • Other Indian Gastronomy City: Hyderabad, recognised in 2019.
  • Creative Fields: Crafts, folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music.

Source:

Maratha Military Landscapes Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

GS-I : Art, Architecture & Culture Architecture

Maratha Military Landscapes Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

On 11 July 2025, at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This became India’s 44th World Heritage Site, following the 2024 inscription of the Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty. India now ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites.

Aspect Details
UNESCO Recognition The Maratha Military Landscapes were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee.
India’s Position This became India’s 44th World Heritage Site. India now ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region in the number of World Heritage Sites.
Landscape Features The landscapes include strategically important hill forts, coastal forts and defensive structures linked with Maratha military history.
12 Major Forts
Maharashtra

Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg.

Tamil Nadu

Gingee Fort.

PT Facts
  • Date: 11 July 2025.
  • UNESCO Session: 47th World Heritage Committee Session.
  • Status: Added to UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • India’s Count: 44th World Heritage Site.
  • States Covered: Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
  • Only Tamil Nadu Fort: Gingee Fort.

Source:

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