TGPSC Daily Current Affairs 25th March 2026
Relevance: TGPSC GR I Paper-II – History, Culture and Geography
For Prelims:
- Mudumal Menhirs, Megalithic Site, Menhir, Solstice, Equinox, Thermoluminescence Dating, Carbon Dating, NGRI, CCMB
For Mains:
- Cultural Heritage Conservation, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Archaeological Excavation, Scientific Dating Techniques, Ancient Astronomy, Telangana History
Why in News?
The Telangana Department of Heritage is set to undertake scientific excavations at the Mudumal Menhirs site in Narayanpet district, with the objective of strengthening its candidature for UNESCO World Heritage status. The site is already included in UNESCO’s tentative list, and the excavation aims to generate crucial scientific evidence to establish its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), which is a key requirement for final recognition.
Location and Background of the Site
- The Mudumal Menhirs site is located in Narayanpet district, Telangana
- Locally known as Niluralla Thimappa
- Belongs to the Megalithic period, dating back approximately 3,000 years
The site represents the cultural, technological, and intellectual achievements of ancient communities that inhabited the region.
What are Menhirs?
- Menhirs are large upright standing stones erected by prehistoric communities
- They are often associated with:
- Burial practices
- Ritualistic activities
- Astronomical observations
At Mudumal, these structures are not isolated but form a complex archaeological landscape, indicating advanced planning and cultural sophistication.
Key Features of Mudumal Menhirs
The site is significant due to its scale, structure, and scientific importance:
- Contains around 80 menhirs, each measuring 3–5 metres in height
- Accompanied by thousands of alignment stones measuring 1–1.5 metres
- Spread originally over an area of about 80 acres
- Includes megalithic stone circles, indicating burial or ritual significance
Astronomical Significance
One of the most remarkable aspects of the site is its astronomical alignment and knowledge:
- Menhirs and stones are arranged in precise rows
- Alignments correspond with:
- Rising and setting sun during solstices
- Equinoxes
- Presence of cup marks on stones depicting constellations such as:
- Ursa Major (Saptarshi Mandala)
- Leo
These features suggest that the site may have functioned as an early astronomical observatory, reflecting sophisticated knowledge of celestial phenomena.
Institutional Collaboration
The project involves multiple scientific institutions:
- Department of Heritage (Telangana) – Lead agency
- National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) – Documentation and thermoluminescence dating
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad – DNA analysis
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, Lucknow – Scientific testing
- Beta Labs, USA – Carbon dating and metal analysis
Techniques to be Used
- Thermoluminescence Dating – Determines age of materials exposed to heat
- Carbon Dating – Establishes chronological age of organic remains
- DNA Analysis – Provides insights into ancient populations
- Metal Analysis – Studies technological capabilities
These methods will provide scientific validation of the site’s antiquity and significance
Types of Megaliths in India
| Category | Type | Description | Example (India) |
| Polylithic Type (Multiple Stones) | Dolmen | – Tomb structure made of three or more upright stones with a large flat capstone. – Usually a single-chamber burial. – Often covered with earth or smaller stones to form a barrow. | Hire Benkal, Karnataka |
| Cairn | – Man-made pile of stones, often conical in shape. – Found in uplands, hills, or near water bodies. – Used as burial monuments or markers; sometimes linked to astronomical purposes. | Ottiyambakkam, Tamil Nadu | |
| Cromlech | – Term used for prehistoric stone structures (origin from British usage). – Often refers to stone circles or dolmen-like arrangements. | Found in various parts of South India | |
| Cist | – Stone-lined burial chamber used to enclose dead bodies. – Sometimes associated with other megalithic structures. | Brahmagiri, Karnataka | |
| Monolithic Type (Single Stone) | Menhir | – Single upright standing stone. – Shapes vary from irregular to tapering forms. – Likely used for ritual, commemorative, or burial purposes. | Ellarigudem, Telangana |
| Stone Circle | – Arrangement of standing stones in circular or elliptical form. – May mark burial sites or ritual spaces. | Junapani, Madhya Pradesh |
Project Details
- Excavation expected to begin in the second week of April
- Duration: 60 days
- Funding requested: ₹50 lakh from the State Government
- Approved by: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Importance for UNESCO World Heritage Status
For a site to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
Role of Excavation
- Provides scientific evidence supporting:
- Historical significance
- Cultural uniqueness
- Technological advancement
- Strengthens India’s case for global recognition of the site
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Mudumal Menhirs site offers insights into:
- Cultural traditions of ancient communities
- Ritual practices and burial systems
- Early scientific and astronomical knowledge
It reflects a high level of social organisation and intellectual development in prehistoric South India
Broader Significance
- Enhances understanding of Megalithic culture in India
- Strengthens Telangana’s position in heritage tourism and cultural mapping
- Contributes to global archaeological knowledge
Conclusion
The excavation of the Mudumal Menhirs marks a crucial step in uncovering the scientific, cultural, and astronomical significance of this ancient site. By generating robust evidence through advanced scientific methods, the project is expected to strengthen its bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.
The site stands as a testament to the technological sophistication and cosmological understanding of early human societies, reinforcing the importance of preserving and studying India’s rich archaeological heritage.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Megalithic structures in ancient India, consider the following pairs:
| Type of Megalith | Description |
| I. Dolmen | A structure with upright stones supporting a horizontal capstone forming a chamber tomb |
| II. Cairn | A monolithic upright stone used as a marker or memorial |
| III. Cist | A stone-built chamber used to encase dead bodies |
| IV. Menhir | An upright monolithic stone |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All the four
Answer: C
Explanation:
Pair I: Correct. A dolmen consists of vertical stones supporting a large flat horizontal capstone, forming a burial chamber.
Pair II: Not correct. A cairn is a pile of stones, often conical, and not a single upright monolithic stone.
Pair III: Correct. A cist is a stone-lined burial chamber used to encase the bodies of the dead.
Pair IV: Correct. A menhir is a single upright monolithic stone, often used as a marker or memorial.
Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.
Additional Information
- Polylithic structures: Made of multiple stones (Dolmen, Cairn, Cist, Cromlech).
- Monolithic structures: Made of a single stone (Menhir).
- Stone Circles: Arrangement of stones in circular patterns, often linked with ritual or burial practices.
- Important sites:
- Hire Benkal (Karnataka) – Dolmens
- Brahmagiri (Karnataka) – Cists
- Junapani (Madhya Pradesh) – Stone circles
- Ellarigudem (Telangana) – Menhirs
Relevance: GS Paper III – Economy – Energy Security, Infrastructure
For Prelims:
- Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, SC Status, ST Status, Religious Conversion, Clause 3, SC/ST Act
For Mains:
- Affirmative Action, Social Justice, Caste vs Religion Debate, Constitutional Interpretation, Minority Rights, Identity and Inclusion
Why in News?
The Supreme Court has ruled that Scheduled Caste (SC) status is limited to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, and that conversion to other religions (e.g., Christianity or Islam) leads to immediate loss of SC status.
Case Background
- Case arose before Andhra Pradesh High Court from a complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Complainant: Pastor Chintada Anand Paul, a Christian pastor
- Allegation: caste-based abuses and threat to life
- Issue: Whether a person converted to Christianity can claim protection under the SC/ST Act
- HC decision: Charges quashed; held that a person professing Christianity cannot claim SC status-based protection
- Petitioner argument:
- Caste is by birth, not religion
- Conversion does not remove social disadvantages
- Relied on 1977 Andhra Pradesh Government Order
- Legal position clarified:
- SC status restricted to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists (SC Order, 1950)
- 1977 GO provides only non-statutory concessions, not full SC benefits
- Core issue: Conflict between social reality (birth-based caste) and legal framework (religion-based SC status)
Therefore, not eligible for SC protection under the Act
Constitutional Framework of SC Status
- Governed by the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950
- Clause 3 explicitly states:
- Only persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be recognised as SC
This forms the legal basis for religion-based restriction of SC status
CONSTITUTION (SCHEDULED CASTES) ORDER, 1950
|
Supreme Court Judgment: Key Observations
1. Loss of SC Status on Conversion
- Conversion to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism leads to:
- Immediate and complete loss of SC status
- Status is not retained based on birth alone
2. Mutually Exclusive Identity
- A person cannot:
- Practice another religion AND
- Claim SC status simultaneously
Both positions are constitutionally incompatible
Difference between SC and ST Status
Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Identified based on untouchability & caste-based social discrimination
- Mentioned under Article 341
- Historically part of Hindu caste hierarchy
- Religious restriction: only Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists
- Found across India (no specific geographic isolation)
- Main issues: social exclusion, discrimination, lack of dignity
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Identified based on tribal characteristics & isolation
- Mentioned under Article 342
- Not part of caste system (distinct ethnic/tribal groups)
- No religious restriction (any religion allowed)
- Concentrated in forests, hills, remote areas
- Main issues: geographical isolation, backwardness, lack of development
| Aspect | Scheduled Castes (SC) | Scheduled Tribes (ST) |
| Constitutional Article | Article 341 | Article 342 |
| Basis of Identification | Untouchability, caste-based discrimination | Tribal characteristics, isolation |
| Social System | Part of caste system | Outside caste system |
| Religious Restriction | Yes (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists) | No restriction |
| Nature of Issues | Social exclusion, discrimination | Isolation, backwardness, lack of development |
| Geographical Distribution | Spread across India | Concentrated in forests, hills, remote areas |
| Historical Background | Oppression within caste hierarchy | Distinct ethnic/tribal communities |
Issue of Reconversion
To regain SC status after reconversion:
- Must prove:
- Return to original religion (Hindu/Sikh/Buddhist)
- Complete renunciation of previous religion
- Adoption of original caste practices
- Additional requirement:
- Acceptance by original caste/community
Burden of proof lies entirely on the claimant
Legal and Social Implications
1. Reinforces Constitutional Position
- Confirms religion-based limitation of SC status
2. Debate on Caste vs Religion
- Raises question:
- Is caste identity erased after conversion?
3. Impact on Converted Communities
- Converts lose:
- Reservation benefits
- Legal protections under SC/ST Act
Challenges and Concerns
- Exclusion Issue: Converts may still face caste-based discrimination
- Social Reality vs Legal Framework: Caste may persist despite conversion
- Human Rights Debate: Restriction may affect equality principles
- Policy Ambiguity: Difference between SC and ST treatment
Way Forward
- Re-examine link between caste and religion in contemporary context
- Ensure protection from discrimination irrespective of religion
- Strengthen data and research on post-conversion social conditions
- Balance constitutional provisions with social justice goals
Conclusion
The Supreme Court judgment reaffirms the constitutional framework linking SC status to specific religions. However, it also highlights the continuing tension between legal definitions and social realities of caste, necessitating a nuanced approach to ensure inclusive and equitable justice.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Scheduled Caste (SC) status in India, consider the following statements:
I. SC status is governed by the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
II. A person converting to Christianity retains SC status based on birth.
III. Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is not automatically affected by religious conversion.
IV. Reconversion to Hinduism automatically restores SC status without any conditions.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (b)
Explanation
- Statement I – Correct:
SC status is governed by the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. - Statement II – Incorrect:
Conversion to Christianity leads to loss of SC status. - Statement III – Correct:
ST status depends on tribal identity, not religion alone. - Statement IV – Incorrect:
Reconversion requires proof, renunciation, and community acceptance.
Additional Information
- SC status restricted to: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists
- ST status based on: culture, customs, and community recognition
- SC/ST Act protections apply only to legally recognised SC/ST individuals
Relevance: GS Paper II – Polity and Governance
For Prelims:
- Women’s Reservation Act 2023, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Delimitation, Census 2011, Article 82, Article 170, Lok Sabha Expansion
For Mains:
- Women Empowerment, Political Representation, Electoral Reforms, Federalism, Constitutional Amendments, Inclusive Democracy
Why in News?
The Union Government is considering amending the existing framework to conduct delimitation based on the 2011 Census, with the objective of fast-tracking the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
This move seeks to overcome delays caused by the linkage of reservation implementation with the ongoing Census and delimitation process, which may otherwise postpone the rollout beyond 2030.
Women’s Reservation Act, 2023:
The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, represents a major constitutional reform aimed at enhancing women’s political participation.
Key Provisions
- 33% reservation for women in:
- Lok Sabha
- State Legislative Assemblies
- Legislative Assembly of Delhi
- Includes reservation within SC/ST quotas
- Reservation to be implemented after delimitation based on Census data
- Valid for 15 years, with scope for extension
- Seats to be rotated after each delimitation exercise
Present Status of Women’s Representation
Despite constitutional guarantees, women remain underrepresented in Indian legislatures:
- Around 15% in Lok Sabha (2019–2024)
- About 9% in State Assemblies
Although this marks progress from 5% in the first Lok Sabha, it still reflects a significant gender gap in political representation.
What is Delimitation and Why is it Important?
Delimitation is the process of:
- Redrawing electoral constituencies based on population
- Ensuring equal representation
Constitutional Basis
- Article 82 – Lok Sabha delimitation
- Article 170 – State Assembly delimitation
Current Constraint
- Delimitation is to be conducted after the first Census post-2026
- Delay in 2021 Census (due to COVID-19) has postponed the process
This has delayed the implementation of women’s reservation
Need for Using 2011 Census
To address delays, the government proposes:
- Using 2011 Census data instead of waiting for new Census
- Delinking reservation implementation from ongoing Census
Objective
- Ensure implementation before 2029 elections
- Avoid prolonged delay beyond 2030
Key Features of the Proposed Reform
1. Expansion of Lok Sabha
- Present strength: 543 seats
- Proposed strength: 816 seats
Nearly 50% increase in representation
2. Women’s Reservation
- Out of 816 seats:
- Around 273 seats reserved for women
Ensures one-third representation
3. Increase in State Assembly Seats
- Similar 50% increase expected in State Assemblies
4. Maintaining Federal Balance
To address concerns of southern states:
- Proportion of seats across states to remain unchanged
- Avoids penalising states with successful population control
Ensures cooperative federalism
5. Reservation within SC/ST Quotas
- Women’s quota to apply within existing SC/ST reserved seats
Promotes inclusive representation across social groups
6. Allocation Mechanism
- Possible use of a lottery system
- Every third seat reserved for women
- Uncertainty remains regarding:
- Rotation of seats
Legislative and Constitutional Changes Required
Implementation requires:
- Amendments to:
- Article 81 (Lok Sabha composition)
- Article 170 (State Assemblies)
- Changes in:
- Delimitation Commission Act
- Women’s Reservation Act provisions
- Approval by:
- Two-thirds majority in Parliament
Hence, extensive political consultations are ongoing
Historical Evolution of Women’s Reservation
Women’s political reservation has a long legislative history:
- Bills introduced in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008
- Earlier attempts failed due to lack of consensus
Committees and Reports
- 1971 Committee on Status of Women (CSWI) → Highlighted gender inequality
- 1987 Margaret Alva Committee → Recommended reservation
- Geeta Mukherjee Committee (1996) → Suggested inclusion of OBC women
Role of Local Governance Reforms
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) marked a turning point:
- Introduced 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies
- Many states later increased it to 50%
These reforms demonstrated that political reservation enhances participation and empowerment
Global Context and Commitments
- India is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979
- According to the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2023:
- India has achieved 25.3% parity in political empowerment
However, representation still remains below global benchmarks
Issues and Challenges
1. Delay Due to Census Linkage
- Implementation tied to Census and delimitation
- Leads to policy delays
2. Federal Concerns
- Fear of losing representation among southern states
3. Representational Accuracy
- Use of 2011 Census data may not reflect current demographics
4. Administrative Complexity
- Delimitation requires:
- Institutional capacity
- Legal clarity
5. Debate on Reservation Design
- Rotation vs fixed seats
- Inclusion of OBC women
Implications of the Reform
1. Faster Implementation
- Enables rollout before 2029 elections
2. Enhanced Women’s Representation
- Significant rise in participation in governance
3. Electoral Restructuring
- Increase in seats may alter political dynamics
4. Strengthening Inclusive Democracy
- Moves toward gender-balanced representation
Conclusion
The proposal to use the 2011 Census for delimitation reflects a strategic attempt to overcome procedural delays and implement the Women’s Reservation Act in a timely manner.
While it promises to significantly enhance women’s representation in legislative bodies, it also raises important questions regarding federal balance, demographic accuracy, and electoral fairness.
Ultimately, the reform represents a critical step towards substantive democracy, where representation becomes more inclusive and reflective of societal diversity.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to reservation of seats for women under the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
- Provision for the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha has been made vide the 106th Constitutional Amendment.
- There are provisions for the reservation of seats for women in the Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils of the States.
- There are provisions for the reservation of seats for women in Panchayats.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 only
- 3 only
Answer: D
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements:
- The Women’s Reservation Act provides 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Delimitation is conducted under Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution.
- The proposed reform suggests using 2011 Census data for delimitation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only
Answer: C
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 (106th Constitutional Amendment) provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, including within SC/ST reserved seats.
- Statement 2 is correct: Delimitation (redrawing of constituencies based on population) is governed by Article 82 (for Lok Sabha) and Article 170 (for State Assemblies) of the Constitution.
- Statement 3 is correct: The government has proposed using 2011 Census data for delimitation to fast-track the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act without waiting for the ongoing Census.
