A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation as having particular cultural or physical significance that is of exceptional worth to humanity. Globally, UNESCO works to promote the preservation, recognition, and upkeep of natural and cultural heritage. India has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which attest to its rich cultural and historical heritage. These sites provide insight into the nation’s extensive history, showcasing everything from historic buildings and architectural marvels to pristine natural settings and wildlife sanctuaries.
The states with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites are listed below:
Maharashtra (five sites):
- Ellora Caves: This complex of 34 monasteries and temples is carved out of rock and is home to the well-known Kailasa Temple.
- Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves are Buddhist cave monuments carved out of rock that date back to the second century BCE. They depict the life of the Buddha and other Jataka stories.
- Elephanta Caves: Located on Elephanta Island, near Mumbai, these historic caves feature rock-cut temples primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai: This site comprises notable buildings such as the University of Mumbai and the Bombay High Court.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus): One of Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks, this station was built in 1887 and is still in use today.
Gujarat (four sites):
- Rani ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell): This beautifully constructed stepwell in Patan features over a thousand carvings of Hindu deities and mythological characters, dating back to the 11th century.
- Historic City of Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad was the first city in India to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: This site is both a pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO site. Situated atop Pavagadh Hill, it holds significant historical and religious importance.
- Dholavira: A Harappan City: Located in the Rann of Kutch, Dholavira is one of the most exquisitely preserved towns of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Rajasthan (four sites):
- Keoladeo National Park: This park is home to numerous bird species, including the endangered Siberian crane.
- Hill forts of Rajasthan: This site includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer.
- Jantar Mantar (Jaipur): Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory that features the largest stone sundial in the world.
- The city of Jaipur: It is noteworthy that Jaipur was planned using the principles of Vaastu Shastra.
Karnataka (three sites):
- Group of monuments at Pattadakal: Renowned for its stunning fusion of northern and southern temple styles, Pattadakal is famous for its Chalukyan architecture.
- Group of monuments at Hampi: During the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi served as its capital. The ruins of this magnificent capital city now include splendid palaces, historic temples and unique boulder-strewn landscapes.
- Sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas: The Hoysala Empire built some of South India’s most remarkable temples, including the Kesava Temple in Somanathapura, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu and the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur.
Uttar Pradesh (three sites):
- Agra Fort: Before the capital was moved to Delhi, this enormous red sandstone fort in Agra primarily served as the residence of the Mughal emperors. Aurangzeb, the son of Emperor Shah Jahan, famously imprisoned his father here.
- Taj Mahal: Among the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments globally. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Fatehpur Sikri: For a brief period, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughals, featuring remarkable architectural design.
.svg)
