UNESCO-World Heritage Sites in India

Component-I (A) Personal details: Tourism in India UNESCO-World Heritage Sites in India Prof. P. Bhaskar Reddy Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy Former Director, NITHM. Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy & G. Mahender Reddy NITHM, Hyderabad Prof. P Narayana Reddy REVA University, Bangalore. 1

Component-I (B) Description of module: Subject Name Paper Name Module Name/Title Indian Culture Tourism in India UNESCO-World Heritage Sites in India Module Id IC / TI / 23 Pre requisites Objectives Keywords E-Text (Quadrant-I): Introduction: World heritage sites, selection criteria, India, culture, nature To study what is world heritage site, its nomination and list of sites in India World heritage site, India, culture, nature In 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) began designating important sites around the globe as part of an effort to preserve the world s cultural and natural heritage. The current World Heritage list includes properties forming part of cultural and natural value which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. India has very rich cultural and natural heritage. This chapter examines the important world heritage sites in India. Learning outcomes This chapter provides an overview of world heritage sites. After reading this chapter you will be able to understand the following: What a World Heritage Site is Selection criteria for a place to be designated as a World Heritage Site World heritage sites in India 1.0 Introduction to World Heritage Sites A World Heritage Site is a place, it may be a cultural site like building, city, complex, monument or natural site like desert, forest, island, lake or mountain, that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as being of special cultural or physical significance. The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 UNESCO member states which are elected in the General Assembly. There are 1031 sites listed throughout the world, in which 802 are cultural, 197 are natural and 32 are mixed properties. According to the sites ranked by country, Italy is home to the greatest number of world heritage sites with 51 sites, followed by China (48), Spain (44), France (41), Germany (40), Mexico (33) and India (32). To include any site on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria, which are prescribed by UNESCO. The selection criteria are discussed in the following section. 2

Selection criteria Should represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; Should exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design; Has to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history; To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change; To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria); To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features; To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals; To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. 2.0 Categories of World Heritage Sites in India World Heritage Sites are part of heritage tourism. Tourism at world heritage sites can contribute to the socio-economic development of host communities and improve their well being, by promoting respect for, and commitment to the core cultural and ethical values of host communities. It can also contribute to the enrichment and safeguarding of the cultural identity of the destination promoting cross-cultural exchanges between visitors and the host community. The appreciation of heritage sites can help positively reaffirm the cultural identities of local populations, as tourism often provides the vital financial resources which allow these sites to be managed and conserved. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized 32 World Heritage Sites in India. These are places of importance of cultural and natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. India s first two sites inscribed on the list at the Seventh Session of the World Heritage held in 1983 were the Agra Fort and the Ajanta Caves. Over the years, 30 more sites have been inscribed, the latest being the Great Himalayan National Park in 2014. Out of the 32 sites, 25 are cultural sites and the other seven are natural sites. 3.0 Cultural Sites Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Agra Fort was begun by Akbar in 16th century till Aurangzeb s reign in 18th century. It represented Mughal opulence and 3

power as the centre piece of their empire. It was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, under category 3 as a cultural monument. Nearest International Airport is IGIA, New Delhi. Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves are situated in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India. There are 30 extraordinary rock-cut caves cut into the side of a cliff along Waghora river. The earliest and finest examples of Buddhist painting in India can be seen at the Ajanta Caves. The murals show scenes from the Buddha s life and from the Jataka Tales. It was declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Nearest Airport is Aurangabad. Ellora Caves: Ellora Caves are located 26 km far from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. These monuments are dating from AD 600 to 1000 are witness to three great religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism - characteristics of ancient India. The most popular and the finest of the Ellora group of rock-cut caves is the magnificent Kailasanatha Temple. Buddhist caves are from 1 to 12, Hindu caves are from 13 to 29 and Jain caves are from 30 to 34. Ellora caves were declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Nearest airport is Aurangabad airport Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi: These are group of Buddhist monuments dated between 200 BC and 100 BC located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa is the India s finest surviving Buddhist monument. The Stupa s main glory lies in its four stone Toranas and its hemispherical shape. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1989. Nearest International Airport is Bhopal. Churches and Convents of Goa: These are located in Old Goa or Velha Goa, a historical city in North Goa District, Goa, India. The churches were built by Portuguese and affiliated to various congregations, including the Se Cathedral, The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Church of S. Caetano and notably, The Basilica of Bom Jesus. All these monuments were inscribed by UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986 under 2, 4, 6 categories. Nearest international airport is Dabolim Airport. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: It is situated in Panchmahal district in Gujarat, India. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 as cultural site under 3, 4,5, 6 criteria. The park is studded with forts, palaces, tombs, temples with bastions starting from Pavagadh hill to Champaner city. Both Hindu and Islamic archtecture can be observed. Nearest international airport is Ahmedabad Airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Formerly Victoria Terminus): The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Formerly Victoria Terminus) is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The terminal was built over a period of 10 years starting in 1878 and this is one of the finest functional railway station buildings of the world and is used by more than three million people daily. This is the most impressive example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India. In 2004, it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Nearest international airport is C.S.I.A, Mumbai. Elephanta Caves: Elephanta Caves are located on an island off Mumbai s eastern shore (11 km). The 6th century AD Elephanta cave temples is chiseled into a rocky cliff and dedicated to lord Shiva. A UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1987, the Elephanta caves can be visited on a day trip by boat or ferry from Mumbai. Nearest international airport is C.S.I.A, Mumbai. Fatehpur Sikri: It was built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri (The City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire only for 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. In 1986 Fatehpur Sikri was listed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Nearest airport is Agra airport. Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram: This group of sanctuaries located in Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu, founded by the Pallava Kings, was carved out of rock along the 4

Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its Shore Temple, Rathas, Mandapas, giant open-air reliefs and the temple of Rivage with thousands of sculptures to the glory of lord Shiva. The spectacular Shore Temple, perched dramatically on a promontory by the sea, has survived the ravages of time and erosion. It was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984. Nearest International airport is Chennai airport. Group Monuments at Hampi: Hampi is situated on the south bank of the Thungabhadra river, Karnataka. Hampi was the capital of three generations of Hindu rulers for more than 200 years and the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. The group of monuments includes rich Dravidian Temples, Palaces etc., which won the admiration of travellers between 14th and 16th centuries. Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to the goddess Pampa and her consort Shiva, is dominated by a 50m big gopura. This is the principal place of worship in Hampi till date. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Nearest international airport is Bangalore airport. Great Living Chola Temples: The Great living Chola Temples are stretched all over South India and neighbouring islands. These were built by Kings of the Chola empire, but the most popular and finest are the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur marks the greatest achievement of the Chola architects. In 1987 these temples were inscribed in the list of UESCO World Heritage Sites and the extension was in 2004. Group of Monuments at Pattadkal: The sacred complex at Pattadakal is situated on the banks of the Malprabha River, Bijapur district, Karnataka. These monuments were built in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty with a blend of northern and southern Indian architecture. These are a series of nine Hindu temples and a Jain sanctuary. The neighbouring towns of Badami and Aihole were also important ancient settlements, however, Pattadkal with only a small resident population, was mainly used for royal festivities and coronation ceremonies. In 1987 these group of monuments were declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Nearest international airport is Bangalore airport. Humayun s Tomb: This is the Tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor located in Delhi, India. Built in 1565 and it was commissioned by Humayun s senior widow, Haji Begum. This is the first great example of a mughal garden tomb and also inspiration for several later monuments like Taj Mahal etc. In 1993 it was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearest international airport is IGIA, Delhi. Hill Forts of Rajasthan: Within the state of Rajasthan, six extensive and majestic hill forts together reflect the elaborate, fortified seats of power of Rajput states between 8th and 18th centuries. The extensive fortifications up to 20 km in circumference optimized various kinds of hilly terrain. The six forts are situated in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer. The forts use the natural defences offered by the landscape such as hills, deserts, rivers and dense forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures, largely still in use today. In 2013 UNESCO declared them as World Heritage Sites. Khajuraho Group of Monuments: Khajuraho Group of Monuments are Hindu and Jain temples located in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most of these temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. Of the 85 temples built, only 22 temples have survived. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1982 under the criteria 1 and 3. Nearest airport is Khajuraho airport. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya: It is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. The first temple was built by emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC around the Bodhi Tree. It is the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Mahabodhi Temple is constructed of brick and it is the oldest temple in the Indian sub- 5

continent built during the Golden Age of Indian culture credited to the Gupta period. In 2002 UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site under criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. Nearest airport is Gaya airport. Mountain Railways of India: Mountain railways of India are the six lines. Built during the nineteenth and early twentieth century of British colonial rule, these lines have been running since then. Today the Indian Railways runs them. While four of these six: the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Kalka Shimla Railway, the Kangra Valley Railway Pathankot, and the Kashmir Railway, are in the rugged hill regions of the Himalayas of Northern India, two are further down south in the Western Ghats: the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu, and the Matheran Hill Railway in Maharashtra. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Kalka Shimla Railway have collectively been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Qutb Minar and its Monuments: The Qutb complex is an array of monuments and buildings located at Delhi, India. The best-known structure in the complex is the Qutb Minar, built to honor the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. The Qutb Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, the construction was started in 1200 AD. The iron pillar is one of the world s foremost metallurgical curiosities. The pillar, 7.21-metre high and weighing more than six tonnes, was originally erected by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. In 1993, it was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Nearest airport is IGIA, Delhi. Rani-Ki-Vav (The Queen s Stepwell): Rani ki vav is an intricately constructed stepwell situated in Patan, Gujarat, India. It is located on the banks of the Saraswati River.It was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, it is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. In 2014 it was listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Nearest airport is Ahmedabad airport. Red Fort Complex: The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad the new capital of the fifth Mughal emperor of India, Shah Jahan. It was constructed in the 17th century and it is also known as Lal Qila because of its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone. It is situated on the banks of river Yamuna, Delhi. The Red Fort s innovative planning and architectural style, including the garden design, strongly influenced later buildings and gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and further afield. UNESCO declared the property as a World Heritage Site in 2007. Nearest airport is IGIA, Delhi. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka: The Bhimbetka rock shelters, located near to Bhopal were discovered only in 1957, comprise a group of five clusters of rock shelters with paintings that are inferred to date from the Mesolithic period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003 as a unique cultural property representing a convergence displayed in the art form between the people and the landscape with links to the hunting gathering economy of the past. Nearest airport is Bhopal airport. Sun Temple Konark: Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century Sun Temple located at Konark in Odisha, India. It is also known as the Black Pagoda, it is built in the form of the chariot of Surya with 24 wheels led by a team of six horses. The temple is one of the most renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site inscribed in 1984 as cultural property under categories 1, 3, 6. Nearest International Airport is Bhubaneswar airport. Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal, is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a mausoleum built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his third wife Begum Mumtaz Mahal who had died in 1631. It is a large edifice made in white marble in 6

typical Mughal architecture, this much acclaimed masterpiece was built over a 16-year period between 1631 and 1648. This monument is also situated on the banks of river Yamuna. The relief work in marble and inlay with precious and semi precious stones make it a monument apart. In 1983 it was inscribed in the World Heritage Site list by UNESCO. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur: The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century, by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. It is modelled after the one that he had built at the Mughal capital of Delhi. He had constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these and has a set of some 20 main fixed instruments built in masonry. It was inscribed as cultural property on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Nearest airport is Jaipur airport. 4.0 NATURAL SITES Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area: The Great Himalayan National Park is one of India's national parks, located in Kullu region, Himachal Pradesh, India. The park was established in 1984 at an altitude of between 1500 to 6000m. The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species. In June 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Kaziranga National Park: It is located in the heart of Assam. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears and thousands of birds. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 for its unique natural environment. Keoladeo National Park: Keoladeo National Park is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India. It was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 as a natural property. It is famous for 364 species of wintering birds that flock in large numbers, arriving from distant countries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. It is surrounded by 17 villages and Bharatpur city. This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park. Nearest airport is Agra airport. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary: Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a National Park, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam, India. Manas is famous for its population of the wild water buffalo and it is home to a great variety of wildlife, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, pygmy hog, Indian rhinoceros and Indian elephant. The name of the park is originated from the Manas River, which is named after the serpent goddess Manasa. The Manas river is a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through the heart of the national park. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 for its unique natural environment. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers: Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in Uttarakhand. It is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan monal pheasant and other high altitude birds. It was inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 with extension in 2005 under category 7 and 10. Nearest airport is Dehradun airport. Sundarbans National Park: The Sundarban National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve located in West Bengal, India. Located at the mouth of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers between India and Bangladesh, the world's largest mangrove forests and one of the most biologically productive of all natural ecosystems, is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World 7

Heritage list in 1987 as a natural property under category 9 and 10. Nearest airport is Kolkata airport. Western Ghats: The mountain range that runs almost parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula are called Western Ghats. These are located in Gujarat, Maharastra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala. The area is one of the world's ten "Hottest biodiversity hotspots". A total of thirty nine properties including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests were designated as world heritage sites by UNESCO in 2012. Tourism at world heritage sites in India is growing and it has vast potential for generating employment to the local people and earning large amount of foreign exchange and taxes to the government besides giving a fillip to the country s overall economic and social development. Income generated from the tourism is also used for the conservation of monuments. 5.0 Summary World heritage site may be a cultural site like building, city, complex, monument or a natural site like desert, forest, island, lake or mountain. India has cultural, natural and mixed properties. The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. To include any site on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria, which are prescribed by UNESCO. World Heritage Sites are part of heritage tourism. Tourism at these sites can contribute to the socio-economic development of host communities and improve their well being, by promoting respect for and commitment to the core cultural and ethical values of host communities. It can also contribute to the enrichment and safeguarding of the cultural identity of the destination promoting crosscultural exchanges between visitors and the host community. 8