Context:
Prime Minister launched the second edition of the Kashi – Tamil Sangamam and quoted it strengthens the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat”.
Kashi – Tamil Sangamam:
- Program to rediscover the centuries-old bond of knowledge and ancient civilisational linkage between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
- Organised by – Ministry of Education with various ministries and Government of Uttar Pradesh
- Aim – To bring to light deep academic, economic, social and cultural relationships between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
- Implementing agency as knowledge partner – Indian Institute of Technology (Madras) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu
Kasi Viswanathar temple:
- Location – Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu)
- Built by – Parakrama Pandyan
- Style of architecture – Dravidian style
- Dedicated Lord Shiva in a self-incarnated form (swayambu)
- Purpose – For devotees who could not visit Kashi.
Tenkasi:
- Known as Kasi of South.
- River Chittar – considered equivalent to Ganga
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB):
- Aim – To promote national integration and cultural exchange between the different states and union territories of India.
- Launched on October 31, 2015.
- Marks the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) capital cities
(b) ports
(c) centres of iron-and-steel making
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
Answer: (b)
