UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Updated World Heritage Sites List

Visakha Prashar October 23, 2024 06:30 30364 0

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India showcases the nation's rich cultural and natural heritage. From the iconic Taj Mahal to the recent addition of Moidams in Assam, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India here.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Updated World Heritage Sites List

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: Discover India’s cultural and natural wonders through its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each site tells a unique story of the nation’s history and architectural brilliance, from the iconic Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh to the ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. One must delve into the Mughal era at Agra Fort and Qutub Minar in Delhi, witnessing the grandeur of the past. The Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Shimla mountain railways showcase engineering feats in traversing the challenging Himalayan terrain.

Experience peace just by stepping into the realm of nature at the Western Ghats, teeming with biodiversity, and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, a sanctuary for migratory birds. Additionally, the recent addition of the Moidams of Choraideo in Assam, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty, further enriches India’s cultural tapestry (form of textile art). India’s World Heritage Sites, now totaling 43, paint a captivating picture of its past, present, and commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage for future generations. This article will discuss the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India for UPSC prelims 2024.

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What is UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding cultural, historical, or natural significance, recognized internationally by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are designated to be preserved for their universal value to humanity and are protected under international treaties.

Overview of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Criteria Description
Established by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Purpose To preserve sites of cultural, historical, or natural significance
Types of Sites Cultural, Natural, or Mixed
Cultural Sites Taj Mahal (India), Pyramids of Giza (Egypt), Acropolis (Greece)
Natural Sites Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Yellowstone National Park (USA)
First World Heritage Site Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
Total Number of Sites Over 1,100 across 167 countries

43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

For candidates preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, understanding the static GK related to World Heritage Sites can be crucial, as it reflects the collective endeavor to cherish our shared heritage. below mentioned is the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:  43

Cultural World Heritage Sites in India: 35 Natural World Heritage Sites in India: 7 Mixed World Heritage Sites in India: 1
  1. Agra Fort (1983)
  2. Ajanta Caves (1983)
  3. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
  4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
  5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
  6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
  7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
  8. Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
  9. Elephanta Caves (1987)
  10. Ellora Caves (1983)
  11. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
  12. Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
  13. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
  14. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
  15. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
  16. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
  17. Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
  18. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
  19. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
  20. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
  21. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
  22. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
  23. Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (2024)
  24. Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
  25. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
  26. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
  27. Red Fort Complex (2007)
  28. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
  29. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023)
  30. Santiniketan (2023)
  31. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
  32. Taj Mahal (1983)
  33. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
  34. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
  35. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
  1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
  2. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
  3. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
  4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
  5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
  6. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
  7. Western Ghats (2012)
  1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

  1. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
  2. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
  3. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
  4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
  5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
  6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Maharashtra
  7. Churches and Convents of Goa
  8. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
  9. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
  10. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
  11. Great Living Chola Temples (Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram), Tamil Nadu
  12. Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
  13. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
  14. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka
  15. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Sawai Madhopur Fort, Jhalawar Fort, Jaipur Fort, Jaisalmer Fort), Rajasthan
  16. Historic City of Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  17. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
  18. Jaipur City, Rajasthan
  19. Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
  20. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bihar
  21. Mountain Railways of India (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway)
  22. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
  23. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell), Gujarat
  24. Red Fort Complex, Delhi
  25. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
  26. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
  27. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
  28. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (Includes Complexe du Capitole in Chandigarh, India)
  29. The Jantar Mantar, Rajasthan
  30. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, Maharashtra
  31. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Himachal Pradesh
  32. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
  33. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
  34. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
  35. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand
  36. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
  37. Western Ghats (includes multiple states)
  38. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
  39. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
  40. Dholavira, Gujarat
  41. Shantiniketan: Cultural and educational hub founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal.
  42. Hoysala Temples: Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, the famed Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somananthpura in Karnataka
  43. Moidams of Assam: The moidams of Choraideo, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, have become the 43rd Indian site to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

India takes immense pride in its diverse heritage and continues to protect and preserve these remarkable sites for future generations to cherish and appreciate. Each UNESCO World Heritage Site in India holds unique historical, cultural, and natural significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of India’s identity and legacy.

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Significance

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India hold a position of utmost significance due to their unique cultural or physical importance, making them of exceptional value to humanity. Recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, these sites are emblematic of the global efforts to conserve and safeguard natural and cultural heritage. The Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972, serves as a testament to the commitment towards preserving these invaluable treasures.

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FAQs On UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Dholavira of Gujarat, the first site of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, is the latest addition to the list from India, as it was inscribed in July 2021.

As of 2023, India is proud to have 40 World Heritage Sites, consisting of 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed-criteria site.

India has an extensive list of more than 100 elements on the National ICH List, which aims to recognize the diverse cultural heritage embedded in its intangible practices. Additionally, 13 elements from India have already been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The prestigious title of the first World Heritage Site in India goes to Agra Fort, also known as "Laal Quila," located in Agra, India. UNESCO recognized its cultural significance in 1983. The fort is situated about 2.5 kilometers away from the iconic Taj Mahal.

The moidams of Choraideo, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, have become the 43rd Indian site to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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