On April 18, 1982, at a symposium organised by International Council on Monuments and Sites, the idea of celebrating the date as ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites’ was suggested. It was approved by UNESCO in 1983. It has since then been celebrated as World Heritage Day. Below we take a look at sites in India which are part of the World Heritage Sites:
Sun Temple, Konark
The Konark Sun Temple complex in Orissa is built in the form of gigantic chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls is dedicated to Sun. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya
Added to UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Mahabodhi Temple complex or Mahabodhi Vihar in Bodh Gaya, Bihar contains the descendant of the Bodhi Tree where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
Groups of Monuments at Hampi
Once the seat of Vijayanagara empire, Hampi is a temple town situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River. It was listed as ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi’ under the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Groups of Monuments in Pattadakal
Situated in a small village on the bank of Malaprabha river in Karnataka, the Pattadakal group of monuments comprise 10 temples built in the eighth and the seventh century. It was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site in 1987.
Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, MP
Discovered in 1818 the Buddhist monuments in Bhopal date between 200 and 100 BC. Owning to its unique cultural importance it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in January 1989.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Inscribed in World Heritage Site in 1986, the Khajuraho group of monuments are known mainly for its artistic magnificence than religious aspects. It is said that out of the 82 temples built, presently only 22 of them exist.
Great Living Chola Temples
These are the temples built during the Chola rule and include three 11th and 12th century temples, namely the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
Group of Monuments, Mahabalipuram
Included under the World Heritage Site in 1984 the group of monuments at Mahabalipuram are divided into four categories — Rathas, Mandapas (Cave Temples), Structural Temples and Rock Reliefs.
Churches and Convents of Goa
Taken under the World Heritage Site in 1986, the UNESCO called ‘Churches and Convents of Goa’ to a set of religious monuments in Old Goa (Goa Velha). The justification for inclusion of these monuments in the list is that these have been instrumental in spreading the Portuguese style. The group of churches and cathedrals built during 16th and 17th century comprise Se’ Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary, etc.
