Discover India's recent UNESCO World Heritage Site inclusions

In 2024, UNESCO added the 'Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty' in Assam to its World Heritage list, marking the 43rd site in India. Here's a list of the latest add-ons by UNESCO from India.

Over the last few years, India has made significant contributions to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting the country's rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage. These new additions not only celebrate the architectural and historical marvels of India but also emphasise the country’s ongoing commitment to preserving its unique legacy. Here’s a detailed look at the heritage sites added by UNESCO to India in recent years:

SANTINIKETAN (2023)

Founded by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1901, Santiniketan in West Bengal has emerged as a pivotal cultural and educational hub.

The vision behind this site was to create an educational institution that transcended traditional boundaries and embraced the unity of humanity. It features a residential school, an art centre, and an international university, fostering an environment of global cultural exchange.

Tagore’s concept was not just about academic education but also about nurturing a holistic learning experience, which is vividly reflected in the serene and artistically vibrant atmosphere of Santiniketan. The recognition by UNESCO underscores its unique contribution to the world in terms of promoting cultural synthesis and innovative education.

SACRED ENSEMBLES OF HOSALYAS (2023)

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, located in Karnataka, represent a remarkable period of temple construction during the 12th and 13th centuries under the Hoysala Empire.

The three main temples, the Channakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshvara temple in Halebidu, and the Keshava temple in Somanathapura, are distinguished by their intricate and elaborate stone carvings and sculptures.

Each temple is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture, characterised by its star-shaped platforms, lathe-turned pillars, and detailed ornamentation.

This architectural style is not only unique but also showcases the exceptional skills of the artisans of that era. The inclusion of these temples in the UNESCO list helps in preserving their artistic legacy and bringing global attention to the architectural grandeur of ancient India.

KAKATIYA RUDRESHWARA TEMPLE (2021)

The Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple in Telangana is a testament to the rich Kakatiyan architectural style and craftsmanship of the 13th century. Known for its 'floating bricks' and exquisite carvings, this temple reflects the artistic and technological advancement of the Kakatiya dynasty.

The temple is particularly famous for its richly decorated pillars, intricate sculptures, and the use of lightweight bricks that make the superstructure remarkably stable. This recognition by UNESCO serves as a platform to highlight the engineering marvel and the cultural significance of the Kakatiya era.

DHOLAVIRA: A HARAPPAN CITY (2021)

Dholavira, located in Gujarat, is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation. This ancient city provides crucial insights into the urban planning, water management systems, and social organisation of the Harappan people.

The site includes a well-planned city layout with a citadel, middle town, and lower town, each serving different social and administrative functions. The sophisticated water conservation system, with large reservoirs and intricate drainage systems, showcases the advanced engineering capabilities of the time.

UNESCO’s recognition of Dholavira underscores the global significance of this ancient civilisation and the need to protect and study its remnants for future generations.

JAIPUR CITY (2019)

Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and is renowned for its architectural splendour that reflects a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and Western styles.

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was meticulously planned with wide avenues, spacious gardens, and magnificent palaces. The city’s layout, based on ancient Indian Vastu Shastra principles, and its iconic pink-coloured buildings make it a unique urban landscape.

The recognition by UNESCO highlights Jaipur’s historical importance, architectural innovation, and its contribution to urban planning practices.

These recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage List highlight the incredible diversity of India’s cultural and architectural heritage.

They not only celebrate India’s past achievements but also inspire ongoing efforts to preserve and promote these invaluable assets for the benefit of future generations. Each site tells a story of innovation, creativity, and cultural synthesis, enriching the global heritage landscape.