History, Art & Culture
Shilp Samagam Mela, Bengaluru:
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- Shilp Samagam Mela highlights the skills of artisans from diverse communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Safai Mitras.
- It is a cultural festival with folk dances, traditional music, and storytelling performances.
- Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in collaboration with TULIP, the mela will be held from 5th to 14th September 2025.
- The mela showcases intricate metalwork, wooden artifacts, cane and bamboo products, pottery, textiles, and handwoven treasures of more than 13 states.
Geography/Places in the News
Dhussi bandhs:
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- Dhussi Bandhs, as the locals call them in Punjab, are high-rise structures on the two banks of riverto stop river water from coming over the banks in case of a water surge (flooding).
- According to the drainage wing of the Water Resources Department, dhussi bandhswere constructed in different stages between the 1950s and 1960s.
- These embankments are mostly kutcha(earthen) in nature.
- They are built along major rivers, tributaries, and seasonal choes and streams, such as Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, and Ghaggar.
- These embankments have acted as protective barriers, reducing the direct impact of overflowing rivers and allowing rivers to carry more water during heavy rains.
- Illegal mining is one of the key reasons for the weakening of these dhussi bandhs.
Mahi river:
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- A recent incident involved water from the Kadana Dam flooding the Dolatpura plant (Lunawada, Gujarat) when it was released to maintain the dam’s rule level, causing water to enter the plant site.
- The Kadana Dam is a major structure on the Mahi River upstream of the plant, and its operations influence the water levels at Dolatpura.
- The Mahi River is a significant west-flowing river in western India that originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh, flowing through Rajasthan and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.
- The Mahi River is unique in India for crossing the Tropic of Cancer twice during its course.
- The primary tributaries of the Mahi River are Som, Anas, and Panam.
PRACTICE MCQS
Q1. Consider the following statements:
1. Mahi river is a west flowing river.
2. It covers three states and flows through Gulf of Khambhat and drains into Arabian sea.
3. Tributaries of the Mahi River are Som, Banjar, Moran, Anas, and Panam.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct; Mahi River is a west flowing river.
Statement 2 is correct; it covers three states and flows through Gulf of Khambhat and drains into Arabian sea.
Statement 3 is incorrect; tributaries of the Mahi River are Som, Moran, Anas, and Panam. Banjar is a left bank tributary of Narmada River.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
1. Dhussi Bandhs are embankments that are mostly kutcha(earthen) in nature.
2. These embankments act as protective barriers that helps stopping the flow of river by diverting its course.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct; Dhussai Bandhs are embankments that are mostly kutcha (earthen) in nature.
Statement 2 is incorrect; these embankments act as protective barriers but does not stop the flow of river or divert its course.
Q3. With reference to the Shilp Samagam Mela, consider the following statements:
1. It was organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
2. It provides artisans with the online platform for global exposure and sales of their products.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct; It was organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Statement 2 is correct; It provides artisans with the online platform for global exposure and sales of their products.
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