UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: Holy Sites Edition

The 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention recognised a variety of cultural and natural sites all throughout the world. With the most recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, India now has 38 World Heritage Sites, putting it in sixth place globally! According to UNESCO, the country has 30 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site. UNESCO recognises World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage that have been nominated by nations that are parties to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which was created in 1972. Monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of structures, and places all fall under the category of cultural heritage (including archaeological sites). Natural heritage includes physical and biological formations, geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened animal and plant species), and natural locations that are significant for science, conservation, or natural beauty. On November 14, 1977, India ratified the treaty, allowing its sites to be added to the list.

Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE (year 1250) Sun temple on the coast in Puri district, Odisha, India, some 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Puri city. King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty is credited with the construction of the temple in 1250 CE. What remains of the temple complex, which is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, resembles a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with massive wheels and horses, all carved out of stone. Far of the temple, including the huge shikara tower over the sanctuary, which formerly rose much higher than the mandapa that remains, is now in ruins, having once stood over 200 feet (61 metres) tall. The surviving structures and features are famous for their complex artwork, iconography, and themes, which include sensual kama and mithuna scenarios. The Surya Devalaya, also known as the Surya Devalaya, is a prominent example of the Odisha or Kalinga architectural style. The reason for the Konark temple’s demolition is unknown, and it continues to be a matter of debate. The temple was sacked multiple times by Muslim troops between the 15th and 17th centuries, and theories range from natural damage to purposeful destruction of the building.

Great Living Chola Temples

A complex of Chola dynasty-era Hindu temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Great Living Chola Temples were constructed by kings of the Chola Empire, which spanned all of southern India and the surrounding islands. The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram are among the three great temples of the 11th and 12th centuries on the site. In 1035, Rajendra I constructed the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram. In contrast to the straight and harsh tower at Thanjavur, its 53-meter vimana (sanctum tower) features recessed corners and a lovely upward curving movement. At Darasuram, Rajaraja II built the Airavatesvara temple complex, which has a 24-meter vimana and a Shiva stone figure. The Chola’s magnificent achievements in building, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting are on display in the temples.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Sanchi is a Buddhist complex in Sanchi Town, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh, India, best known for its Great Stupa. It’s 46 kilometres (29 miles) north of Madhya Pradesh’s capital, Bhopal. Sanchi’s Great Stupa is an important monument of Indian architecture and one of India’s oldest stone constructions. [1] It was commissioned in the third century BCE by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great. The Buddha’s relics were protected by a basic hemispheric brick building. The relics were to be honoured and protected by the ‘chhatra,’ a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank. Ashoka, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a businessman from nearby Vidisha, was in charge of the stupa’s building at the time. Her birthplace and the location of her and Ashoka’s wedding were both in Sanchi. Four ornately carved toranas (ornamental entrances) were built in the first century BCE, as well as a railing that encircled the entire structure. Bricks were used to construct the Sanchi Stupa during the Mauryan era. Until the 11th century, the hybrid prospered. 

Conclusion

A World Heritage Site is a location that has been designated by UNESCO as having exceptional cultural or physical value. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee maintains the list of World Heritage Sites. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage that is of exceptional significance to people around the world. This is enshrined in UNESCO’s 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. India contains 38 world heritage sites, including 30 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site.