UNESCO Heritage Sites In Maharashtra

Maharashtra is the most dominant state in India in terms of economy. Located in the southwest direction of the country, it has a robust connection with each part of India. Along with financial and global recognition, Maharashtra is also famous for its beautiful monuments that attract international and national tourists. The state’s UNESCO heritage sites are a large reason for the draw. These buildings connect the past and the present. Ellora Caves UNESCO heritage site in Maharashtra is one of the most prominent and popular locations. Maharashtra has five UNESCO heritage sites. 

UNESCO Heritage Sites In Maharashtra

There are 38 UNESCO heritage sites in India. They are listed based on their historical and cultural importance, and uniqueness. Maharashtra has five important heritage sites that reflect its rich history, culture, and unique monumental designs. Maharashtra holds a significant place in the UNESCO heritage site list- it has the highest number in India. 

Maharashtra’s heritage sites include beautiful geographical features, defining the history and culture of specific incidents and locations. The government of Maharashtra works with UNESCO for the upkeep and management of these heritage sites. This includes promoting tourism, maintaining the building, and reviewing and repairing specific damage. UNESCO analyses the condition of these heritage sites in Maharashtra annually. 

Let us discuss the important heritage sites in Maharashtra with their associate information and features:

• Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves is one of the most beautiful and prestigious locations listed in the UNESCO Heritage Site list. The caves, located in Aurangabad, are an alluring blend of culture, art and history. The Ellora Caves UNESCO heritage site in Maharashtra connects multi-religious beliefs, including Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. 

There are around 100 caves reflecting the artistic culture, religious sculpture, and rock arts related to specific religions in this location. More than thirty-four artistic monuments and sculptures define the history and religious beliefs of Jainism. 

• Elephanta Caves

Located on Elephanta Island, the Elephanta Caves are a great example of fine religious architecture. 

Elephanta Caves UNESCO heritage site in Maharashtra is a beautiful amalgam of Buddhist and Hindu art, culture, and sculpture. The Elephanta Caves were included in the UNESCO Heritage list in 1987, and after that, plenty of restoration activities have occurred here.

Many of the monuments and cultural engravings in the Elephanta caves have been revived by the Archaeological Survey of India, its primary caretaker. Along with the Ellora Caves UNESCO heritage sites in Maharashtra, Elephanta is also an important and popular heritage site. 

• Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are renowned as the most important examples of Buddhist art. Along with the Ellora Caves UNESCO heritage sites in Maharashtra, they form an essential complex that tourists enjoy visiting. The Ajanta Caves were included in the UNESCO list in 1983. 

The Ajanta Caves UNESCO heritage sites in Maharashtra are located in the Deccan Plateau, in Aurangabad and define significant historical events and beliefs related to Buddhism. This is done through the 30+ rock-cut monuments and inscriptions.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Resorted to its former glory after a terrorist attack, the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is another entry on the UNESCO heritage list. Unlike the Ellora Caves UNESCO heritage site in Maharashtra, this is a relatively new entry, added in 2004. Famous for its instantly recognisable architecture and splendid structure, the terminus is a significant part of Mumbai. 

• Western Ghats

Spread over 160,000 km, connecting several states and rising to an impressive elevation of over 8000 feet, the Western Ghats is a worthy entry into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It comprises thousands of varieties of flora and fauna, approximately 140 species and animals and nearly 500 varieties of birds. It was included in the UNESCO list of heritage in 2012 and is one of only eight biodiversity hotspots in the world. 

Conclusion

The article describes the significance and features of the UNESCO Heritage sites in Maharashtra. Including Ellora Caves UNESCO heritage sites in Maharashtra, all the entries in the list relate to the historical, religious, cultural, and geographical importance of connecting history to the present. All the five UNESCO heritage sites of Maharashtra are popular among tourists from across the world.