TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Hoysala Temples get World Heritage Site status
2. Operation Sajag

1. Hoysala Temples get World Heritage Site status

Syllabus: GS- I, Art and Culture

Prelims: Hoysala Temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Context:

12th-century Hoysala Temples of Karnataka get UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Details:

• The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas have acquired a place in the UNESCO World Heritage site list becoming India’s 42nd site to be given this honour.
• The temples are located in Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura in the Hassan and Mysuru districts of Karnataka.
• The temples, often described as ‘poetry carved in stone’ were recommended to the list by India’s Culture Ministry in 2022-23.
• The temples included in the ensemble are:
  • Channakeshava Temple, Belur, Hassan district (Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana, dedicated to God Vishnu)
  • Hoysalesvara Temple, Halebidu, Hassan district (Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana, dedicated to God Shiva)
  • Kesava Temple, Somanathapura, Mysuru district (Consecrated by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III, dedicated to God Vishnu)
• The temples at Belur and Halebidu have been on the tentative list since 2014.
• The temples which are adorned with rich ornate carvings in stone have been famed tourist destinations in Karnataka.
• The hyper-real sculptures and stone carvings cover the entire architectural surface according to UNESCO.
• The Hoysalas ruled over parts of southern India from the 11th to the 14th century from their capital at Halebidu (Dwarasamudra).
• Their reign saw the development of art, architecture and religion in southern India.

2. Operation Sajag

Syllabus: GS-3, Security & Defence

Prelims: Operation Sajag

Context:

Operation Sajag was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard along the west coast.

Operation Sajag:

• It was a security drill involving all stakeholders of the coastal security construct.
• The drill facilitates revalidation of the coastal security mechanism and brings awareness among the fishermen at sea.
• During the drill, extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges and craft at sea was undertaken. 
• A total of 118 ships including those from Customs, Marine Police, Ports & Indian Navy participated in the drill.
• The day-long drill is conducted every month and the outcomes are further progressed for improvement in the coastal security construct. 
• Significance: The drill enables the verification of the implementation of various coastal security measures besides bringing out important lessons and highlighting trends in coastal security.

Read the previous PIB articles here.