Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Menhirs (standing stones) of Mudumal in Narayanpet, Telangana, added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list Mudumal located on the banks of the Krishna River, separating Telangana from Karnataka Known for its well-preserved menhir site Approximately 1,200 large vertical stones, dating back 3,000 years The stones map ancient skies, revealing dates and positions of constellations (Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, Taurus, etc.) Six sites added to India's tentative list by UNESCO's World Heritage Centre Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana Palace-fortresses of the Bundelas in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (multiple states) Chausath Yogini temples (multiple states) Gupta temples in North India (multiple states) As of December 2024, there are 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India with the recent inclusion of “Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty from Assam. UNESCO World Heritage List The UNESCO World Heritage List includes cultural, natural, and mixed sites of outstanding global value. Established under the 1972 UNESCO Convention for the protection of cultural and natural heritage. Managed by the World Heritage Committee under UNESCO. Types of World Heritage Sites Cultural Sites – Monuments, archaeological sites, historic buildings. Example: Taj Mahal (India), Machu Picchu (Peru). Natural Sites – Ecosystems, biodiversity hotspots, landscapes. Example: Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Kaziranga National Park (India). Mixed Sites – Combination of cultural and natural significance. Example: Khangchendzonga National Park (India), Machu Picchu (Peru). World Heritage Sites in India Total Sites: 43 (as of 2024). Cultural: 35 (e.g., Ajanta Caves, Jaipur City). Natural: 7 (e.g., Sundarbans National Park, Western Ghats). Mixed: 1 (Khangchendzonga National Park). Recent Additions (2023-24): Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka). Santiniketan (West Bengal). Moidams (Assam) A site must meet at least one of the following 10 criteria to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Cultural Criteria Masterpiece of Human Creativity – Represents an outstanding work of human creative genius. Example: Taj Mahal (India). Interchange of Human Values – Shows cultural exchanges in architecture, technology, arts, town planning, or landscape design. Example: Qutub Minar (India). Cultural Tradition or Civilization – Bears unique testimony to a living or past civilization. Example: Hampi (India). Architectural or Technological Evolution – Outstanding example of a building, architectural ensemble, or landscape illustrating a significant stage in history. Example: Great Wall of China. Traditional Human Settlement or Land-Use – Represents human interaction with the environment, especially vulnerable to irreversible changes. Example: Jaipur City (India). Association with Historic Events, Ideas, or Traditions – Linked with important traditions, beliefs, or artistic/literary works. Example: Santiniketan (India). Natural Criteria Superlative Natural Beauty – Contains extraordinary natural phenomena or areas of exceptional beauty. Example: Sundarbans National Park (India). Major Stages of Earth’s History – Represents significant geological or landform developments. Example: Grand Canyon (USA). Ongoing Ecological & Biological Processes – Outstanding examples of ecosystems and evolution of life. Example: Western Ghats (India). Important Natural Habitats for Biodiversity – Crucial for in-situ conservation of species, including endangered ones. Example: Kaziranga National Park (India). Significance Boosts tourism & economy. Preserves cultural & natural heritage. Enhances global recognition of India’s heritage.

Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

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