UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF INDIA
INDIAN PROPERTIES INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST (37)
CULTURAL (29)
1. Agra Fort (1983)2. Ajanta Caves (1983)
3. Ellora Caves (1983)
4. Taj Mahal (1983)
5. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
6. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
7. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
8. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
9. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)10.Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) 11. Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004)
12.Elephanta Caves (1987)
13.Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
14.Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
15.Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
16.Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
17.Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
18.Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
19.Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
20.Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
21.Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
22.Red Fort Complex (2007)
23. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
24.Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
25.Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
26.The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
27.Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
28.Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
29.Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
NATURAL (7)
1. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
2. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
3. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
4. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005)
6. Western Ghats (2012)
7. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
MIXED (1)
1. Agra Fort (1983)
Situated quite close to the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is one of the most important monumental structures built by the Mughal empire. Though built in Mughal Era, during the time of Akbar, the Agra Fort is a fusion of Persian art of the Timurid and the Indian forms of architecture. This is so because the fort was originally a brick monument known as Badalgarh, held by Raja Badal Singh, a Hindu Shikarwar Rajput King. After the invasion, Sikander Lodi was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift to Agra and live in the fort. The Agra Fort includes a number of monuments like Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Muhamman Burie(an octagonal Tower), Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Am, Moti Masjid and Nagina Masjid
2. Taj Mahal (1983)
One of Seven Wonders of the World, White Marble Mughal Architecture, the Taj Mahal was build by emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal. It is located at the bank of river Jamuna in Agra. It was completed in 1653 with then estimated cost of 32 million Indian rupees which would today stand upto 58 billion Indian rupees. It is considered as the best example of Mughal architecture worldwide and is called the “Jewel of Muslim Art in India”. This is probably the monument that is most recognised the world over for its association with the heritage of India.
3. Ajanta Caves (1983)
Buddhist Rock-cut Cave Monuments, Richly Decorated Paintings and Frescoes similar to Sigiriya Paintings.One of the first World Heritage sites in India, the Ajanta caves date back to around 2nd century BCE to 650 CE and consist of the finest masterpieces of 31 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments, paintings and sculpture. The caves very built in two different phases. First of Satavahana Period under the patronage of Satvahana Dynasty (230BCE-220CE). Second, the caves of Vakataka Period under the reign of Emperor Harishena of Vakataka Dynasty. The style of Ajanta art and architecture has had a revolutionary impact on the way in Indian art and architecture has progressed all throughout history. Having mainly carvings and sculptures related to the life of Buddha, one can say that this marks the beginning of Indian Classical Art.
4. Ellora Caves (1983)
Buddhist, Jain and Hindu Temples and Monasteries, Caves Excavated out of Hills, Rock-cut Architecture.The Ellora Caves are an important World Heritage site in India and an archaeological site, ranging 29 kilometers Northwest of the city of Aurangabad. The Ellora Caves are well known for their Indian-rock cut architecture. There are about 34 rock cut temples and caves which can be dated to about 600 to 1000 AD, are important in terms of understanding the lives of the people living in these times. The presence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and sculptures portray the tolerance which was extended towards different faiths and beliefs in Ancient Indian History. Excavated site consists of Charanandri Hills, Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples, Viharas and Maths of 5thand 10th century.
5. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
The Pancha Rathas Temples, Ganesha Ratha, Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, Structural Temples including the Shore Temple and the Olakkannesvara Temple and the Descent of the Ganges. Largest Open Air Rock Relief, Chariot Temples, Mandapas, Pallava Dynasty Architecture. The Temples are situated in the town of Mahabalipuram which is approximately 58 kilometres from Chennai in the Coromandal Coast of Bay of Bengal. These temples were built under the reign of the Pallava rulers and the striking feature of these temples is the fact that they are all carved out of rock and an important in terms of ratha architecture in India. The group of monument includes 40 sanctuaries including largest open-air-bas-relief, eg, Ganga’s Descent. These World Heritage Sites in India, constitutes the art of Pallava Period with sites likes Pancha Rathas, Dharamaraja Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, etc. Also the Cave temples of Mahabalipuram which constitute more than half a dozen caves.
6. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
Black Pagoda, Chariot of the Sun, Kalinga Architecture, Included in Seven Wonders of India.Not very far from the popular beach town of Puri, the Sun Temple at Konark is a 13th-century temple situated in Konark, Odissha. It was built by king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in around AD 1250. The Sun temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with carved stone wheel, pillars and walls and is led by 6 enormously carved horses. It’s also considered to be one of the largest brahmin sanctuaries in India. The temple is originally said to be built at the mouth of river Chandrabhaga but the waterline receded since then. This World Heritage Site in India reflects the grandeur of the traditional style of Kalinga Architecture which was prevalent then.
7. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Northern part of Karnataka. It lies within the ruins of the ancient, prosperous kingdom of Vijayanagar. The ruins at Hampi are a collection of heritage sites depicting the fine Dravidian style of art and Architecture. The most important heritage monument in this site is the Virupaksha Temple, which continues to be a very important religious centre for the Hindus. There are several other monuments which are a part of this heritage site, Together, they’re collectively known as the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’. Some of the other known ones include the Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex, Pattabhirama temple complex, Lotus Mahal complex, several puras or bazaars surrounding the temple complex, and also living quarters and residential areas.
8. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
Includes:
Saint Catherine’s Chapel,
Church and Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi,
BasÃlica do Bom Jesus,Igreja de São Francisco de Assis,
Church of Saint Cajetan and its seminary,Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Church of Saint Augustine.
The 15th and 16th centuries mark the coming of the Portugese to India and they established themselves at Goa, along the Konkan coast in the South-western part of India. And the advent of the Portugese marks the introduction of Christianity in the Indian subcontinent. Hence, several churches and convents were built in Goa, as a way of evangelization. Due to their different, yet beautiful architectural forms, these churches have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Rome of the Orient, First Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque Art Forms in Asia, First Latin Rite Mass in Asia. Churches in Goa are examples of the development of architecture, sculpture and paintings by spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art throughout the countries of Asia where Catholic Missions were established. They were built by Portuguese colonial rulers in the region now known as Old Goa. The most famous among these monumnets is the Basilica do Bom Jesus which contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier. This place serves as an example of the diverse religious and cultural heritage of India
9. Fatehpur Sikri (1986) The name of the city itself denotes the victory (Fateh) of Akhbar over Chittor and Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri constitutes of four main Monuments.
ü The Jama Masjid,
ü The Buland Darwaza which is the greatest door of Asia made of a specific wood imported from Australia which would sink in water.
ü Panch Mahal or Jada Baai ka Mahal, which is also considered as the origin place of the Navaratnas (Birbal, Tansen etc).
ü Diwan-e-khas and Diwan-e-aam.
Interior to the Buland Darwaza lies the Tomb of Salim Chishti. All these Mughal buildings are a part of the World Heritage Sites in India.
10. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is an important UNESCO World Heritage site in India. Khajuraho is unique heritage site which is famous for a group of Hindu and Jain Temples situated 175 km south-east of Jhansi. They are well known for their Nagara style symbolism and erotic figures and sculptures. These sensuous stone carvings of human and animal form in erotic poses are very aesthetically portrayed and stand testimony to the rich cultural heritage of India. Most of these monuments were built between 950 to 1050 CE under the reign of the Chandella dynasty. It consists of total 85 Temples spread across an area of 20 square kilometres. The Kandariya temple is the most prominent of all of these temples in the Khajuraho complex.
11. Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004)
Includes:
ü Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur,- Rajaraja 1
ü Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholisvaram - Rajendera 1
ü Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram- Rajaraja II
Chola Architecture, Sculpture, Painting and Bronze Casting.
These temples were built in Southern Part of India during the rule of Chola empire. The Brihadisvara Temple, the Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple are the most important of all of these temples. The Brihadisvara temple was built under the reign of Rajaraja 1, and is a milestone when it comes to Chola architecture. The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was patronized by Rajendera 1 and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. And the the Airavatesvara temple was built during the time of Rajaraja II, and is aesthetically different from the other two. These temples stand testimony to the architectural splendour and beauty of Chola art, architecture and sculpture. These temples are living temples and the rituals and festivities which were observed by people thousands of years ago, are still held. Hence, these 3 temples reflect the ancient culture and heritage of the Tamilians and form an inseparable part of their ancient history.
12. Elephanta Caves (1987)
Hindu and Buddhist Caves, Caves on Island in Arabian Sea, Basal Rock Caves, Shiva Temples.
The Elephanta caves are located on an island in the Arabian City, not very far from the city of Mumbai. The chain of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island is also known as Gharapuri. There are numerous archaeological remains which offer us a glimpse into the rich. cultural past of Indian civilization. These caves are famous for their rock-cut sculptures and carvings depicting Shiva as the Creator and the Destroyer of the Universe. The most important of all the caves here is Cave 1, where one can see the Sadashiva at the entrance of the cave, which depicts 3 sides of Shiva: as the Creator, Preserves and Destroyer. The caves are carved in solid basalt rock and lie 10 kilometers east to the city of Mumbai.
