Six Sites in Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Gwalior Fort

• It is known as the ‘Gibraltar of India’.
• Location: A mountain named ‘Gopachal’ (Gop + Achal = Gop Parvat) Gwalior city, Madhya Pradesh.
• Built By: Suraj Sen of Tomar Dynasty from 525 CE
• Fort Architectural Style : The fort showcases a unique amalgam of  Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu style of architecture.
• Famous Monuments & Artifacts located in Fort : 
  • Chaturbhuj temple: Zero (0) is carved on the wall of the temple (which is the second oldest known example of the writing of zero).
  • Sas Bahu (Sahastrabahu) Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu built by King Mahipal of the Kachhapaghat dynasty of Gwalior in 1092-93 CE
  • Teli ka Mandir (Dravidian style architecture) : Built by the Pratihara King Mihira Bhoja.
  • Gurudwara ‘Data Bandi Chhor’: where 6th Sikh Guru Hargobind Sahib was arrested and held captive by Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
  • Siddhachal Jain Temple Caves were built in the 7th to 15th century. There are eleven Jain temples inside Gwalior fort dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras.
  • Famous Mahal & Palaces: Gujari Mahal, Man Mandir 
  • Impressive Ramparts and Gateways 

The Historic Ensembles of Dhamnar

• Location : Dhamnar caves are situated near Dhamnar village of Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Built in: the 5th-7th century CE.
• Historical Accounts: Explored by James Tod in 1821, James Furgusson in 1845, and Alexander Cunningham in 1864-65. 
• Expansion : 
  • Spread across 5.2 hectares, they comprise 51 caves ( 14 larger caves and 37 smaller caves) carved into a laterite hill. 
  • Two main groups exist: Series of Buddhist caves and the Hindu temple complex known as the Dharmrajeshwar temple.
• Cave Characteristics: 
  • Bari Kacheri (large courtyard) and Bhima Bazaar are outstanding caves. 
    • The Bari Kacheri cave is 20 feet square and consists of a stupa and chaitya. 
    • The verandah consists of a stone railing with wooden architraves.
  • The caves vary in size and function, with dwellings, halls, stupas, and statues of Buddha.
  • This place has huge statues of Gautam Buddha sitting and in Nirvana posture.
  • Other Notable features include large doorways, window elements.
• Temple Complex: Located 170 feet north of cave number 12,include a large hall, pillars resembling wood, and a stupa in the rear. 
• Outstanding Universal Value: 
  • Remarkable workmanship : Constructed between the 5th-7th century CE, the caves demonstrate remarkable workmanship. 
  • Symbolizing tolerance : They showcase elements of Buddhist and Hindu architecture, symbolizing tolerance. 
• Comparable with other similar Sites: Ellora, Bhimbetka, Lalibela of Ethiopia, Rangiri Dambulla of Sri Lanka , and Yungang grottoes of China. 

The Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur

• It is known as Somnath of the East, named after the Paramara King Bhoj 
  • (Raja Bhoj was known for his architectural treatise, Samaranganasutradhara.
  • Paramara Dynasty: Ruled the Malwa region and adjacent areas during the 9th -14th century. )
• Located: On the banks of Betwa River in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh
• Built by: Raja Bhoj on a hill between : 1010-1053 AD.
• Temple dedicated to : Lord Shiva
• About Temple Architecture:
  • Bhumija Style of Temple (influenced by Dravida style, they have towering shikharas and ornate carvings)
  • Massive lingam : The most notable feature of the temple is its massive lingam, measuring approximately 2.3 meters in height and 5.4m in circumference that sits on a square pedestal approx. 8m high.
  • Features :
    • Exemplifies exceptional architectural creativity and grandeur, reflecting Paramara dynasty’s engineering prowess. 
    • Providing insights into socio-cultural and religious practices of ancient India. 
  • Comparison with Similar Properties: 
    • Resembles Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur in scale and grandeur.

Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley (Serial Nomination)

• It is categorized on the basis of Serial Nomination by UNESCO that means it extends to boundaries of two or more states parties.
  • Therefore, many rock art sites are expanded in 9 clusters of various districts of Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan.
• Historical Background and Geographical Features: 
• • The Chambal River originates from the Malwa trap zone, with tributaries flowing from the Aravali and Vindhya hills. 
  • The Basin covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, featuring diverse geology and geomorphological conditions. 
• Archaeological Significance: 
  • The Basin has yielded evidence from the Middle Pleistocene period onwards. Rock art themes depict scenes from various historical periods, including the Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Historical periods.
•  Features of Chambal Valley Rock Arts : 
  • Civilizational Testimony: The Chambal Valley region spans civilizations from the Palaeolithic to the Early Historical period. 
  • Evolution of Rock Art Themes: Rock art themes in the region evolve over time, reflecting shifts in societal structures, economic activities, and religious beliefs
  • Continuity in Traditional Practices: Modern semi-nomadic pastoral communities continue traditional practices depicted in the rock art of the Basin. 
  • Threats to Rock Art Sites: Human-related activities, such as quarrying and deforestation, pose significant threats to the preservation of rock art sites in the Chambal Valley region.
• Comparison with Similar Properties: 
  • Similar UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Gobustan and Bhimbetka rock shelters, share criteria related to the archaeological significance of rock art. 
  • Other designated sites like Tadrart Acacus, Kondoa Rock-Art Sites, and the Ḥimā Cultural Area highlight diverse rock art traditions worldwide.

Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur 

• Underground water management system : One of its kind water supply system Khooni or Kundi Bhandara
• Situated in: Burhanpur, which was constructed 407 years ago and is still operational and useful for the local people. 
• Built in: 1615 by Abdul Rahim Khankhana, the ruler of Burhanpur.
• Purpose and Construction: The system was constructed to address water scarcity faced by the growing settlement of Burhanpur due to its strategic importance during Mughal rule. 
• Technological Innovation: Inspired by Persian qanat systems, the Khooni Bhandara utilized sophisticated engineering to capture groundwater from nearby Satpura hills and store it in underground conduits and reservoirs.

The Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla

• Gondwana, historically home to the Gond tribe, encompassed parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. 
• Major kingdoms like Garha-Mandla, reigning from 1300 AD to 1789 AD, emerged within Gondwana, blending Gond culture with political governance.
• Gond Memorial, Mandla, Ramnagar Ramnagar in Mandla district used to be the stronghold of Gond kings.

Architectural Complexes: 

• Notable monuments built by Gond ruler Hirday Shah:  include Moti Mahal, Raibhagat ki Kothi, Vishnu Mandir, Begum Mahal, and Dalbadal Mahal. 
  • Moti Mahal: Built-In 1667 by Gond king Hriday Shah, situated on the Narmada river bank, showcases Mughal and Rajput architectural influences, with a central courtyard, arched colonnades, and elaborate drainage systems. 
    • The five-storeyed palace testifies to the willpower of the king despite limited resources and technology. Over time, two floors have been buried underground but three floors are still visible.