Heritage is the Legacy of our past which we live in the present. Heritage sites are of “Exceptional Universal Value” The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the international agency which is encourages the identification, preservation, and protection of cultural and natural heritage sites around the world which are of immense importance for humanity. UNESCO has notified around 42 sites of utmost importance in India as World Heritage sites.
These sites are divided into three parts (i) cultural (ii) Natural & (iii) Mixed. They work in hands with the Governments and administrations to protect the unique sites.
The major UNESCO World Heritage sites in India are as follows:
- Taj Mahal
- Red fort
- Sun temple, Konark
- Qutb Minar and its Monument
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Buddhist monuments of Sanchi
- Great living Chola Temples
- Churches and Convents of Goa
- Khajuraho group of monuments
- Great Himalayan National park Conversation Area
- Western Ghats
Taj Mahal
Built by Shah Jahan on the banks of Yamuna, Agra in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The White Marble Mausoleum was built between 1631 to 1648 century. It’s is an integrated complex structure with the white Domed-shaped mausoleum being the significant component.
Ustad Isa & Isa Muhammad Effendi of Persia are credited with the key role in its architectural design under the emperor’s court architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori.
The craftsmanship and Architect of the Taj Mahal is one of the most fascinating which make it one among the wonders of the world. Designated as UNESCO site in 1983. It is the combination of styles of Mughal, Persian, Indo-Asian and Islamic architecture. A writer says
“A white marble tomb built in 1631 - 48 in Agra, seat of the Mughal Empire, by Shah Jehan for his wife, Arjuman Banu Begum, the monument sums up many of the formal themes that have played through Islamic architecture. Its refined elegance is a conspicuous contrast both to the Hindu architecture of pre-Islamic India, with its thick walls, corbelled arches and heavy lintels, and to the Indo-Islamic styles, in which Hindu elements are combined with an eclecticassortment of motifs from Persian and Turkish sources."
Marvin Trachtenberg and Isabelle Hyman.
Red Fort
Built during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 16th and 17th century. Built with massive red sand stone the red fort complex boasts about the zenith of the Mughal architectural creations which reflected Mughal, Persian, Islamic, Timurid and Hindu traditions. The complex comprises of Palace complex, indoor canals and extended balconies.
The Yamuna flowed along the fort complex and water was channeled from it into the moats that surrounded the Palace.
Diwan-e-Aam (The hall of Public Audience) is one of the striking structure in this complex where the King would hear public grievance. It’s made of red sandstones with perfect symmetry, Palace with front and open sides covered with Large lawns—the Fort complex ad two massive gates known as Delhi gate and Lahori gate.
Designated as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 2007. The unique planning and architecture of Red Fort motivated many buildings and gardens in Northern India later years.
Sun Temple, Konarak
Built on the shores of Bay of Bengal at Konarak, Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Sun God, “Surya” and attributed to King Narshimhadeva I of Ganga Dynasty. It was built in 13th century. Known as ‘Black pagoda by the European Sailors
The temple represents Sun God’s chariot with 24 wheels and pulled by seven horses’ shows the creativeness of the Kalinga architecture. The wheels are three metre in diameter, are symbolically decorated with lions, musicians and dancer groups depicting the contemporary life events.
The temple design consists of Vimana (sanctuary) surmounted by high tower with a Shikara (Crowning Cap). The seven horses are named after seven meters of Sanskrit prosody, Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha, and Pankti.
The idea and belief of the temple is associated with the personification of sun god which is suggested in the Vedas Sacred texts. The temple is the classical example of physical structure of 13th century Hindu kingdom. Received is WHS tag in 1984.
Qtub Minar and its Monument
Built in the 13th century and foundation laid by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in the 11th century for using it as mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer. Built with red sandstone with 72.5 m high and in diameter of 2.75m on the top and 14.32m at the bottom. This masterpiece is the fusion of Indo-Muslim art located at the southern fringe of New Delhi.
The Qtub complex comprise of Alai Darwaza (Gate), madrasa, graves, tombs, Mosque known as “Quwwatu’l-Islam” meaning might of Islam. The mosque incorporated elements of Hindu temples such as carved pillars and claddings.
Ala'i-Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Alau'd-Din Khalji. The square tomb of Iltutmish in the north western side of mosque marks the beginning of the tradition of construction of Royal tombs by the Mughal. This the tallest masonry tower in India which got its UNESCO tag in 1993.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves
These caves of 1st & 2nd BC situated in the state Maharashtra bear the living example of Buddhists religious art. A total of 30 caves in Ajanta is cut of a vertical cave in the left bank of river Waghur.in the hills of Ajanta.
They are divide into chaityagrihas (sanctuary) and sangharamas or viharas (monastery). The first phase of discovery showed simple mural paintings in the caves by Hinyana followers of Buddhism who worshipped Buddha in symbolic form. The second phase was dominated by Mahayana followers of Buddhism who worshipped Buddha as idols.
Ellora caves are multi religious rock cut complexes from the 6th century AD. The caves devoted to Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism shows the spirit of tolerance of ancient India. These caves built during the Satvahana Period served as temples and rest stops for the pilgrims. They received the UNESCO tag in 1983.
Buddhist Monuments of Sanchi
Sanchi comprises of Buddhist monuments on the hills (Monolithic pillars, temples and monasteries). Ashoka the great laid the foundation of sanchi located 40 km from Bhopal. He had erected many stupas across his empire of which Ashoka Stambha which is the national emblem of our country.
The stupas show the refined artistry of the Indian Culture in those times and are still unique. The evolution of our sculpting technique is depicted in the icons of Buddha which received its UNESCO tag in 1989.
Churches and Convents in Goa
The architecture forms are the grandeur show of Portughese culture in Goa wich was the capital. They introduced Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art to Asia.
The buildings particularly “The church of Bom Jesus” where mortal remains of St. Francis are kept is the famous tourist attraction in the world. Constructed using laterite stones and Lime plaster displays fusion of renaissance and baroque style.
The monasteries were built in gothic styles showed the cultural legacy of Portugese rule in Goa. This period showed the spread of catholic missions beyond Goa creating a culture fusion of western and eastern traditions. They received its UNESCO tag in 1986.
The great living Chola temple
These are Chola era Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. They are Brihadisvara Temple at Tanjavur built by Rajaraja I. Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram built by Rajendra chola I.
Airavatesvara Temple at Kumbakonam built by Rajraja II. These shows the unique chola architecture. A massive colonnaded prakara with sub-shrines dedicated to the ashatadikpalas and a main entrance with gopura (known as Rajarajantiruvasal). The vimana soars to a height of 59.82m over the ground. The temple walls bear mural paintings. The elevation is placed with high upapitha, adhisthana with bold mouldings. The lower level in divided into two tiers with Siva images. It received its UNESCO tag in 1987.
Khajuraho group of Monuments
The ancient city of Khajuraho is known for great temples and intricate sculptures. Built during the Chandella dynasty. Located in the Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The site consist of 85 temples in 20 square Km. The monuments bear Nagara style architecture.
A major tourist spot these temples represent various forms of meditation, spiritual teachings and relationships through stimulating art. The temples belong to two major religious groups Hinduism and Jainism.
Built with sandstones, each temple is placed higher than its surroundings by a highly ornate terraced platform, or jagati, on which stands the body, or jangha, whose sanctum is topped by a tower, or shikhara, each symbolizing Mount Kailasa, the abode of the Gods.
The unique Sculptures depicting acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and couples in union, all reflect the sacred belief system. Received its UNESCO tag in 1986.
Great Himalayan National Park Conversation Area
The great park consists of western part of Himalayan Mountains located in Banjar division in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. It consists of Alpine highs and riverine forests. This is a great biodiversity hotspot which is abode of numerous flora and fauna.
The 90,540 ha property includes the upper mountain glacial and snow melt water source origins of the westerly flowing Jiwa Nal, Sainj and Tirthan Rivers and the north-westerly flowing Parvati River which are all headwater tributaries to the River Beas and subsequently, the Indus River.
- It received its UNESCO tag in 2014.
Western Ghats
Known as the Sahyadri mountain range stretches around 1600 km parallel in the western coast of India. It consist of major Flora and fauna of our country. The Western Ghats include forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
The mountains of the Western Ghats and their characteristic montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather patterns that mediate the warm tropical climate of the region.
Western Ghats are represented by 229 plant species, 31 mammal species, 15 bird species, 43 amphibian species, 5 reptile species and 1 fish species. Received its UNESCO tag in 2012.
UNESCO through the World Heritage Conventions work along with the partner countries to safeguard the designated sites. Archeological Survey of India works with UNESCO to protect these sites for our future generations to witness the uniqueness, advancements, refinement of art and culture of our past.