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Monday, November 12, 2007

World Heritage Sites in India

UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) says "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generation. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration." With an aim to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world, in the year 1972 UNESCO adopted an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site may be forts, monuments, forests, mountain range, lake, desert, city, railway, city, complex etc. India is bestowed with so many such sites which have been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Presently India is home to 27 World Heritage Sites that include forts and monuments, caves, wildlife parks and sanctuaries and old heritage properties.

Ajanta Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Situated in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra, Ajanta Caves were inhabited around 200 B.C by the Buddhist monks. Ajanta Caves are also famous for magnificent paintings considered as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Ellora Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Ellora Caves are located in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. Constructed between 600 AD to 1,000 AD, the Ellora Caves have 34 Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples.

Elephanta Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) : Elephant Caves are located on Elephant island at a distance of 9 km from Mumbai. For reaching the caves you have to take boat or jetty ride from Gateway of India, Mumbai. Carved out between the years 450 AD and 750 AD, the Elephanta Caves are known for rock-cut temples.

Taj Mahal (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : World’s one of the seven wonders, Taj Mahal lies in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh. Built around 350 (1631 and 1653 AD) years ago by Mughal Emperor Shahjanah,Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love between Shahjahan and his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra Fort (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Situated just one km away from the world famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort speaks of the splendour of Mughal architecture. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 16th century, Agra Fort Houses picturesque palaces like Jehangir Palace, Khas Mahal etc.

Fatehpur Sikri (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Fatehpur Sikri is located at a distance of 40 kms from Agra. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, Fatehpur Sikri remained the capital of Mughal Empire for about 15 years. Also referred to as the ‘Deserted City’ Fatehpur Sikri houses a number of interesting structures like Jama Masjid, Diwan - I - Aam, Diwan - I – Khas, Buland Darwaza etc.

Red Fort, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 2007) : Situated in India’s capital Delhi, Red Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site recently. Constructed between 1638 and 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Red Fort houses a number of magnificent palaces and Moti Masjid (mosque).

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Declared World Heritage Site in 1984) : Located in Chinglepur District of Tamil Nadu, the group of monuments were founded by the Pallava Kings between 630 AD and 800 AD. Carved out of rock, these monuments are known for rathas, mandapas, giant open air reliefs, the temple of Rivage and sculpture dedicated to Lord Shiva.


Group of Monuments at Hampi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Situated in the Bellary District of Karnataka, Hampi was the last capital of Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Constructed between the 14 th and 16 th centuries, these monuments are considered as masterpieces of Dravidian style of architecture.


Group of Monuments at Khajuraho (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Built by the Chandela rulers between 950 AD and 1050 AD, the Khajuraho temples are located in Indian state of Madya Pradesh. Originally there were 85 temples but now only 22 temples remain and known for the collection of erotic and sensual sculptures.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) : Situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka, Pattadakal is home to an impressive series of monuments including nine Hindu temples and Jain Sanctuary.


Buddhist Monastery at Sanchi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1989) : Sanchi is located at a distance of 40 kms from Bhopal and houses a group of Buddhist monuments. Here you can see monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries an interesting specimen of the Buddhist architecture of that period.


Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1993) : Built in 1570 AD by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.


Qutab Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1993) : A 72.5 mtr high tower, Qutab Minar was built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Apart from the imposing tower, in the Qutab complex you can see notable monuments like Alai Darwaza and the Quwwatul Islam mosque.


Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (Declared World Heritage Site in 2003) : Situated in the foothills of the Vindhya mountain ranges Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka is the place where earliest known traces of human life in India were discovered.

Wildlife Parks in India : India is varied land and it is home to a number of protected wildlife areas called the wildlife parks and sanctuaries. UNESCO has designated some of the national parks of India as World Heritage Sites for providing shelter to unique floral and faunal species. Presently five wildlife parks of India are designated as World Heritage Site that include Kaziranga National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Manas National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) and Nanda Devi National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1988).


Other World Heritage Sites : Sun Temple, Orissa (Declared World Heritage Site in 1984), Brihadisvara Temple (Great Living Chola Temples) (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987), Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya (Declared World Heritage Site in 2002), Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Declared World Heritage Site in 2002), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station (Declared World Heritage Site in 2004), Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 2004) and Churches and Convents of Goa (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986).

For more info visit :

http://whc.unesco.org/

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