Gujarat and Tripura sites can now become part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites
India is a land of immense cultural significance. Our heritage sites have been a symbol of amazement and appreciation for centuries. What truly makes India unique is the culmination of different cultures and the presence of local cultures that have found a way to express themselves in the architecture of monuments. Every region and every state has a different nuance that they bring to the wonders of their creation. This can also be seen from the fact that India currently has 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What is World Heritage Site?
World Heritage Sites are declared by UNESCO and are landmarks with significant cultural, historical, scientific, or aesthetic beauty.
They are considered to be “of outstanding value to humanity.”
Out of the 40 sites in India, 32 are cultural properties, seven are Natural, and one is a mixed site.
The latest additions were made in the year 2021. The two sites of the Harappan city of Dholavira and Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple were added to the list.
What is the tentative list?
The State Parties must submit a list of monuments that they feel have cultural or natural heritage and should be a part of the World Heritage List. Before a site can be considered for the final nomination, it must be a part of the tentative list for one year. Once the nomination is done, it is sent to the World Heritage Centre.
How many sites does India have on the tentative list?
After the recent nomination of three more sites, we have 52 sites on the tentative list for now.
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The three spots that made to the tentative list are-
1. Sun Temple, Modhera and its adjoining monuments, Gujarat
Located on the banks of river Pushpavati, the temple is made with yellow sandstone. Built in the Maru-gurjara architectural style, they are a marvel. The temple is dedicated to Surya dev (The Sun God) and is a pride of Gujarat. The sculpture decoration and position of the temple against the Sun are an artistic mastery.
2. Vadnagar town, Gujarat
The town of Vadnaga is historically significant. The town has been a place of habitation for more than 2700 years and is riddled with layers of cultural and historical significance. The land use planning of the town, man-made water bodies that are still a part of the town, fortification, and more make it deserving to be a part of the list.
Our current Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also born in this town, where he started his association with politics.
3. Rock-cut Sculptures and Reliefs of the Unakoti, Unakoti Range, Tripura
The Rock-cut sculpture of Unakoti is a huge bas-relief in the state’s lush green forests and high cliffs. The site has multiple massive rock-cut images of Shiva, Ganga, Parvati, Ganesha and Uma-Maheshwar, and more. Miniature forms of Shiva’s heads can also be found carved on the rock surfaces. The use of natural landscape to complement and carve Hindu deities makes the site even more unique.
