Explore All 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: Maps & Essential Facts

Here is an updated list of UNESCO World Heritage sites located in India. This topic is important in competitive exams such as SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RBI Grade B, CDS, UPSC, and IBPS Clerk. Currently, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Recently, one additional site in India were declared as world heritage sites by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during their 46th session, which was held in New Delhi.

India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are special places recognized by the United Nations for their cultural or natural importance. These can be ancient buildings, natural parks, or historic cities.

India’s Connection with UNESCO

India joined the UNESCO World Heritage Sites convention on 14 November 1977, which means the country agreed to protect its most important cultural and natural sites.

🔸Discover All Protected Areas of India

The First Four UNESCO Sites in India (1983)

• Ajanta Caves: Located in Maharashtra, these ancient caves are famous for their beautiful Buddhist paintings and sculptures.

• Ellora Caves: Also in Maharashtra, these caves feature a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments.

• Agra Fort: A massive red sandstone fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, which was the main residence of the Mughal emperors.

• Taj Mahal: The iconic white marble mausoleum in Agra, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

New UNESCO Sites in India

2024

• Charaideo Moidams: The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024. It is India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and the first cultural site from Northeast India to receive this recognition.

State with the Most UNESCO Sites

As of now, Maharashtra has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, with a total of 6 sites.

• Western Ghats (Shared with Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
• The Victorian and Art Deco of Mumbai

Fun Facts

• India has a total of 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most heritage sites in the world.
• The Taj Mahal is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Extra Sites to Know About

• Kaziranga National Park: Located in Assam, this park is home to the largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

• Qutub Minar: A tall minaret in Delhi built in the 12th century by Qutub-ud-din Aibak.

Why Are These Sites Important?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites help us understand and appreciate the culture, history, and natural beauty of different countries. Protecting these sites ensures that future generations can learn about and enjoy them.

Discover the Total Number of World Heritage Sites in India for 2024

As of 2024, India boasts 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are categorized as follows:

• 35 Cultural Sites: These include historical buildings, monuments, and cities that hold significant cultural value.

• 7 Natural Sites: These are areas of outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.

• 1 Mixed Site: This site meets both cultural and natural criteria.

India ranks sixth globally in terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Latest Additions to India’s UNESCO World Heritage List

In 2023, two new sites were added to India’s UNESCO World Heritage list, bringing the total to 42. These new sites are:

• Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka): This includes three magnificent temples at Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura, known for their intricate architecture and detailed sculptures.

• Santiniketan (West Bengal): Founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, this town is a center for art, literature, and education, and is now recognized for its cultural significance.

In 2024, Charaideo Moidams was added to the list, bringing the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India to 43.

• Charaideo Moidams, a historic burial site of the Ahom Dynasty, has been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the category of Cultural Property. The announcement was made during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, held in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024.

Global Overview of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Global Numbers (2024)

As of 2024, there are 1223 World Heritage Sites in 195 countries around the world. These sites are divided into three categories:

• 952 Cultural Sites: These are places of historical and cultural importance.
• 231 Natural Sites: These are areas of natural beauty and environmental importance.
• 40 Mixed Sites: These sites have both cultural and natural significance.

Regional Distribution

The World Heritage Committee divides these sites into five regions:

1. Africa
2. Arab States
3. Asia and the Pacific
4. Europe and North America
5. Latin America and the Caribbean

Top 3 Countries with the Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites

1. Italy: 60 sites, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
2. China: 59 sites, famous for its ancient culture and natural wonders.
3. Germany: 54 sites, recognized for its historic cities and architectural masterpieces.

Fun Facts

• The concept of World Heritage Sites was created to protect and preserve important cultural and natural places for future generations.
• Italy’s World Heritage Sites include the historic centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice.
• China’s sites include the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army.
• Germany’s sites include the Cologne Cathedral and the palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin.

Noteworthy Sites Around the World

• Machu Picchu (Peru): An ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains.

• Great Barrier Reef (Australia): The world’s largest coral reef system.

• Pyramids of Giza (Egypt): Ancient pyramid structures that are among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Complete List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India

Natural World Heritage Sites in India

Mixed World Heritage Site in India

UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in India

43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Map (Updated)

Highlights of 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Discover the rich cultural heritage of India through its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore key points and historical significance in this comprehensive website.

Charaideo Moidams

• New UNESCO Recognition: Listed as India’s 43rd World Heritage Site during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in 2024.

• Significance: First cultural site from Northeast India to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

• Historical Context:
  • Belongs to the Tai-Ahom dynasty, which ruled parts of Assam from the 12th to 18th century CE.
  • Charaideo was the first capital established under Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, the dynasty’s founder.
  • Served as a sacred burial site for Ahom royals, believed to be divine.

• Unique Mound-Burial Tradition:
  • Known as Moidams, these are vaulted mounds constructed for royal burials.
  • Burial chambers contained objects from the deceased’s life, including royal insignia, weapons, clothes, and ceremonial items.
  • Accompanied by elaborate rituals symbolizing the spiritual beliefs of the Tai-Ahoms.

• Construction:
  • Initially built with wood, later transitioning to stone and burnt bricks.
  • The process and rituals were documented in the Changrung Phukan, a canonical Ahom text.

• Cultural Importance: Reflects the deep spiritual traditions, social hierarchy, and architectural expertise of the Tai-Ahom dynasty.

Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

• This nomination includes two clusters of monuments in Belur and Halebidu.

• These monuments date back to the time of the Hoysala Empire, spanning from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

• Hoysala architecture is a blend of Dravidian and northern Indian architectural styles.

• Temples in these clusters were constructed by followers of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Jainism.

• These temples are renowned for their intricate stone sculptures and carvings.

• The Chennakeshava Temple in Belur remains a significant pilgrimage site.

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Santiniketan

• Founded by Debendranath Tagore as an ashram in the second half of the 19th century.

• Evolved into a university town associated with Visva-Bharati University.

• Closely linked to the life and philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, a prominent figure of the Bengali Renaissance.

• The prayer hall is a notable feature of Santiniketan.

With Santiniketan set to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a decade-long campaign to get Rabindranath Tagore's “abode of peace” in the prestigious global map seems to finally pay off.#WorldHeritageSitehttps://t.co/jHK6nqtN0b

— Swarajya (@SwarajyaMag) May 11, 2023

Mahabodhi Temple

• Located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.

• Said to be the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment.

• Houses a descendant of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment.

• A significant pilgrimage destination for Buddhists for over two thousand years.

Manas National Park

• Manas National Park is located in the state of Assam, India.

Major Years of Declaration

• 1905: Proposed as Reserve Forest
• 1907: Designated as Manas Reserve Forest
• 1928: Became a Game Sanctuary
• 1950: Declared Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
• 1973: Declared as Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger
• 1985: Declared a World Heritage Site (Natural) by UNESCO
• 1989: Declared a Biosphere Reserve under the Man & Biosphere Programme of UNESCO
• 1990: Declared a National Park
• 2003: Declared as Chirang–Ripu Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant

Flora

• Over 650 species of Angiosperms.
• Common trees include Simul, Oxi, Sissoo, Khaie, Gamari, etc.

Fauna

• Other bird species include the Great Hornbill, Black-tailed Crake, Red-headed Trogo, Swamp Francolin, and Bristled Grassbirds.

• Rich in the population of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

• Home to the world’s largest population of the endangered Bengal Florican bird.

Sundarbans National Park

• The area of Sundarbans National Park is spread over two districts of West Bengal: North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas.

• The maximum part of Sundarbans National Park lies in South 24 Parganas.

Flora and Fauna

• Mangrove forests densely cover the Sundarbans Delta
• The name Sundarbans is derived from the Sundari (Heritiera fomes) tree found here
• Famous for the Royal Bengal tiger
• Home to various bird, reptile, and invertebrate species, including the salt-water crocodile

Important Dates

• Considered a World Network of Biosphere Reserves (Man and Biosphere Reserve) since 1989.
• Declared the core area of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve in 1973.
• Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1977.
• On 4 May 1984, it was declared a national park.
• Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• Designated as a Ramsar site in 2019.

Nalanda 

• Ancient Buddhist monastic university located in Magadha, India (now Bihar).
• Considered to be the world’s first residential university.
• One of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world.

• Located near the city of Rajagriha (now Rajgir), about 90 kilometers (56 miles) southeast of Pataliputra (now Patna).

• Operated from 427 CE until 1197 CE.

• Played a vital role in promoting arts and academics during the 5th and 6th centuries CE.

• Destroyed and burned by the Islamic invader Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century, resulting in the loss of over 9 million texts.

Khangchendzonga National Park

• Biosphere reserve and national park in Sikkim, India.
• Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in July 2016 as the first “Mixed Heritage” site in India

• Also included in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.
• Named after the mountain Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
• Covers a total area of 849.5 square kilometers (328.0 sq mi)

Kaziranga National Park

• Kaziranga National Park, famous for one-horned rhinoceroses
• It was declared a National Park in 1974.
• It has been declared a tiger reserve since 2007.
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985

Keoladeo National Park

• Keoladeo National Park was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
• Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a man-made and man-managed wetland and one of the national parks of India.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

• The Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Parks is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand, India.

• The Nanda Devi was declared as Nanda Devi Sanctuary in 1939.
• It became a world heritage site in the year 1988.
• In 1988 the site was inscribed as Nanda Devi National Park.

Ajanta Caves

• 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments in Maharashtra, India.
• Date back to the period between the second century BCE to about 480 CE.

• Paintings and rock-cut sculptures are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art

Construction occurred in two phases:

• The first phase started around the second century BCE.
• The second phase took place between 400 and 650 CE or in a brief period of 460-480 CE

Ellora Caves 

• Complex of rock-cut Hindu temple caves in Maharashtra, India.
• Artwork dating back to the period between 600 and 1000 CE.
• More than 100 caves, all excavated from basalt cliffs in the Charanandri Hills.
• 34 caves accessible to the public
• 17 caves represent Hinduism, 12 caves represent Buddhism, and 5 caves represent Jainism.
• Each group of caves represents deities and mythologies prevalent in the first millennium CE, as well as monasteries of each respective religion.

Sun Temple 

• Structures dedicated to religious or spiritual practices related to the sun or a solar deity.
• used for activities such as prayer and sacrifice

Churches and Convents of Goa

• A collection of religious monuments in Goa Velha (Old Goa), India.
• Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
• Includes various churches and convents located in the state of Goa.

Some of the most notable monuments include:

• The Basilica of Bom Jesus
• The Se Cathedral
• The Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• The Chapel of St. Catherine
• The Church of St. Augustine
• The Church of Divine Providence (São Caetano or Saint Cajetan)

• The monuments are significant for their architectural beauty, historical importance, and cultural value.

• They represent a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian architectural styles.

• They are also a testament to the important role that Goa played in the spread of Christianity in Asia.

Monuments of Khajuraho

• A collection of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
• Located approximately 175 kilometers southeast of Jhansi.
• Known for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and erotic sculptures.

The Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats is a mountain range along the western coast of India.
• It covers an area of 160,000 km² and stretches 1,600 km long.
• It is also known as the Sahyadri Hills or the Great Escarpment of India.
• The range spans across the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• It is home to many plants and animals found only in this region.
• UNESCO says the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas.
• These mountains play a big role in Indian monsoon weather by blocking rain-laden winds from the southwest.
• They prevent these winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau.
• The average height of the mountains is about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet).
• The region is one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity hotspots.

Pattadakal Monuments

• Pattadakal, also called Raktapura, is a group of Hindu and Jain temples from the 7th and 8th centuries CE.

• It is located in northern Karnataka, on the western bank of the Malaprabha River in the Bagalkot district.

• Pattadakal is about 23 km (14 miles) from Badami and 9.7 km (6 miles) from Aihole, two other historical centers of Chalukya architecture.

• It is protected by Indian laws and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Monuments of Hampi

• Hampi, also called Hampe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hampi town, located in the Vijayanagara district of east-central Karnataka, India.

• It is often referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.

Qutub Minar and its Monuments

• The Qutub Minar, also spelled Qutb Minar or Qutab Minar, is a minaret and victory tower located in the Qutb complex.

• The complex is built on the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city, Lal Kot, founded by the Tomar Rajputs.

• It is located in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi, India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The construction of the tower, a popular tourist attraction, took place mostly between 1199 and 1220.

Taj Mahal 

• The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

• It was built in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, as a resting place for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

• The complex covers 17 hectares (42 acres) and includes a mosque, a guest house, and is surrounded by a crenelated wall.

• The tomb of Shah Jahan is also housed inside the Taj Mahal.

• Known for its stunning beauty, it is often called the “Crown of the Palace”.

Agra Fort 

• Agra Fort, also called Agra’s Red Fort, is a major historical fort in the city of Agra, India.

• Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573, it served as the main residence of Mughal rulers until 1638, when the capital moved to Delhi.

• In earlier times, it was known as “Lal-Qila” or “Qila-i-Akbari”.

• The Marathas were the last Indian rulers to occupy the fort before it was taken by the British.

• In 1983, Agra Fort was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Located about 2.5 km northwest of the Taj Mahal, it is more accurately described as a walled city.

Red Fort

• The Red Fort, also called Lal Qila in Hindustani, is a famous fort in the Old Delhi neighborhood of Delhi, India.

• It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors in the past.

• Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the fort on May 12, 1638, after deciding to move the capital from Agra to Delhi.

• Originally, the fort’s colors were red and white, and its design was created by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal.

• The fort represents the height of Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan’s rule, combining Persian palace styles with Indian traditions.

Humayun’s Tomb

• Tomb built in memory of Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India.
• Commissioned by Humayun’s first wife, Empress Bega Begum, in 1558.
• Designed by Persian architects Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son Sayyid Muhammad.
• The first garden tomb in India.
• Located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, near the Dina-panah Citadel or Purana Qila.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
• Underwent extensive restoration work in recent times.

Fatehpur Sikri

• Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India, located 35.7 km from Agra.

• It was established in 1571 by Emperor Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire.

• Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital until 1585, when Akbar left for a campaign in Punjab.

• The town was completely abandoned by 1610.

Elephanta Caves

• The Elephanta Caves, located on Elephanta Island (also known as Gharapuri), are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The caves are primarily a collection of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• The island is in Mumbai Harbour, about 10 km east of Mumbai, in the state of Maharashtra, India.

• The site features five Hindu caves, two Buddhist caves with water tanks, and a few Buddhist stupa mounds dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

• The island is approximately 2 km west of Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Mahabalipuram Monuments

• The Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments is a collection of religious structures dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE.

• These monuments are located in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, India, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The site is situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Chennai.

Great Living Chola Temples

• The Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu, India, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historic and cultural significance.

• These Hindu temples were built during the Chola dynasty between the 11th and 12th centuries CE and include the following monuments:
  • Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur
  • Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
  • Airavatesvara Temple at Kumbakonam.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

• Sanchi Town in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, India, is famous for its Buddhist complex, which features the Great Stupa located on a hilltop.

• The site is about 23 kilometers from the district headquarters at Raisen and 46 kilometers northeast of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

• The Sanchi complex is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla & Nilgiri

• The Indian mountain railways refer to the railway lines built in the mountainous regions of India, primarily comprising narrow-gauge and meter-gauge railways, though some broad-gauge railways are also included.

• The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka-Shimla Railway have been collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Mountain Railways of India”.

• The Matheran Hill Railway and the Kangra Valley Railway have been nominated for inclusion on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only rack and pinion railway in India.

• These railways are popular tourist attractions, offering unique locations and scenic views.

Bhimbetka

• The archaeological site in Madhya Pradesh, India is one of the earliest traces of human life in India.

• It contains evidence from the Stone Age, dating back to Acheulian times.

• The site covers an area of 10 km (6.2 miles) and includes seven hills and over 750 rock shelters.

• Some of these shelters have been inhabited for more than 100,000 years.

• The site provides valuable insight into the cultural evolution of early human settlements, from hunting-gathering to agriculture, and also includes evidence of prehistoric spirituality.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

• Railway terminus in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

• Station codes: CSMT (mainline) and ST (suburban).

• Designed by Frederick William Stevens, based on an original design by Axel Haig.

• Construction started in 1878 and completed in 1887.

• Built to commemorate 50 years of Queen Victoria’s reign.

• Features an exuberant Italian Gothic architectural style.

Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park

• UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat, India (Panchmahal district)
• Founded by Vanraj Chavda in the 8th century.
• Located with forts and bastions stretching from the Pavagadh hills to Champaner.

Features cultural heritage monuments from the 8th to the 14th centuries, including:

• Chalcolithic sites (ancient settlement)
• Hill fortress of the early Hindu capital
• Remnants of the 16th-century capital of Gujarat
• Palaces
• Entrance gates and arches
• Mosques
• Tombs
• Temples
• Residential complexes
• Agricultural structures
• Water installations like step-wells and tanks

• Kalika Mata Temple: The most famous religious site, located on top of Pavagadh Hill (800 meters / 2,600 feet high).

Jantar Mantar 

• Group of 19 astronomical instruments built in 1734
• Founded by Sawai Jai Singh II, the Rajput king who also founded Jaipur
• Includes the world’s largest stone sundial
• Located near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
• Instruments allow naked-eye observation of astronomical positions
• Represents Ptolemaic positional astronomy, used by many ancient civilizations.

Hill Forts of Rajasthan

• Group of six forts located in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, India.
• Built and improved between the 5th and 18th centuries CE by various Rajput kings.
• Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

• The forts include:
  • Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh city
  • Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand city
  • Ranthambore Fort in Sawai Madhopur
  • Gagron Fort in Jhalawar city
  • Amer Fort in Jaipur city
  • Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer city

Rani Ki Vav

• Stepwell located in Patan, Gujarat, India.
• Believed to have been built by Udayamati, the queen of Bhima I, an 11th-century Chaulukya king.
• Buried under silt until its rediscovery in the 1940s.
• Restored by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1980s.
• Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India in 2014

Great Himalayan National Park

• Located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• Established in 1984.
• Covers an area of 1171 km², with elevations ranging from 1500 to 6000 meters.
• Home to over 375 fauna species and numerous plant species.
• Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits any kind of hunting.

Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex)

• Designed by architect Le Corbusier.
• Located in Sector-1 of Chandigarh, India.
• Covers approximately 100 acres of land.

Comprises three main buildings:

• Palace of Assembly
• Secretariat Building
• The High Court

Includes four monuments:

• Open Hand Monument
• Geometric Hill
• Tower of Shadows
• The Martyrs Monument

• Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 2016 for its significance in modernist architecture

Historic City of Ahmadabad

• The walled city in India.
• Founded in 1411 by Ahmad Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate.
• Served as the capital of Gujarat for six centuries.
• Became an important political and commercial center.
• Symbolic heart of metropolitan Ahmedabad.
• Recognized as a World Heritage City by UNESCO in July 2017.

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles

• The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Bombay are located in the Fort precinct of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

• Consists of 19th-century Victorian Revival public buildings and 20th-century Art Deco private buildings.

• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

• Examples of Victorian Gothic buildings:
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
  • Bombay High Court
  • University of Mumbai

• Examples of Art Deco buildings:
  • Eros Cinema (Mumbai)
  • Watson’s Hotel (Esplanade Mansion, Mumbai)
  • New India Assurance Building (Mumbai)

• Significance:
  • Represents a unique and important period in Bombay’s history
  • Some of the best examples of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architecture in the world
  • An important part of the city’s identity and heritage
  • Popular tourist destination

The Pink City

• The capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan.
• Population of 3.1 million, making it the tenth most populous city in India.
• Famous for its pink-colored buildings, earning it the nickname “Pink City”.
• Also known as the Paris of India and the Island of Glory.
• Located 268 km (167 miles) from the national capital New Delhi.
• Founded in 1727 by the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Jai Singh II.
• Designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and one of the earliest planned cities in modern India.
• Served as the capital of Jaipur State during the British colonial period.
• Became the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan after India gained independence in 1947.

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple

• Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the Kakatiya architectural style.

• Located in Telangana, India, at a distance of:

• 15 km (9.3 mi) from Mulugu
• 66 km (41 mi) from Warangal
• 209 km (130 mi) from Hyderabad

• Constructed in 1213 CE by Recherla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva (r. 1199–1262).

• The temple complex, located near Ramappa Lake, comprises three temples and was built between 1212 and 1234 AD, designed by Ramappa, after whom the temple is named.

• According to legend, the temple was considered “the brightest star in the galaxy of temples” by Marco Polo during his visit to the Kakatiya empire.

Architectural Significance:

• A masterpiece of Kakatiya architecture, known for:
  • Intricate carvings
  • Symmetrical design
  • Use of lightweight sandstone
  • Unique star-shaped platform
  • Floating brick roof

Cultural Significance:

• A popular tourist destination, renowned for its stunning architecture and serene setting.
• An important cultural and religious site for Hindus in India.

Dholavira

• Archaeological site in Khadirbet, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.

• Ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization city, also known as Kotada Timba.

• One of the five largest Harappan sites and the most significant archaeological site in India related to the Indus Valley Civilization.

• Located on the Tropic of Cancer, on Khadir Bet Island in the Great Rann of Kutch within the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Built between two seasonal streams, Mansar in the north and Manhar in the south, covering an area of 47 hectares (120 acres).

• Initially believed to be occupied from around 2650 BCE to 1450 BCE, but recent research suggests occupation may have begun as early as 3500 BCE and continued until 1800 BCE.

• The city has faced repeated earthquakes, including a severe one around 2600 BCE.

Important One-liners

Q1. How many world heritage sites are there in India?
Ans. India has 43 world heritage sites as of 2024.

Q2. Which continent has the most world heritage sites?
Ans: Europe has the most world heritage sites.

Q3. Why should we preserve the world heritage sites?

Ans. World heritage sites are places of outstanding universal value to humanity. They represent our shared history and culture and are also some of the most beautiful and inspiring places on Earth. We should preserve world heritage sites for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Q4. How many world heritage sites are in Assam?
Ans. Assam has THREE world heritage sites.

• Kaziranga National Park
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
• Charaideo Moidams (43rd)

Q5. Which country has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites?
Ans. Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites, with 60.

Q6. How many world heritage sites are in Gujarat?
A6. Gujarat has four world heritage sites:

• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
• Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell)
• Historic City of Ahmedabad
• Dholavira- A Harappan City

Q7. Which state has the highest UNESCO world heritage sites in India?
Ans: Maharashtra has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, with six total.

• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
• Western Ghats.

Q8. How many world heritage sites are in Maharashtra?
Ans. Maharashtra has 6 world heritage sites.

Q9. Which specialized UNO agency lists world heritage sites?
Ans: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists world heritage sites.

Q10. How many UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Tamil Nadu has three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Great Living Chola Temples
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
• Western Ghats.

Q11. Which country has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia?
Ans: China has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia, totaling 59.

Q12. How many UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Karnataka?
Ans: Karnataka has Three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Hampi Group of Monuments
• Pattadakal Group of Monuments
• Western Ghats

Q13. How many world heritage sites are in Italy?
Ans: Italy has 60 world heritage sites.

Q14. How many world heritage sites are in Rajasthan?
Ans: Rajasthan has four world heritage sites.

• Amber Fort
• Jantar Mantar in Jaipur
• Keoladeo National Park
• City of Jaipur

FAQs

Official Source:

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre – World Heritage List

• Wikipedia of Individual UNESCO Sites

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