List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India represent the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage, showcasing a diverse array of historical monuments, architectural marvels, and breathtaking landscapes in Indian art and culture. India boasts 40 designated sites, including the iconic Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and architectural brilliance, and the ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves, renowned for their exquisite rock-cut sculptures and frescoes.
Other notable sites include the intricate temples of Khajuraho, the historic forts and palaces of Rajasthan, and the serene beauty of the Sundarbans, home to the Royal Bengal tiger. Each site tells a unique story of India’s history, spirituality, and artistic achievements, reflecting its diverse traditions and cultures.
in Indian art and culture UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India not only preserve the legacy of past civilizations but also contribute to global cultural understanding, making India a vital part of the World Heritage framework. Protecting these sites is crucial for future generations to appreciate and learn from this extraordinary heritage.
Criteria for Cultural Sites of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
It is a representative of the finest creation of man’s creative genius. It demonstrates the significance and significance of human value in relation to architecture or monumental arts, town planning or landscape design in a given time period or within a cultural region of the world.
A unique and extraordinary evidence of a cultural tradition or a living or missing civilization. A classic example of a building, architecture or cluster of technology, or landscape depicting an important juncture in human history.
A classic example of a traditional human settlement or ocean experiment representing human interaction with a culture or environment is an expert when under the influence of irreparable damage. Be directly or tangibly associated with events or life, traditions, ideas, beliefs, outstanding artistic or literary works of universal importance.
Excellent landscape It encompasses extraordinary natural beauty, locations and artistic values A description of the history of human life Inferior geology, important geological importance in the development of bhog patterns, showing the major stages of the history of the earth with important geomorphic features.
Surface fresh water should be an excellent example representing important continuous ecological and biological processes related to the development and development of coastal and marine ecosystems and wetlands and animal communities.
Covers the most important and meaningful habitats for carcass conservation of biodiversity, including threatened species of outstanding universal importance from the point of view of science or conservation.
Legal status of declared sites of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
If a site is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, it is prima facie evidence that such sites are culturally sensitive. It will be guaranteed legal protection on the basis of the law of war under treaties including the Geneva Convention, the Hague Convention and international laws.
Article 53 of the Geneva Convention declares:
To take any hostile action against historical monuments, artefacts or adorations, which are considered to be the cultural and spiritual heritage of the people, to use such objects in support of military efforts is to make a means of retaliation for such objects.
Cultural Sites 30 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Announced in 1983 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Ajanta Caves are in Maharashtra, Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh.
Announced in 1984 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Sun Temple Konark Mahabalipuram in Odisha Group of Monuments Cave Temples etc Tamil Nadu .
Announced in 1986 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Churches and Convents of Goa. Khajuraho group of monuments are Jain group of temples which include Vishwanath temple, Laxman temple, 64 Yogini temple, Adi Na of Adi Hind Samh and Shanti Nath etc. of Jain group of temples in Fatehpur Sikri. Group of Monuments at Hampi, Virupaksha Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hem Cut Time Temple, Vidur Temple, Hazara Rama, Lotus Palace etc.
Announced in 1987 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
The Elephanta Caves are a group of Pattakakal monuments, nine Hindu and one Jain temple including Virupaksha temple and Papana etc. Group of Brihad Chola temples, Barah Deeswara temple, Thanjavur Erawateswara temple, Dara Saram, Tamil Nadu, Buddhist monuments.
announced in 1989 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Sachi Madhya Pradesh, Ashoka Pillar on Great Saints, Sung Satam Seven Vahanas, Sreesanth Karani inscriptions, many other pillars etc.
Announced in 1993 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and other monuments of this complex.
announced in 1999 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway under Mountain Railways India.
announced in 2002 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Mahabodhi Temple Complex Bodh Gaya
announced in 2003 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Rock shelters of Bhimbetka.
announced in 2004 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park
announced in 2005 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
announced in 2007of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Red Fort Complex.
announced in 2008 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Kalka-Shimla Railway Line.
announced in 2010
announced in 2013
Six hill forts of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Amber, Jaisalmer, Gagraun.
announced in 2014
Queen’s stepwell.
announced in 2016
Architecture of Lee Cobuurjian Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavira.
Historic City Ahmedabad Declared in 2017 Victoria Gothith of Mumbai announced in 2018 and Identity Day announced in 2019 Jaipur Rajasthan.
Natural sites eight
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985 Kaziranga National Park in 1985 Keoladeo National Park in 1985 Sundarbans National Park in 1987.Nanda Devi National Park in 1988 and Valley of Flowers in 2005 Western Ghats in 2012. Greater Himalayan National Parks in 2014. In 2016, Kanchenjunga National Park is the only Indian site under the mixed category.
Benefits of World Heritage Site Status
Drawing international attention to the need for conservation and preservation of the site, UNESCO may provide funds for rehabilitation, conservation and training if necessary to ensure economic benefits by attracting tourism to the site. Encourages close human engagement with the United Nations system and the prestige and support it provides, enables access to global project management resources.
The Government facilitates the creation of partnerships between the private sector and NGOs to achieve conservation goals. The site is protected from destruction or misuse in time of war under the Geneva Convention.
conclusion
Forty UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in India, demonstrating the country’s rich natural and cultural diversity in Indian art and culture. The historical significance and ecological wealth of the country are reflected in these sites, which range from architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and Hampi to breathtaking natural landscapes like the Sundarbans and the Western Ghats.
in Indian art and culture. Every location has a distinct narrative to tell, showcasing different aspects of India’s history such as art, customs, and religion.
In addition to preserving India’s cultural identity, the preservation of these locations is essential for advancing tourism and education. India supports international efforts to preserve cultural heritage by identifying and safeguarding these treasures.
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