UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Journey Through Cultural Treasures
International news
6 min read
There are currently 1,154 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 167 countries globally. These sites can be divided into three categories: cultural sites (897), natural sites (218), and Mixed (39) sites that have both cultural and natural significance. There are 40 such special places in India, of which 32 are cultural, 7 are natural and 1 is a mixture of cultural and natural importance. These places are considered unique and important and they are protected to preserve their value for the future.
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India has added two more sites to its prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
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Dholavira, Harappan City in the Rann of Kutchh, was recognized as India's 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The Rudreswara Temple (Ramappa Temple) at Palampet, Warangal, Telangana, was inscribed on the World Heritage Sites list.
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India has 46 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
World Heritage Site:
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A World Heritage Site is a special place recognized by UNESCO for its cultural or physical importance. These sites are part of the International 'World Heritage Programme' which is managed by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. This committee takes care of the list of World Heritage Sites, ensuring their protection and preservation for the benefit of future generations.
World Heritage Site Selection Criteria:
Cultural site
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The masterpiece of human creative genius
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Human values (Cultural area of the World and development architecture, technology, monumental arts, town-planning and landscape design)
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Testimony and Cultural tradition (unique, extraordinary or extinct)
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Important phases of human history (building, architectural or technical ensemble or landscape)
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Traditional human settlement (land use or sea use and Human interaction with the environment)
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Direct connection with artistic and literary works (events, traditions, ideas and beliefs)
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Traditional human settlement, land use, or sea use represents a culture and human interaction with the environment.
Natural sites
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Areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance
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Major phases of Earth's history (record of life, Important geological processes, physical features)
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Outstanding examples of ecological and biological processes (land, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems)
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Important natural habitats for the in-situ conservation of biological diversity (includes threatened species of outstanding universal value from a science or conservation perspective).
About UNESCO:
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945. Its headquarter is located in Paris, France. Its mission is to promote global cooperation in education, science, and culture to foster understanding among people and create lasting peace.
The list of UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites in India
|
Natural World Heritage Site |
Year of Notification |
Place |
|
Kaziranga National Park |
1985 |
Assam |
|
Keoladeo Ghana National Park |
1985 |
Rajasthan |
|
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary |
1985 |
Assam |
|
Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers |
1988, 2005 |
Uttarakhand |
|
Sundarbans National Park |
1987 |
West Bengal |
|
Western Ghats |
2012 |
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala |
|
Great Himalayan National Park |
2014 |
Himachal Pradesh |
The list of UNESCO Cultural World Heritage sites in India
|
Cultural World Heritage Site |
Year of Notification |
Place |
|
Dholavira |
2021 |
Gujarat |
|
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple |
2021 |
Telangana |
|
The Architectural Work |
2016 |
Chandigarh |
|
Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai |
2018 |
Maharashtra |
|
Historic City of Ahmedabad |
2017 |
Gujarat |
|
Jaipur City |
2020 |
Rajasthan |
|
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) |
2016
|
Bihar |
|
Rani-Ki-Van |
2014 |
Gujarat |
|
Hill Forts of Rajasthan |
2013 |
Rajasthan |
|
The Jantar Mantar |
2010 |
Rajasthan |
|
Red Fort Complex |
2007 |
Delhi |
|
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park |
2004 |
Gujarat |
|
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus |
2004 |
Maharashtra |
|
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka |
2003 |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya |
2002 |
Bihar |
|
Mountain Railways of India |
1999 |
Tamil Nadu |
|
Humayun’s Tomb |
1993 |
Delhi |
|
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi |
1993 |
Delhi |
|
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi |
1989 |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
Elephanta Caves |
1987 |
Maharashtra |
|
Great Living Chola Temples |
1987 |
Tamil Nadu |
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Group of Monuments at Pattadakal |
1987 |
Karnataka |
|
Churches and Convents of Goa |
1986 |
Goa |
|
Fatehpur Sikri |
1986 |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
Group of Monuments at Hampi |
1986 |
Karnataka |
|
Khajuraho Group of Monuments |
1986 |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram |
1984 |
Tamil Nadu |
|
Sun Temple, Konarak |
1984 |
Orissa |
|
Agra Fort |
1983 |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
Ajanta Caves |
1983 |
Maharashtra |
|
Ellora Caves |
1983 |
Maharashtra |
|
Taj Mahal |
1983 |
Uttar Pradesh |
