World Heritage Sites | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

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s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
 
World Heritage Sites In India - Exploring the Cultural and Natural Treasures 
Introduction 
India, a land of rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, is home to numerous 
World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. These sites are of immense 
significance, both culturally and physically, and are meticulously maintained 
under the international 'World Heritage Programme'. Administered by the 
UNESCO World Heritage Committee, this program aims to identify, protect, and 
preserve the outstanding cultural and natural heritage around the world. India, 
Page 2


s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
 
World Heritage Sites In India - Exploring the Cultural and Natural Treasures 
Introduction 
India, a land of rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, is home to numerous 
World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. These sites are of immense 
significance, both culturally and physically, and are meticulously maintained 
under the international 'World Heritage Programme'. Administered by the 
UNESCO World Heritage Committee, this program aims to identify, protect, and 
preserve the outstanding cultural and natural heritage around the world. India, 
s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
with its diverse history and breathtaking landscapes, boasts a total of 40 World 
Heritage Sites as of June 2022, comprising 32 Cultural properties, 7 Natural 
properties, and 1 mixed site. 
The Selection Process 
? The selection of a site as a World Heritage Site is a rigorous process. It 
begins with the nomination of the site by the respective government of a 
country, emphasizing its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for World 
Heritage nomination. To determine the OUV, there are ten enlisted criteria 
that the proposed nomination must satisfy at least one of. These criteria 
include representing human creative genius, showcasing important cultural 
traditions or civilizations, being an outstanding example of human history, 
or exhibiting exceptional natural phenomena or areas of beauty. 
? The Nomination File is then evaluated by the International Council on 
Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union. Based on their 
recommendations, the World Heritage Committee meets annually to 
decide whether to inscribe each nominated property on the World Heritage 
List. Sometimes, further information may be requested from the 
nominating country before a final decision is made 
Legal Status of Designated Sites 
Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site grants legal protection to culturally 
sensitive sites. These sites are safeguarded under international law, including the 
Geneva Convention, which prohibits acts of hostility towards historic monuments, 
works of art, or places of worship. This protection ensures the preservation of 
these sites and their invaluable cultural and spiritual heritage. 
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India 
India takes great pride in its diverse range of World Heritage Sites, encompassing 
both natural and cultural wonders. Here are some notable examples: 
 
 
Page 3


s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
 
World Heritage Sites In India - Exploring the Cultural and Natural Treasures 
Introduction 
India, a land of rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, is home to numerous 
World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. These sites are of immense 
significance, both culturally and physically, and are meticulously maintained 
under the international 'World Heritage Programme'. Administered by the 
UNESCO World Heritage Committee, this program aims to identify, protect, and 
preserve the outstanding cultural and natural heritage around the world. India, 
s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
with its diverse history and breathtaking landscapes, boasts a total of 40 World 
Heritage Sites as of June 2022, comprising 32 Cultural properties, 7 Natural 
properties, and 1 mixed site. 
The Selection Process 
? The selection of a site as a World Heritage Site is a rigorous process. It 
begins with the nomination of the site by the respective government of a 
country, emphasizing its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for World 
Heritage nomination. To determine the OUV, there are ten enlisted criteria 
that the proposed nomination must satisfy at least one of. These criteria 
include representing human creative genius, showcasing important cultural 
traditions or civilizations, being an outstanding example of human history, 
or exhibiting exceptional natural phenomena or areas of beauty. 
? The Nomination File is then evaluated by the International Council on 
Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union. Based on their 
recommendations, the World Heritage Committee meets annually to 
decide whether to inscribe each nominated property on the World Heritage 
List. Sometimes, further information may be requested from the 
nominating country before a final decision is made 
Legal Status of Designated Sites 
Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site grants legal protection to culturally 
sensitive sites. These sites are safeguarded under international law, including the 
Geneva Convention, which prohibits acts of hostility towards historic monuments, 
works of art, or places of worship. This protection ensures the preservation of 
these sites and their invaluable cultural and spiritual heritage. 
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India 
India takes great pride in its diverse range of World Heritage Sites, encompassing 
both natural and cultural wonders. Here are some notable examples: 
 
 
s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
1. Natural World Heritage Sites in India 
Site Name State Year of 
Notification 
Kaziranga National Park Assam 1985 
Keoladeo Ghana National Park Rajasthan 1985 
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Assam 1985 
Nanda Devi National Park and 
Valley of Flowers 
Uttarakhand 1988 
Sundarbans National Park West Bengal 1987 
Western Ghats Maharashtra, Goa, 
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and 
Kerala 
2012 
Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh 2014 
 
2. Cultural World Heritage Sites in India 
Site Name State Year of Notification 
Red Fort Complex Delhi 2007 
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park Gujarat 2004 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Maharashtra 2004 
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka Madhya Pradesh 2003 
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh 
Gaya 
Bihar 2002 
Mountain Railways of India Tamil Nadu 1999 
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi Delhi 1993 
Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi Delhi 1993 
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi Madhya Pradesh 1989 
Churches and Convents of Goa Goa 1986 
Group of Monuments at Hampi Karnataka 1986 
Fatehpur Sikri Uttar Pradesh 1986 
Ajanta Caves Maharashtra 1983 
Ellora Caves Maharashtra 1983 
Elephanta Caves Maharashtra 1987 
Page 4


s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
 
World Heritage Sites In India - Exploring the Cultural and Natural Treasures 
Introduction 
India, a land of rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, is home to numerous 
World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. These sites are of immense 
significance, both culturally and physically, and are meticulously maintained 
under the international 'World Heritage Programme'. Administered by the 
UNESCO World Heritage Committee, this program aims to identify, protect, and 
preserve the outstanding cultural and natural heritage around the world. India, 
s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
with its diverse history and breathtaking landscapes, boasts a total of 40 World 
Heritage Sites as of June 2022, comprising 32 Cultural properties, 7 Natural 
properties, and 1 mixed site. 
The Selection Process 
? The selection of a site as a World Heritage Site is a rigorous process. It 
begins with the nomination of the site by the respective government of a 
country, emphasizing its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for World 
Heritage nomination. To determine the OUV, there are ten enlisted criteria 
that the proposed nomination must satisfy at least one of. These criteria 
include representing human creative genius, showcasing important cultural 
traditions or civilizations, being an outstanding example of human history, 
or exhibiting exceptional natural phenomena or areas of beauty. 
? The Nomination File is then evaluated by the International Council on 
Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union. Based on their 
recommendations, the World Heritage Committee meets annually to 
decide whether to inscribe each nominated property on the World Heritage 
List. Sometimes, further information may be requested from the 
nominating country before a final decision is made 
Legal Status of Designated Sites 
Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site grants legal protection to culturally 
sensitive sites. These sites are safeguarded under international law, including the 
Geneva Convention, which prohibits acts of hostility towards historic monuments, 
works of art, or places of worship. This protection ensures the preservation of 
these sites and their invaluable cultural and spiritual heritage. 
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India 
India takes great pride in its diverse range of World Heritage Sites, encompassing 
both natural and cultural wonders. Here are some notable examples: 
 
 
s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
1. Natural World Heritage Sites in India 
Site Name State Year of 
Notification 
Kaziranga National Park Assam 1985 
Keoladeo Ghana National Park Rajasthan 1985 
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Assam 1985 
Nanda Devi National Park and 
Valley of Flowers 
Uttarakhand 1988 
Sundarbans National Park West Bengal 1987 
Western Ghats Maharashtra, Goa, 
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and 
Kerala 
2012 
Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh 2014 
 
2. Cultural World Heritage Sites in India 
Site Name State Year of Notification 
Red Fort Complex Delhi 2007 
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park Gujarat 2004 
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Maharashtra 2004 
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka Madhya Pradesh 2003 
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh 
Gaya 
Bihar 2002 
Mountain Railways of India Tamil Nadu 1999 
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi Delhi 1993 
Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi Delhi 1993 
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi Madhya Pradesh 1989 
Churches and Convents of Goa Goa 1986 
Group of Monuments at Hampi Karnataka 1986 
Fatehpur Sikri Uttar Pradesh 1986 
Ajanta Caves Maharashtra 1983 
Ellora Caves Maharashtra 1983 
Elephanta Caves Maharashtra 1987 
s e t i S e g a t i r e H d l r o W  
 
 
Sun Temple, Konark Odisha 1984 
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka 1987 
Khajuraho Group of Monuments Madhya Pradesh 1986 
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu 1984 
Great Living Chola Temples Tamil Nadu 1987 
Historic City of Ahmedabad Gujarat 2017 
Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen's Stepwell) Gujarat 2014 
Hill Forts of Rajasthan Rajasthan 2013 
Chettinad Tamil Nadu 2014 
 
Conclusion 
Visiting these World Heritage Sites in India offers a wonderful opportunity to 
explore the country's cultural treasures and witness the architectural brilliance of 
bygone eras. Whether you're interested in ancient temples, Mughal architecture, 
or colonial heritage, India's World Heritage Sites have something to offer for 
every history and culture enthusiast.