Famous Monuments in India

The World Heritage site is a site of international importance considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). UNESCO certifies them to have historical, cultural or other forms of importance. To be recognised as a World Heritage site, a place must be geographically and historically distinguishable and have peculiar cultural or physical significance. UNESCO started this in 1972 and came into existence in 1975 after being approved by 20 countries. It offers a structure for international cooperation in safeguarding and preserving cultural masterpieces like famous monuments and natural areas such as parks and zoos throughout the world. 

The Classification of World Heritage Sites

There are three classifications of World Heritage sites. They are cultural, natural and mixed. Out of the World Heritage sites in India, 32 are cultural, and 7 are natural. Cultural heritage sites include historic buildings, important archaeological sites, famous monuments and creative pieces of monumental sculpture or painting. Natural heritage sites are fully furnished habitation for rare or endangered species that are unique and have astonishing beauty, etc. Mixed heritage sites comprise both natural and cultural importance, and their ratio is roughly 3:1 on the world heritage list.

Recent Updates about UNESCO World Heritage Site in India

Dholavira and Ramappa temples were recently added to India’s UNESCO World Heritage list. 

• Dholavira, the Harappan city in the Rann of Kutch, was considered the 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site in India on 27th July 2021.
• Ramappa Temple (also known as Rudreshwara Temple) at Palampet, Warangal, Telangana, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site on 25th July 2021.

Benchmarks to be Considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site

To be included in the World Heritage list, the sites must be of excellent universal value and attain at least one of the following criteria:

• To exhibit a showpiece of human creative genius.
• To show a crucial interchange of human values.
• Has at least one exceptional testimony to cultural tradition.
• An amazing example of a type of building or architecture which explains important stages in human history.
• A perfect example of a traditional human settlement represents human interaction with the environment.
• An artistic and literary work of exceptional universal importance.
• Must possess superior natural phenomena or areas of wonderful natural beauty.
• Displays major stages of Earth’s history.
• Important ecological and biological phenomena.
• The major natural habitat for biodiversity.

List of 10 Must-Visit UNESCO Famous Monuments in India

Among the World Heritage sites in India, 32 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1 mixed (that has both cultural and natural characteristics). Here is a list of 10 must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in India:

1. Ajanta Caves: These are the popular Buddhist rock-cut caves embellished with paintings and Frescoes, i.e. Singriya paintings.
2. Ellora Caves: These are the temples and monasteries. There are 34 monasteries with rock-cut architecture.
3. Agra Fort is one of the popular Mughal monuments built in the 16th century by Shah Jahan and is also called the Red Fort of Agra. Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal are also part of this famous monument.
4. Taj Mahal: King Shahjahan built as a tribute to his third wife, Begum Mumtaz Mahal. This site is among the Seven Wonders of the World.
5. Sun Temple: King Narasimhadeva 1 constructed it in the 13th century. This temple is popular for its Kalinga style architecture.
6. Mahabalipuram Monuments: It is famous for rathas, mandapas, huge open-air reliefs, etc. This famous monument is built in Pallava dynasty architecture.
7. Keoladeo National Park: Previously, it was known as Bharatpur National Park. It is a glorious spot for Siberian Cranes and popular for the man-made Wetland bird sanctuary.
8. Monuments of Khajuraho: It is home to temples dedicated to Hindus and Jains built by Chandela Dynasty.
9. Monuments of Hampi: It describes the Dravidian style of architecture. Virupaksha Temple is the most famous monument on this site. It was the last capital of the Vijayanagar Empire.
10. Kaziranga National Park: It is in the Indian state of Assam. The park has the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, Ganges river dolphins, etc. 

Conclusion

World Heritage sites have an essential role in creating and increasing local economies by motivating tourism, and it has great importance in the travel and tourism sector. The heritage sites provide people with a sense of unity and belonging inside a group and let them better understand previous generations and the history of where they come from. So, it is crucial to preserve these World Heritage sites and visit to understand their significance.