World Heritage Site of India.

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Notes by Rajesh Nayak
In 1972, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted a resolution with overwhelming enthusiasm creating
thereby a 'Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage'. The main objectives were
to define the World Heritage in both cultural and natural aspects; to enlist Sites and Monuments from the member
countries which are of exceptional interest and universal value, the protection of which is the concern of all mankind;
and to promote co-operation among all Nations and people to contribute for the protection of these universal treasures
intact for future generations.
The List of recorded sites on the World Heritage now stands at 981 which include both cultural and natural
wonders, and endowment that is shared by all mankind and the protection of which is the concern of the entire
mankind. These include 759 cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed properties in 137 state parties. India is an active
member State on the World Heritage from 1977 and has been working in close co-operation with other International
agencies like ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), IUCN (International Union for the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) and ICCROM (International Centre for the study of Preservation and
Restoration of Cultural Property).
There are 32 World Heritage Properties in India out of which 25 are Cultural Properties and 7 are Natural
Properties.
NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES LIST
Purpose and Criteria for recognition by the Ministry of Culture, India
I. Preamble
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India proposes to provide recognition to exceptional cultural heritage sites of
National Significance within India through a well-defined process of identification, selection, nomination and
inscription on the List called the National Cultural Heritage Sites List, henceforththeList.
The National Cultural Heritage Sites List will be a distinct recognition given to exceptional national cultural built
assets, different from other listings such as the World Heritage List, UNESCOs Tentative List, List of monuments
under the Archeological Survey of India and listing under the National Mission of Monuments and Antiquities.
Advantage of preparing the List will be as follows:
a) Sites on this List will immediately be recognized for outstanding contribution to the National Culture that includes
History, Science/ Technology, Anthropology, Landscape, Art, and Architecture.
b) Sites on this List can aim to be proposed on the Tentative List and subsequently on the World Heritage List if they
have potential for recognition of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and, if they can qualify the benchmarks for Site
Management as per UNESCOs World Heritage Operational Guidelines, 2013.
c) Once these properties qualify to the next level, i.e., Tentative List for World Heritage, they will be removed from the
National List.
d) The listing under NMMA is a record of all heritage properties in the nation hence it will always retain the entire list
of heritage sites including the ones on National List (in whole or parts as per definition for Built Heritage under
NMMA).
Since the recognition of National Cultural Heritage Sites is based on the Outstanding National Value which is not
defined in any of the existing acts such as AMASRA or even the Operational Guidelines for World Heritage; an
adapted version of the definition from the World Heritage OG is used here to define the cultural heritage sites and their
outstanding national value.
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Cultural Properties
1. Agra Fort
Date of Inscription: 1983, Uttar Pradesh
Red sandstone encompasses, The imperial city of the Mughal rulers.
Humayun, son of the founder of the Mogul Empire, was offered jewellery and precious stones by the
family of the Raja of Gwalior, one of them the famous Koh-i-Noor. The heyday of Agra came with the
reign of Humayun's son, Akbar the Great. During his reign, the main part of the Agra Fort was built.
The Red Fort of Agra is a powerful fortress founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) on
the right bank of the Yamuna
Like the Delhi Fort, that of Agra is one of the most obvious symbols of the Mogul grandeur which
asserted itself under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
The wall has two gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. The original and grandest entrance
was through the Delhi Gate, which leads to the inner portal called the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. But
now the entrance to the fort is only through the Amar Singh Gate.
The Khas Mahal, the Shish Mahal, the octagonal tower of Muhammam Burj, as well as reception
rooms: Diwan-i-Khas, built in 1637 and the many pillared Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience),
constructed in 1628, under the reign of the luxury-loving Shah Jahan (1630-55). Within the palatial
complex, there are two very beautiful mosques of white marble, the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque,
constructed in 1646-53 by Shah Jahan and the Nagina Masjid built under the reign of Aurangzeb
(1658-1707).
All of these monuments mark the apogee of an Indo-Muslim art strongly marked by influences from
Persia which already manifested itself in Timurid art.
Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort,
from which he had a view of the building erected for his deceased wife.
Sikandar Lodi (1487-1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift his capital from Delhi to Agra, His son
Ibrahim Lodi held the fort for 9 years until he was defeated and killed in the battle of Panipat in 1526.
Several palaces, wells and a mosque were built in the fort during the Lodi period.
Abul Fazl, a court historian of Akbar, records that 5000 buildings were built here beautifully in
Bengali and Gujarati style. Shah Jahan is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a tower with a
beautiful marble balcony.
Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the
Red Fort of Agra.
It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah
Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
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2. The Ajanta Caves:
Date of Inscription: 1983, Aurangabad district of Maharashtra

Rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650
CE
Include paintings and sculptures "the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly
painting" which are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, with figures of the Buddha and
depictions of the Jataka tales.
Built in two phases 2nd century BCE, with the second group of caves built around 400650.
The Ajanta caves are cut into the side of a cliff that is on the south side of a U-shaped gorge on
the small river Waghora River.
Rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer on a hunting party, There are Buddhist monastic
buildings, apparently representing a number of distinct "monasteries" or colleges
The caves form the largest corpus of early Indian wall-painting though they are related to 5thcentury paintings at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, although the Ajanta tradition can be related to the later
Hindu Ellora Caves.
Was divided into several different caves for living, education and worship, under a central
direction.
The 7th-century travelling Chinese scholar Xuanzang informs us that Dignaga, a celebrated
Buddhist philosopher and controversialist, author of well-known books on logic, lived at Ajanta
in the 5th century.
Made during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE, probably under the patronage of the Satavahana
dynasty (230 BCE c. 220 CE) who ruled the region.
The caves are numbered 1 to 28 according to their place along the path, beginning at the entrance.
Several are unfinished and some barely begun and others are small shrines, included in the
traditional numbering as e.g. "9A"; "Cave 15A" was still hidden under rubble when the
numbering was done.
The earliest group of caves consists of caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A (caves 9 and 10 are stupa halls
of chaitya-griha form, and caves 12, 13, and 15A are vihras)
The first phase is still often called the Hinayna phase, as it originated when, using traditional
terminology, the Hinayna or Lesser Vehicle tradition of Buddhism was dominant, when the
Buddha was revered symbolically, equally the caves of the second period are now mostly dated
too early to be properly called Mahayana or Greater Vehicle phase.
The second phase began in the 5th century.460 to 480 CE, during the reign of
Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty.
On 28 April 1819, a British officer for the Madras Presidency, John Smith, of the 28th Cavalry,
while hunting tiger, accidentally discovered the entrance to Cave No. 10 deep within the tangled
undergrowth. There were local people already using the caves for prayers with a small fire, when
he arrived. Captain Smith vandalized the wall by scratching his name and the date, April 1819,
over the body of a bodhisattva.
In 1848 the Royal Asiatic Society established the "Bombay Cave Temple Commission" to clear,
tidy and record the most important rock-cut sites in the Bombay Presidency, with John Wilson, as
president. In 1861 this became the nucleus of the new Archaeological Survey of India
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The Ajanta site was in the territory of the princely state of the Nizam of Hyderabad rather
than British India, and Ghulam Yazdani (1885-1962), who founded the archaeology department
of the State of Hyderabad in 1914 and ran it for over 30 years, played a considerable role in
conserving and researching the site, and publishing a series of monographs on it
Paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani on either side of the Buddha.
Mural paintings survive from both the earlier and later groups of caves. Several fragments of
murals preserved from the earlier caves (Caves 9 and 11) are effectively unique survivals of
court-led painting in India from this period, and "show that by Stavhana times, that painting
was widely practiced and appreciated in the courts of the Gupta period.
In 1846, Major Robert Gill, an Army officer from Madras Presidency and a painter, was
appointed by the Royal Asiatic Society through the offices of James Fergusson to make copies of
the frescoes on the cave walls, which were increasingly subject to damage by visitors.
In 1872 when the Bombay Presidency commissioned John Griffiths, then principal of the Bombay
School of Art, to work with his students to make new copies, again for shipping to England. They
worked on this for thirteen years and some 300 canvases were produced, many of which were
displayed at the Imperial Institute on Exhibition Road in London, one of the forerunners of
the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Further set of copies were made between 1909 and 1911 by Christiana Herringham (Lady
Herringham) and a group of students from the Calcutta School of Art that included the future
Indian Modernist painter Nandalal Bose. The copies were published in full colour as the first
publication of London's fledgling India Society.
A final attempt to make copies of the murals was made by the Japanese artist Arai Kamp who
encountered them after being invited by Rabindranath Tagore to India to teach Japanese painting
techniques.
The majority of the caves are vihara halls for prayer and living.
In the pre-Christian era, the Buddha was represented symbolically, in the form of the stupa. Thus,
halls were made with stupas to venerate the Buddha. In later periods the images of the Buddha
started to be made in coins, relic caskets, relief or loose sculptural forms.
Buddha's human representations are found at Buddhist archaeological sites, such as Goli,
Nagarjunakonda, and Amaravati.
Buddha images in a portable form, made of wood or stone, were introduced, for the first time, at
Kanheri.
The caves of the second period, now all dated to the 5th century, the 5th and 6th centuries AD,
during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods were typically described as "Mahayana", but do not
show the features associated with later Mahayana Buddhism. These caves were excavated during
the supremacy of the Vakatakas and Guptas.
In Mahayana it is not Gautama Buddha but the Bodhisattva who is important, including "deity"
Bodhisattva like Manjushri and Tara, as well as aspects of the Buddha such as Aksobhya,
and Amitabha.
Cave 1 was built on the eastern end of the horse-shoe shaped scarp, Cave 2 has a porch quite
different from Cave one. Even the faade carvings seem to be different. The cave is supported by
robust pillars, ornamented with designs, Cave 4:"This is the largest monastery planned on a
grandiose scale but was never finished. Cave 3 is merely a start of an excavation was begun right
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at the end of the final period of work and soon abandoned, Caves 5 and 6 are viharas, Cave 7 has
a grand facade with two porticos, Cave 8 was long thought to date to the first period of
construction, Caves 9 and 10 are the two chaitya halls from the first period of construction,
though both were also undergoing an uncompleted reworking at the end of the second period.
Rises above a meander in the Waghora River.
3. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
Date of Inscription: 1989

The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi, famous for its Great Stupa is located at Sanchi
Town in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh,
The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India originally commissioned by
the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE, It would appear that the site was
settled in the 3rd century BC at the time that the Emperor Asoka, the grandson of
Chandragupta, who had defeated the Macedonian invaders and founded the Maurya dynasty,
was converted to Buddhism.
Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha.
The construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka's wife, Devi herself, who was the
daughter of a merchant of Vidisha.
The pillar has an Ashokan inscription (Schism Edict) and an inscription in the
ornamental Sankha Lipi from the Gupta period.
The original brick stupa was later covered with stone during the Sunga period.
The rise of the Sunga emperor Pushyamitra Sunga who overtook the Mauryan Empire as an
army general. Pushyamitra may have destroyed the original stupa, and his son Agnimitra
rebuilt it.
With its many tiers it was a symbol of the dharma, the Wheel of the Law.
The gateways and the balustrade were built and colored, then appeared to have been
commissioned by the Satavahana, top architraves of the Southern Gateway by the artisans of
the Satavahana king Satakarni.
DC Sircar observes that palaeographically the Hathigumpha record is slightly later than
Naneghat record whereas the letters of Sanchi inscription of Satakarni resemble the script of
Hathigumpha inscription. Kharavela in his inscription mentions one Satakarni, who is
identified as Satakarni II, who is also identical to the one who inscribed in Sanchi. If this is
true, then the dating of Sanchi gateway and balustrade belong to the much earlier period of
180-160 BC.
Stone carvings the Buddha was never depicted as a human figure. Instead the artists chose to
represent him by certain attributes, such as the horse on which he left his fathers home, his
footprints, or a canopy under the bodhi tree at the point of his enlightenment.
Temple 17 is probably one of the earliest Buddhist temples as it dates to the
early Gupta period
A British officer in 1818, General Taylor, was the first known Western historian to document
(in English) the existence of Sanchi.
Today, around fifty monuments remain on the hill of Sanchi, including three stupas and
several temples.
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(Asoka's column with its projecting capital of lions inspired by Achaemenid art) was erected.
4. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Date of Inscription: 2004, located in Panchmahal district in Gujarat, India. It is located around
the historical city of Champaner, a city which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat.
The heritage site is studded with forts with bastions starting from the hills of Pavagadh, and
extending into the city of Champaner.
Includes archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage monuments such
as chalcolithic sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century
capital of the state of Gujarat.
There are palaces, entrance gates and arches, mosques, tombs and temples, residential
complexes, agricultural structures and water installations such as stepwells and tanks, dating
from the 8th to the 14th centuries.
The Kalika Mata Temple, located on top of the 800 metres (2,600 ft) high Pavagadh Hill, is an
important Hindu shrine in the region, attracting large numbers of pilgrims throughout the year.
In addition to the Primary Heritage Zone of 983.27 hectares (2,429.7 acres), there are several
other sites which include: Kabutarkhana, Maqbara, Maqbara Mandvi, Maqbara near Patidar
Village, Malik Sandal Ni Vav, Hathikhana, Sindh Mata, Sikander Ka Reuza, Babakhan Ki
Dargah, Nau Kuan Sat Vavdi, and Chandrakala Vav.
It includes the Palace of Mahmud Begada, grandson of Ahmed Shah, who
founded Ahmedabad City, Jama Masjid and other mosques.
Pavagadh Hill rises to a height of 800 metres (2,600 ft), has a geological setting of reddishyellow stone, and is considered to be one of the oldest rock formations in India.
The name Champaner is derived from Champa, who was either a Vania or a Kanbi. He
established this city during the rule of Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwad Patan (from 746 to 806 AD).
In the eleventh century, Ram Gaur Tuar ruled, and Champaner was under the Anhilwad until
1297 or so when they were defeated by Alauddin Khilji, who made it their stronghold. During
this period, the Chauhan Rajputs had also settled in Champaner. The Pavagadh Hill was where
the Solanki kings and Khichi Chauhans built fortresses and ruled from. In 1418 and in about
1450, they managed to fight off their neighbour, Rao of Idar, and the Muslim rulers
of Ahmedabad. Mahmud Begadas captain, Malik Asad, was raiding through Champaner, he
was attacked and killed by Raval Jaisingh. What ensued in the following years was the complete
defeat of the Rajputs by Sultan Begada. The fort held under siege for more than a year and was
finally captured, when Kivamul Mulk and Malik Ayaz Sultani penetrated the walls and broke
the main gate, destroyed the army and injured the leaders of the Rajputs. Raval Jaisingh was
wounded and for six months was given amnesty but was then killed since he refused to convert
to Islam. Ravals son, however, converted to Islam and was made a noble with the title "Nizamul-Mulk". After the fort was seized, Mahmud renamed the city "Muhmudabad Champaner".
Mahmud laid the foundation stone for his mosque. He built elaborate ornate structures, fortified
both the forts, made the hill fort his Mauliya (meaning Lord of the Hill) and his citadel over a
period of 23 years and eventually moved his capital from Ahmadabad to Champaner
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Champaner was famous for mangoes, sandalwood trees (used then for house building and sword
blades), and colourful silks.
In 1526, young Sikander Shah died and Bahadur Shah became the next ruler of Champaner.
In 1535, the Mughal Emperor Humayun invaded Champaner and looted the coffers. Upon
Bahadur's death in 1536, the capital and the court shifted back to Ahmadabad.
The British visited the town of Champaner in 1803, at which time there were only 500 people
residing there. The old city was in ruins and wildly overgrown. They refounded it and it became
a great exporter of silk, with facilities for washing and preparing raw silk. However,
a cholera epidemic reduced the population to 400 families by 1812. In 1879, a
few Bhil and Naikda tribes resided there, but over the next few years, it became well known in
India for its rulers and the monuments left behind by them
One of the innovative features of the two historic monuments centres was the development of
methods for harvesting rainwater, in the form of tanks or ponds in the Pavagadh hills (called the
hill of hundred pools) and innumerable wells in the city of Champaran, which was nicknamed
"city of thousand wells". The Vishamitri River is the only stream that rises from the Pavgadh
hills, and was tapped for feeding wells in Champaner and tanks in Pavagadh.
Some of the famous water structures are: the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi Kunds (in the
Mauliya plateau); the Wada Talao, the largest water tank fed by rivulets located on the eastern
part of the city; the innovative Gaben Shah tank; the exquisitely ornamented helical stepwells
such as in the public gardens and at the entrance to the city, and the Royal summer pavilions.
The water channel in the house of a noble, called the Amirs Manzil, is cited as a reflection of
the superb workmanship of water structures built by those responsible for the palatine and
religious architecture of Champaner.
There are eleven different types of buildings at Champaner-Pavagadh, including mosques,
temples, granaries, tombs, wells, walls, and terraces.
The monuments include Helical stepped well, Sakar Khan's Dargah, City Gate near Kasbin Talao
Citadel walls
City walls at south-east corner of the citadel going up the hill
East and South Bhadra Gates
Sahar ki Masjid (Bohrani)
Three cells inside the citadel wall between Sahar ki Masjid the local fund Dharmashala
Mandvi or Custom House
Jami Masjid
Stepwell north of Jama Masjid
Kevda Masjid and Cenotaph
Tomb with a big dome in the centre and small corner domes on way to Khajuri Masjid near Wada Talao
Cenotaph of Kevda Masjid
Nagina Masjid
Cenotaph of Nagina Masjid
Lila Gumbaz ki Masjid, Chapaner
Kabutarkhana Pavilion on the north bank of Wada Talao near Khajuri Masjid
Kamani Masjid
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Bawaman Mosque
Pavagad hill
Gate No. 1 on Pavagarh hill (Atak Gate)

Gate No. 2 (with three gateways, Budhiya gate)
Gate No. 3 (Moti gate, Sadanshah-Gate)
Gate No. 4 with big bastion with cells in the interior
Sat Manzil between gate Nos. 4 and 5 right up to bastions on top
Mint above Gate No4
Gate No. 5 near Machi (Gulan Bulan Gate)
Gate No. 6 (Buland Darwaza)
Makai Kothar
Palace of Patai Rawal with tanks
Gate No. 7 near iron bridge (Makai Gate)
Gate No. 8 (Tarapore Gate)
The fort of Pavagad and ruined Hindu and Jain temples on the top of Pavagad hills
Navlakha Kothar
Walls of fort on top
The fortress built by the Solanki kings of Gujarat was further fortified by Khichi Chauhans. In
1484, Sultan Mahmud Begadah captured the fort and renamed it Muhammadabad Champaner. The
fortifications start on the Mauliya plateau, which is situated on the hill and ends on the plains.
The huge wall of free stone is known as Bigadas wall, and encloses the Jahapanah (the world
shelter) and the Bhadar or the citadel of Mahmudabad Champaner; Shikari Kot or Hunters Fort is
located to the east of the Citadel. The Bada Talao or the Great Lake is next to the ruins of the
palace
The earliest temple on Pavagadh hill in the Mauliya plateau is dated to the 10th11th century
and is dedicated to Lakulish.
However, the temple is in ruins, with only the Gudha mandapa (sanctum sanctorum)
and Ardha mandapa part of the antarala now
present. Lakulish, Dakshinmurthi, Brahma, Vishnu, Gajendramoksha, various forms
of Shiva, Indra, seated Ambika and Surasundaris are the images seen in this temple. The temple
was built in the Hindu temple architecture style of architecture with garbhagriha, mandapa and an
entrance porch. It had ornate decorations, mostly consisting of stone carvings.
The temples of the Jain religion at Pavagadh are also noteworthy. They are of three different
groups: The first consists of the Bhavanaderi temples near Naqqarkhana gate called the Navalakka
temples, the second group is in honour of the tirthankaras Suparshvanatha and Chandraprabha and
the third group, situated on the south east of Pavagarh Hill (Mataji'scliff), is near the Prva temple
next to the Dudhia tank. Elaborately carved seated and standing images of the Jain pantheon are
seen on the outer walls of the temples. The Garbabrihas are enshrined with beautiful stone images
of tirthankaras in these temples.
The most visited temple on the hill is the Kalika Mata Temple. It has three images of
goddesses: the central image is of Kalika Mata, flanked by Kali on the right and Bahuchara Mata on
the left. The spire of this temple, interestingly, carries a shrine of Sadanandsha pir, a Muslim saint
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held in great reverence in the region. It is the third of the major Shakti Peethas of Gujarat and is
known for tantric worship. It is connected by a mono-cable ropeway 740 metres (2,430 ft) in length
which can carry 1200 people per hour and is stated to be the country's highest ropeway.
On Chaitra ashtami, during navratri (nine-day festival), a fair is held at the Kalika Mata temple
which is attended by thousands of devotees. The ruins of Patai Raval's palace can be seen on the
way to the temple.
Among the five mosques in very good condition, the Jama Masjid (also spelled "Jami
Masjid") near the east gate, built by Sultan Begada, is one of the most notable among the 114
monuments listed by the Baroda Heritage Trust. It has a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture
preserving the Islamic ethos and with its elegant interiors is considered one of the finest mosques in
Western India.
Other notable mosques in the heritage area are: the Kevada Masjid, the Ek Minarka
Masjid (single dome mosque); the Panch Mahuda ka masjid (five domed mosque) in a forested
area; the Shehrka Masjid (city mosque), an elegant structure located inside the citadel; and
the Nagina Masjid (jewel mosque), to the south of the citadel, built with pure white stone; a
stepwell decorated with arches is close to this mosque. Tombs have been built adjacent to
mosques. The tomb of Sikander Shah seen near Halol is a simple single storied building in Muslim
architectural style. The shrine of Khon pir, a saint, a colourful tomb, was a place of worship of the
weaver community (Muslims known as Tais) of Champaner.
The custom house was probably used as a guard room. It is well planned in a square shape
with five rows of arches and five equal colonnaded aisles. From this location to the east gate, the
view of present-day Champaner consists of shabby houses on a lone street. Kabutarkhana Pavilion
is situated on the north bank of Bada Talao near Khajuri Masjid. Another building with columns is
also located on the Pavagadh Hill, above the roof of the Mahakali temple.
The Patha (pilgrim's route) is considered to be the 'soul' of Champaner.
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
Date of Inscription: 2004, City of Mumbai, Maharastra.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, in Mumbai,
is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with
themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture.
An historic railway station in Mumbai Maharashtra, India which serves as the headquarters of
the Central Railways. Designed by Frederick William Stevens with influences from Victorian
Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal buildings, the station was built
in 1887 in the Bori Bunder area of Bombay to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen
Victoria
One of the busiest railway stations in India, The station's name was changed to its present one
in March 1996 and it is now known simply as CST (or CSTM).
Bori Bunder (alternatively "Bori Bandar") was one of the areas along the Eastern shore line of
Mumbai, India which was used as a storehouse for goods imported and exported from
Mumbai.
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In the 1850s, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway built its railway terminus in this area and
the station took its name as Bori Bunder.
The station was eventually rebuilt as the Victoria Terminus, named after the then reigning
Queen, and has been subsequently renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSTM) after the
17th-century king. The shortened name is now CST.
This famous architectural landmark in a Gothic-revival style was built as the headquarters of
the Great Indian Peninsular Railway. Since then, the station came to be known as Bombay
VT.(Railway code-BBVT).
In 1996, the Minister of Railways, Suresh Kalmadi, changed the name of the station to
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in honour of Great King Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of
the Maratha Empire.
In 2008, the station was featured prominently in the Academy Award winning film, Slumdog
Millionaire. In 1956, the station was also featured in the film C.I.D. during the song 'Yei Hai
Bombay Meri Jaan'.
It is one of the first and is considered as one of the finest products of the use of industrial
revolution technology merged with revival of the Gothic Revival style In India
Became the symbol of Bombay as the Gothic City.
Mumbai was the first city in India to have heritage legislation, enacted by Government
Regulation in 1995 (N 67). The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
and the Fort area, of which it is part, are protected on the basis of this legislation, A
multidisciplinary committee, called Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) was
established to ensure the protection of heritage buildings.
It was first passed to the Portuguese and then, in 1661, to the British. In 1667, the island was
transferred to the East India Company, who was principally responsible for its commercial
development. Merchants settled here from elsewhere, and the shipbuilding industry and the
cotton trade prospered.
It took ten years to complete and was named "Victoria Terminus" in honour of the Queen and
Empress Victoria; it was opened on the date of her Golden Jubilee in 1887.
6. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986), Goa
Inscribed by UNESCO under the World Heritage List in 1986.

Built by the Portuguese colonial rulers of Goa between 16th and 18th centuries.
Former capital of Velha Goa is also known Goem, Pornem Gy, Adlem Gi, Old Goa or
Saibachem Gi, where Saib or Goencho Saib refers to Saint Francis Xavier
Most significant of these monuments is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which enshrines the tomb
containing the relics of St. Francis Xavier.
These monuments of Goa, known as the Rome of the Orient, were established by
different Catholic religious orders.
There were originally 60 churches of which some of the surviving monuments in the city
of Velha Goa are the Saint Catherine's Chapel.
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The monuments are built in laterites and walls plastered with limestone mortar mixed with
broken shells. For this reason, the monuments need constant maintenance to prevent
deterioration due to monsoon climatic conditions, and thus keep them in good shape.
The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed between panels having
floral designs as in the chapels housing the tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in
the transept of the Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the Church
of St. Francis of Assisi.
7. Elephanta Caves
Is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km
from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in
circumference.
The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly
known as Gharapuri.
At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai.
In ancient period, the place is variously identified as Puri which is mentioned in the
Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II.
It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the KonkanMauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas,
Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The
Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control
of the British.
There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa
6th 7th centuries A.D. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive
which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The 7-metre-high
masterpiece Sadashiva dominates the entrance to Cave 1.
On plan it almost resembles the Dumar Lena (Cave 29) of Ellora.
On plan, there are three large square recesses divided off by pilasters each of them
bearing a gigantic image of a dvarapala.
The panel on the east has a figure of ardhanarisvara, a form of Siva with the combined
energies of male and female; and on the west figures of Siva and Parvati playing chausar
is carved. The central recess holds the most famous and remarkable sculpture of this
period known as the Mahesa-murti. It is a colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the
aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative and vamadeva, mild
pleasing and lovable.
The other notable panels in the main cave are Andhakasuravada murti; cosmic dance of
Nataraja; Kalyanasundara murti; Gangadhara murti; Ravana shaking Kailasa and Siva as
Lakulisa. A panel depicting Saptamatrikas near the eastern opening is also remarkable.
The layout of the caves, including the pillar components, the placement and division of
the caves into different parts, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of
sarvatobhadra plan, are important developments in rock-cut architecture.
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The fifteen large reliefs surrounding the lingam chapel in the main Elephanta Cave not
only constitute one of the greatest examples of Indian art but also one of the most
important collections for the cult of Shiva.
The Trimurti and other colossal sculptures with their aesthetic setting are examples of
unique artistic creation.
The caves are preserved in the form of monolithic temples, sarvatobhadra
garbhgriha (sanctum), mandapa (courtyard), rock-cut architecture, and sculptures.
8. Ellora Caves
Date of Inscription: (1983), Maharashtra State.

The Ellora caves, locally known as Verul Leni is located on the AurangabadChalisgaon road at a distance of 30 km north-northwest of Aurangabad.
Also known as Ellora Complex are a cultural mix of religious arts of
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000,
brings the civilization of ancient India to life.
Ellora is also world famous for the largest single monolithic excavation in the world,
the great Kailasa (Cave 16)
The visit to these caves is enjoyed maximum during monsoon, when every stream is
filled with rainwater, and the entire environ is lush green. The monsoon is not only a
season of rains in this part, the local visitors are attracted to visit these ideal locations
to have a glimpse of the mother nature in full bloom.
The caves are hewn out of the volcanic basaltic formation of Maharasthra, known as
Deccan Trap, the term trap being of Scandinavian origin representing the step like
formation of the volcanic deposits.
At Ellora, one can also have a glimpse of the channels (near Cave 32) through which
the volcanic lava once flowed These channels, due to overheating, have a
characteristic brownish red colour.
Similar rock was used in the construction of the Grishneshwar Temple nearby and
also utilized for the flooring of the pathways at Bibi-ka-Maqbara.
The hills in which the caves are hewn, forms part of the Sahyadri ranges of the
Deccan and dated to the Cretaceous era of the Geological time scale (about 65 million
years ago).
The hill also supports several streams, the prominent among them being the Elaganga,
which drains into the Shiv, a stream of the Godavari river system. The Elaganga is in
its full vigour during the monsoon, when the overflowing waters of a barrage in the
upstream near Mahismati allows the gushing waters to land at Sita-ki-nahani near
Cave 29 as a crashing waterfall.
By a rough estimate, there are nearly 1200 caves of varying sizes in the entire
Maharashtra, out of which nearly 900 alone belong to Buddhism.
The region is also famous for its antiquity. It has been inhabited since time
immemorial, the stone tools belonging to the Upper Palaeolithic (around 10,000 to
20,000 years ago), Mesolithic (less than 10,000 years ago) bearing testimony to this
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fact. The Chalcolithic remains (2500-1000 BC) in the vicinity also indicates the
continuity of human occupation in this region.
The importance of Ellora during the early centuries of the Christian era is also
understood by the findings of coins of Satavahanas, the ruling dynasty during the
period. The Satavahanas had their capital at Pratishtana (modern Paithan) and ruled
the entire area between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and bordered by the
Narmada River on the north.
Ellora being located on the ancient trade route connecting the western ports on the
Arabian sea like Sopara (Surparaka, the Supara of Greek; Subara of Arab writers; the
ancient capital of northern Konkan), Kalyan a thriving port; Chemula, the Samylla of
Greek geographers, Chemula of Silaharas, on the island of Trombay and the inland
cities like Paithan (Pratishtana), Ter (Tagara), Bhokardan (Bhogavardhana).
The fact that Satavahanas traversed this region is attested by their inscriptions at
Nasik caves and donor inscriptions of their times at Pital Khora caves, located at a
distance of 40 km west of Ellora.
Nasik is at the crossroads of an ancient trade route connecting centres on the west to
east and those on the north to south. The location on the ancient trade route did not
induce any activities at Ellora during the Satavahana rule.
Thus grew one of the largest cave excavations at Ellora, that too of three different
religious creeds, viz., Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism.
In total, there are nearly 100 caves in the hill range out of which 34 caves are famous
and visited by many tourists, out of which Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist; Caves 13 to 29
are Brahmanical and Caves 30 to 34 are Jaina. Two more groups of caves are noticed
on the Elaganga and on an upper terrace, namely, the Ganesh Leni and Jogeshwari
Leni.
The only definite inscriptional evidence is that of Rashtrakuta Dantidurga (c. 753-57
A.D.) on the back wall of the front mandapa of Cave 15. The Great Kailasa (Cave 16)
is attributed to Krishna I (c. 757-83 A.D.), the successor and uncle of Dantidurga. A
copper plate grant from Baroda of the period of Karka II (c. 812-13 A.D.) speaks
about the greatness of this edifice.
The inscription tells us that this great edifice was built on a hill by Krishnaraja at
Elapura (Ellora) and even the celestial beings moving in the sky were struck by its
magnificence, as though it was self-existent, not created by mortals, and, even the
architect who caused it was wonder struck that he could build it. Apart from the
above two inscriptions, the entire cave complexes lack inscriptions of the nature
found at other cave sites like that of Ajanta, Nasik, Karle, Kanheri, etc.
The initiation of religious establishments at Ellora coincides with the departure of the
tradition at Ajanta. It is well known that the excavations started here before the
Rashtrakutas arrived on the scene and the Caves 1 to 10 and Cave 21 (Ramesvara)
were definitely constructed before them.
These excavations are generally attributed to the Kalachuris of Mahismati, appeared
to have gained control of the region around Nasik and parts of ancient Asmaka
(region around Aurangabad) including Bhogavardana (modern Bhokardan) and the
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Chalukyas of Badami who held their sway in this region for a brief period before their
feudatories, the Rashtrakutas took over.
The majority of the Brahmanical establishments and the remaining Buddhist ones can
be attributed to the Rashtrakuta times which indicate the religious tolerance of the
contemporary period.
The Jaina caves definitely post-date the Rashtrakutas as indicated by the style of
execution and fragmentary inscriptions. This region was under the control of Kalyani
Chalukyas and Yadavas of Deogiri (Daulatabad) during this period. The patronage
towards Jainism under the Yadavas is also known by the findings of several
sculptures of Jaina faith from Daulatabad. Thus, we have the greatest religious
conglomeration at a single place, signifying the religious tolerance and solidarity of
different faiths.
The approach roads to the caves were repaired on the ensuing visit of Sultan Hasan
Gangu Bahmani, who also camped at the site and visited the caves. The other
important accounts of these caves are by Firishta, Thevenot (1633-67), Niccolao
Manucci (1653-1708), Charles Warre Malet (1794), Seely (1824). During the 19th
century A.D. these caves were owned by the Holkars of Indore who auctioned for the
right of worship and leasing them for religious as well as a form of entrance fee. After
the Holkars, these caves passed into the control of Nizams of Hyderabad, who
through their Archaeology Department carried out extensive repairs and maintenance
of the caves under the guidance of Archaeological Survey of India. The caves are
under the maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India after the reorganisation
of states and the dominions of erstwhile Nizams merged into the state of Maharashtra.
9. Fatehpur Sikri
Date of Inscription: (1986), Uttar Pradesh

Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar.
Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only
some 10 years,
The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style,
includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality
constructed between 1571 and 1585.
Form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning,
notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).
The Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) decided to construct it in 1571, on the same site
where the birth of his son, the future Jahangir, was predicted by the wise Shaikh
Salim Chisti (1480-1572).
The work, supervised by the great Mughal himself, was completed in 1573. In
1585, however, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri to fight against the Afghan tribes
and choose a new capital, Lahore.
The city, which the English traveller Ralph Fitch considered in 1585 as
'considerably larger than London and more populous', comprised a series of
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palaces, public buildings and mosques, as well as living areas for the court, the
army, servants of the king and for an entire population whose history has not been
recorded.
Only one tiny part of the city (where the large buildings are concentrated) has
been until now, studied, visited and relatively well preserved.
The majority of the important monuments are found to the north of the road from
Gaza to Agra; constructed of red sandstone, they form a homogeneous group,
even if the eclecticism of their style is evident and is based on borrowings from
Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim traditions.
Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience, is encircled by a series of porticos
which are broken up by the insertion of the imperial box where Akbar, surrounded
by his ministers and officers meted out justice. This box communicates directly
with Daulat Khana (Imperial Palace), flanked to the north by Diwan-i-Kas (Hall
of Private Audience), called the 'Jewel House', a monument known for its central
plan, which comprises an extraordinary capital surmounted by a circular balcony:
the 'throne'.
Other monuments of exceptional quality are the Ranch Mahal, whose elevation of
four recessed storeys recalls certain Buddhist temples, the pavilion of Anup
Talao, or the Turkish Sultana, the palace of Jodh Bai, the palace of Birbal, the
caravanserai and the problematic 'stables'.
The great mosque (Jama Masjid), one of the most spacious in India (165 m by
133 m) could accommodate some 10,000 faithful; it was completed in 1571-72
and according to the dedicatory inscription deserves no less respect than Mecca.
To the south of the court, the Buland Damaza, completed in 1575,
commemorating the victories (the taking of Gujarat in 1572) to which the city,
their monumental symbol, owes its existence and its name.
Stone age tools have been found in this area.
Coloured Pottery (c. 2nd millennium B.C.) and Painted Grey Ware (c.1200-800
B.C.) have also been discovered from here.
Sikri has been mentioned in the Mahabharata as Saik. Lexicons define Saik as
a region surrounded by water.
An inscription found on the stone sculpture of Jaina Saraswati (dated 1067
Vikram Samvat = 1010 A.D.) mentions this place as Sekrikya, which seems to
be a similar derivative. All this shows that Sikri was continuously inhabited since
the prehistoric period.
Babur visited the place on the eve of the Khanwah battle in A.D. 1527 and
mentioned it as Sikri in his Memoirs. He founded here a garden and a Jal-Mahal
surrounded by the lake-water, and a baoli (step-well) to commemorate his victory
in the Khanwah battle.
Akbar (1556-1605), grandson of Babur, shifted his residence and court from Agra
to Sikri, for a period of 13 years, from 1572 to 1585 to honour the Sufi Saint
Sheikh Salim Chishti, who resided here.
Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals.
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10.
The sloping levels of the city were connected into terraces which were utilised for
various complexes such as Jami masjid, Buland-Darwazah and tomb of Sheikh
Salim Chishti; Khass Mahal, Shahi-Bazar, Mina-Bazar, the Panch-Mahal,
Khwabgah, Diwan-i-Khass, Anup-Talao, Chaupar and Diwan-i-Am.
Great Living Chola Temples
Date of Inscription:(1987), Tamil Nadu.

Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur; Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram;
and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram] (1987, 2004), Tamil Nadu
The celebrated Saiva temple at Thanjavur, appropriately called Brihadisvara and
Daksinameru, is the grandest creation of the Chola emperor Rajaraja.
Was inaugurated by the king himself in his 19th regnal year (AD 1009-10) and
named it after himself as Rajesvara Peruvudaiyar.
Architecturally, it is the most ambitious structural temple built of granite. It has
been regarded as a landmark in the evolution of building art in south India and
its vimana as a touchstone of Indian architecture as a whole
The temple with its massive proportions and simplicity of design provided
inspiration for future designs in constructions not only in south India but also in
south-east Asia.
The sikhara, a cupolic dome, is octagonal and rests on a single block of granite.
The majestic upapitha and adhishthana are common to all the axially placed
entities like the ardha-maha and mukha-mandapas and linked to the main sanctum
but approached through a north-south transept across the ardha-mandapa which is
marked by lofty sopanas.
The brihad-linga within the sanctum is 8.7 m high. Life-size iconographic
representations on the wall niches and inner passages include Durga, Lakshmi,
Sarasvati and Bhikshatana, Virabhadra, Kalantaka, Natesa, Ardhanarisvara and
Alingana forms of Siva.
Sarfoji, a local Maratha ruler, rebuilt the Ganapati shrine. The celebrated
Thanjavur School of paintings of the Nayakas is largely superimposed over the
Chola murals. The temple is rich in iconography as well as inscriptions which
provide an account of events showing achievements, financial arrangements,
donations and bearing an impression of contemporary society.
Two great Chola Temples of the 11th and 12th centuries have been added to the
11th century Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, inscribed in 1987.
The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which
stretched over all of South India and the neighbouring islands.
The site now includes the three great 11th and 12th century Chola Temples: the
Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram and
the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram.
Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram, built by Rajendra I, The Airavatesvara
temple complex at Darasuram, built by Rajaraja II.
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11.
The Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur marks the greatest achievement of the Chola
architects. Known in the inscriptions as Dakshina Meru, the construction of this
temple was inaugurated by the Chola King, Rajaraja I (985-1012 CE) possibly in
the 19th regal year (1003-1004 CE) and consecrated by his own hands in the 25th
regal year (1009-1010 CE).
The Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram in the Perambalur district
was built for Siva by Rajendra I (1012-1044 CE). The temple has sculptures of
exceptional quality. The bronzes of Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are
masterpieces of Chola metal icons. The Saurapitha (Solar altar), the lotus altar
with eight deities, is considered auspicious.
The Airavatesvara temple at Tanjavur was built by the Chola king Rajaraja II
(1143-1173 CE.): it is much smaller in size as compared to the Brihadisvara
temple at Tanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. It differs from themin itshighly
ornate execution. The temple consists of a sanctum without a circumambulatory
path and axial mandapas. The front mandapa known in the inscriptions as
Rajagambhiran tirumandapam, is unique as it was conceptualized as a chariot
with wheels. The pillars of this mandapa are highly ornate. The elevation of all
the units is elegant with sculptures dominating the architecture. A number of
sculptures from this temple are the masterpieces of Chola art. The labelled
miniature friezes extolling the events that happened to the 63 nayanmars (Saiva
saints) are noteworthy and reflect the deep roots of Saivism in this region. The
construction of a separate temple for Devi, slightly later than the main temple,
indicates the emergence of the Amman shrine as an essential component of
the South Indian temple complex.
The three Chola temples of Southern India represent an outstanding creative
achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the dravida type
of temple.
The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur became the first great example of the
Chola temples, followed by a development of which the other two properties also
bear witness.
The three Great Chola Temples are an exceptional and the most outstanding
testimony to the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the
Tamil civilisation in Southern India.
The Great Chola temples at Thanjavur, at Gangaikondacholapuram and
Darasuram are outstanding examples of the architecture and the representation of
the Chola ideology.
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)

Date of Inscription-1986, Karnataka
Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is situated on the southern bank of
the river Tungabhadra. Once it was the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara empire. Hampi was the
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last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. fabulously rich princes built
Dravidian temples Hampis spectacular setting is dominated by river Tungabhadra
Vijayanagara architecture is also known for its adoption of elements of Indo Islamic Architecture
in secular buildings like the Queens Bath and the Elephant Stables, representing a highly evolved
multi-religious and multi-ethnic society.
The city of Hampi bears exceptional testimony to the vanished civilization of the kingdom of
Vijayanagar, which reached its apogee under the reign of Krishna Deva Raya (1509-30).
It offers an outstanding example of a type of structure that illustrates a significant historical
situation: that of the kingdoms of South India which, menaced by the Muslims, were occasionally
allied with the Portuguese of Goa.
Enriched by the cotton and the spice trade was one of the most beautiful cities of the medieval
world.
Its palaces and Dravidian temples were much admired by travellers, be they Arab (Abdul
Razaak), Portuguese (Domingo Paes) or Italian (Nicol dei Conti).
The monuments of Vijayanagara city, also known as Vidyanagara in honour of the sage
Vidyaranya were built between AD 1336-1570, from the times of Harihara-I to Sadasiva Raya.
The contemporary chroniclers who came from far off countries-such as Arabia, Italy, Portugal
and Russia visited the empire, have left graphic and glowing accounts of the city. It covers an area
of nearly 26 sq km and is stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications.
The various religious and secular structures which include Hindu and Jaina temples, audience hall
of the king, the magnificent throne platform to witness the festivals and other events, the king's
balance (tulabhara) are awe-inspiring.
Temples of this city are noted for their large dimensions, florid ornamentation, bold and delicate
carvings, stately pillars, magnificent pavilions and a great wealth of iconographic and traditional
depictions which include subjects from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The largest extant temple is that of Pampapati (now in worship) was extensively renovated. Its
magnificent entrance tower was caused by Krishnadeva Raya. The Vitthala temple is an excellent
example of Vijayanagara style. The monolithic statues of Lakshmi, Narasimha and Ganesa are
noted for their massiveness and grace.
The Krishna temple, Pattabhirama temple, Hazara Ramachandra and Chandrasekhara temple as
also the Jaina temples, are other examples. Majority of these temples were provided with
widespread bazaars flanked on either side by storeyed mandapas. Among secular edifices mention
may be made of the Zenana enclosure wherein a massive stone basement of the Queen's palace
and an ornate pavilion called 'Lotus-Mahal are only remnants of a luxurious antahpura. The
corner towers of arresting elevation, the Dhananayaka's enclosure (treasury), the Mahanavami
Dibba carrying beautifully sculptured panels, a variety of ponds and tanks, mandapas, the
elephant's stables and the row of pillared mandapas are some of the important architectural
remains of this city.
Interesting finds include a large number of stone images, both in round and relief, beautiful
terracotta objects and stucco figures that once embellished the palaces. In addition many gold and
copper coins, household utensils, a square stepped-tank (sarovara) at the south-west of
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Mahanavami Dibba, and a large number of ceramics including the important variety of porcelain
and inscribed Buddhist sculptures of 2nd -3rd century AD have also been unearthed.
12.
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram -1984

Date of Inscription: 1984, Tamil Nadu, Also known as Mamallapuram.
Mamallapuram, the city of Mamalla, is after the title of great Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman-I.
It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave
sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of
Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.
It was a sea-port during the time of Periplus (1st century AD) and Ptolemy (AD 140) and many
Indian colonists sailed to South-East Asia through this port town.
While there is some evidence of architectural activity going back to the period of
Mahendravarman-I (AD 600-30), the father of Mamalla, most of the monuments like rock-cut
rathas, sculptured scenes on open rocks like Arjuna's penance, the caves of Govardhanadhari and
Mahishasuramardini, the Jala-Sayana Perumal temple (the sleeping Mahavishnu or Chakrin at the
rear part of the Shore temple complex) are attributed to the period of Narasimhavarman-I
Mamalla.
Of the nine monolithic temples found in Mahabalipuram, the most important are Five Rathas
known after the famous five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata fame. While the Dharmaraja,
Arjuna and Draupadi rathas are square on plan, the Bhima and Ganesa rathas are rectangular and
Sahadeva ratha apsidal.
The Draupadi ratha is a simple hut like kutagara shrine while the Arjuna ratha is a dvitala vimana
with a mukhamandapa. The Bhima ratha is rectangular on plan with a salakara wagon-vaulted
roof. The Dharmaraja ratha is a tritala vimana having functional shrines at all the talas. The
Nakula-Sahadeva ratha with an apsidal plan and elevation indicate the experimental tendency of
the architect.
Though monolithic sculpturing, both cut-in and cut-out, continued even during later periods
(Atiranachanda cave, Pidari rathas and Tiger-cave), the structural architecture was introduced on a
grand scale by Pallava Rajasimha.
The Shore temple is a complex of three temples, viz, Rajasimhesvara (a small tritala vimana
facing west), the Kshatriyasimhesvara (the larger east facing vimana) and Nripatisimha Pallava
Vishnugriha (an east facing, oblong, flat-roofed mandapa shrine) housing the reclining Vishnu.
The notable cave temples here are the Varaha mandapa, Mahisamardini mandapa, Paramesvara
Mahavaraha Vishnugriha (Adivaraha cave). belong to the Mahendra period.
Besides, a monolithic Bhuvaraha, a reclining image of Vishnu, the base of Durga shrine with deer
and a square socket possibly to accommodate mahastambha have also been exposed. To the south
of the Shore Temple was exposed a stepped ghat facing the sea.
Another piece of architectural beauty is the Shore temple, standing against the background of the
deep blue waters of the ocean.
13.
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
Date of Inscription: (1987), Karnataka

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Chalukyan rulers were not only empire builders, but great patrons of art whose
encouragement prompted the artists and craftsmen to experiment and innovate in different
architectural styles and giving it a new dimension. It is in their period that transition from
rock-cut medium to structural temples took place.
Pattadakal located in Bijapur district of Karnataka was not only popular for Chalukyan
architectural activities but also a holy place for royal coronation, 'Pattadakisuvolal'. Temples
constructed here mark the blending of the Rekha, Nagara, Prasada and the Dravida Vimana
styles of temple building.
The oldest temple at Pattadakal is Sangamesvara built by Vijayaditya Satyasraya.
The other notable temples at Pattadakal are the Kadasiddhesvara, Jambulingeswara both
attributed to 7th century A.D. while Galaganatha temple was built a century later in the style
of rekha nagara prasada.
The Kasivisvesvara temple was the last to be built in early Chalukyan style. The Mallikarjuna
temple was constructed by Rani Trilokyamahadevi to celebrate the victory over the Pallavas
by Vikramaditya II. She is also credited to have built the Virupaksha temple influenced by the
architecture of the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. The Virupaksha temple later served
as a model for the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I (757 -783 A.D.) to carve out the great Kailasa
at Ellora.
The last addition at Pattadakal was made during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna II of
the 9th century A.D. in form of a Jaina temple, locally famous as Jaina Narayana, with its two
lower storeys functional.
The sculptural art of the early Chalukyas is characterised by grace and delicate details. The
ceiling panels of the navagrahas, dikpalas, the dancing Nataraja, the wall niches containing
Lingodbhava, Ardhanarisvara, Tripurari, Varahavishnu, Trivikrama bear ample testimony to
the sculptor's skill as well as the cult worship in vogue. The narrative relief illustrating certain
episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and Panchatantra fitted well with these
grand religious edifices.
The Sangamesvara, the earliest of the three, built by Chalukya Vijayaditya (697-733), is
nearer the Pallava form in that it has no sukanasika, while the other two, which possess this,
are the earliest of the Chalukyan type and its derivatives possessing this architectural member,
as also does the Kailasa at Ellora. Both the Sangamesvara and the larger Virupaksha are
similar to each other in being square on plan from the base to sikhara. The Virupaksha, built
by the queen of Vikramaditya II (733-46), is the earliest dated temple with the sukanasika,
being closely followed by the Mallikarjuna, built by another queen of the same king.
The main vimana of the Sangamesvara is of three storeys. The lowermost storey is surrounded
by two walls, the inner and outer, the second storey being an upward projection of the inner
wall, while the outer wall encloses the covered circumambulatory round the sanctum.
The Virupaksha is a large complex consisting of a tall vimana with axial mandapas and
peripheral sub-shrines round the court, enclosed by a wall with gopura-entrances in front and
behind, all designed and completed at one time. As such, this is the earliest extant templecomplex in the Chalukyan series. The massive gopuras are also the earliest. The compoundwall of the complex, following the plan of the group itself, has on its coping kuta and saidheads, suggestive of a derivation from the Shore-temple at Mahabalipuram-a device which
gives the impression of a lower storey when viewed from a distance.
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14.
The Mallikarjuna, built immediately after and close to the Virupaksha, is a smaller temple
with a four-storeyed vimana with a circular griva and sikhara. It has more or less a similar
plan.
One masterpiece from the group stands out the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen
Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
15.

The serial site, situated in the state of Rajastahan, includes six majestic forts in
Chittorgarh; Kumbhalgarh; Sawai Madhopur; Jhalawar; Jaipur, and Jaisalmer.
The forts use the natural defenses offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and dense
forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures, largely still in use today.
The extensive fortifications up to 20 kilometres in circumference optimized various kinds
of hill terrain, specifically the river at Gagron, the dense forests at Ranthambore, and the
desert at Jaisalmer, and exhibit an important phase in the development of an architectural
typology based on established traditional Indian principles.
The vocabulary of architectural forms and of ornaments shares much common ground
with other regional styles, such as Sultanate and Mughal architecture.
As a former capital of the Sisodia clan and the target of three famous historical sieges,
Chittorgarh is strongly associated with Rajput history and folk lore.
Kumbhalgarh was constructed in a single process and (apart from the palace of Fateh
Singh, added later) retains its architectural coherence. Its design is attributed to an
architect known by name Mandan who was also an author and theorist at the court of
Rana Kumbha in Chittorgarh. This combination of factors is highly exceptional.
Situated in the middle of forest, Ranthambore is an established example of forest hill fort
and in addition, the remains of the palace of Hammir are among the oldest surviving
structures of an Indian palace.
Gagron is an exemplar of a river-protected fort.
Amber Palace is representative of a key phase (17th century) in the development of a
common Rajput-Mughal court style, embodied in the buildings and gardens added to
Amber by Mirza Raja Jai Singh I.
Jaisalmer is an example a hill fort in desert terrain. The extensive township contained
within it from the outset, still inhabited today, and the group of Jain temples, make it an
important (and in some respects even unique) example of a sacred and secular (urban) fort.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Date of Inscription: 1993, Delhi

This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first gardentomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations,
culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji
Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his
death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by
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16.
Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of

Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb,
although there is no record to that effect.
Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this
tomb.
The square red sandstone double-storeyed structure of the mausoleum with chamfered
corners rises from a 7-m. high square terrace, raised over a series of cells, which are
accessible through, arches on each side.
The mausoleum is a synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions-the former
exemplified by the arched alcoves, corridors and the high double dome, and the latter
by the kiosks, which give it a pyramidal outline from distance.
Although Sikandar Lodi's tomb was the first garden-tomb to be built in India, it is
Humayun's tomb which set up a new vogue, the crowning achievement of which is the
Taj at Agra.
Several rulers of the Mughal dynasty lie buried here. Bahadur Shah Zafar had taken
refuge in this tomb with three princes during the first war of Independence (AD 1857).
On the southwestern side of the tomb is located barber's tomb (Nai-ka-Gumbad) which
stands on a raised platform, reached by seven steps from the south. The building is
square on plan and consists of a single compartment covered with a double-dome.
Exemplifying the formative stage of the Mughal structural style, Humayun's Tomb
stands as a landmark in the development of Mughal architecture, and also represents
the earliest extant specimen of the Mughal scheme of the garden tomb, with
causeways and channels.
Humayun had travelled widely in the Islamic world, notably in Persia and central Asia,
and brought back with him ideas that were applied by the architect of his tomb, under
the direction of his widow, in this tomb.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Date of Inscription: 1986, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjura-vahaka represent today a distinct pattern of art and
temple architecture of its own reminding one of the rich and creative period it
witnessed during the Chandella rule.
The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing
examples in various stages of preservation.
But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva which are of granite, all the other
temples are of fine grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.
Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple
is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the
Chandellas.
The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king
Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman.
The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal
temples of Khajuraho.
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17.
The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva
which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29).
The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and
Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed.
The Khajuraho groups of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally
effective plans comprising of an ardhamandapa, acting as entrance generally adorned
with makara torana and kakshasana, the mandapa, as the hall with antarala leading to
garbha griha or sanctum. The larger temples have mahamandapas in front of the
ardhamandapa. They also have minor shrines at four corners and thus categorized as
pancayatana. The exterior of the temples are richly decorated. In contrast, Javari and
Brahma temples are simpler creations.
The recent excavation at Bija Mandal in Jatkara near Khajuraho has revealed the
remains of a huge temple base datable to 11th century A.D. which extends over 4 m
than the largest known temple (Kandariya Mahadeo Temple). An exquisite image of
Sarasvati was also found from here.
Greatly influenced by the Tantric school of thought, the Chandela kings promoted
various Tantric doctrines through royal monuments, including temples.
The society of the time believed in dealing frankly and openly with all aspects of life,
including sex. Sex is important because Tantric cosmos is divided into the male and
female principle.
The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal
temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal
Kandariya Mahadeva which is attributed to King Ganda (1017-29).
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
Date of Inscription: 2002, Bihar

Bodh Gaya is associated with the enlightenment of Lord Buddha (566-486 B.C.). The
sacred Bodhi tree under which he is believed to have attained enlightenment. The
place is highly venerated by the Buddhists.
Emperor Asoka visited Bodh Gaya around 260 B.C. and constructed a small temple
near the Bodhi tree. An inscription datable to 1st 2nd century A.D. mentions that the
temple of Asoka was replaced by a new one.
Fahien first makes reference to the main temple and the Bodhi tree in 404-05 A.D.
Hieun Tsang, who visited the site in 637 A.D. mentions the presence of walls
surrounding the Bodhi tree, within which stood the Mahabodhi temple nearly 160 feet
tall and a large fine sanctuary. Several additions and alterations took place and the
present temple may be datable to the 6th century A.D. The temple fell into disuse in
the 13th century A.D. after the conquest of this region by the Delhi Sultanate. During
the 19th century, the Burmese kings made certain repairs which were continued by the
British in 1880-84.
The sacred Bodhi tree stands to the west of the above temple. It is known as the pipal
tree (Ficus religiosa) in India. It is believed that this tree is the direct descendant of the
original tree under which Lord Buddha meditated.
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18.
Mountain Railways of India
19.
It is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to
the attainment of Enlightenment. Others Lumbini : Nepal, Sarnath : Uttar Pradesh,
India, Kushinagar : Uttar Pradesh, India.
It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing, from the
late Gupta period and it is considered to have had significant influence in the
development of brick architecture over the centuries.
Next to the Bodhi Tree there is a platform attached to the main temple made of
polished sandstone known as Vajrasana (the Diamond Throne), originally installed by
Emperor Asoka to mark the spot where Buddha sat and meditated.

This site includes three railways. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was the first, and
is still the most outstanding, example of a hill passenger railway. Opened in 1881, its
design applies bold and ingenious engineering solutions to the problem of establishing
an effective rail link across a mountainous terrain of great beauty. located in the
foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal.
The construction of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a 46-km long metre-gauge singletrack railway in Tamil Nadu State was first proposed in 1854, but due to the difficulty
of the mountainous location the work only started in 1891 and was completed in 1908.
This railway, scaling an elevation of 326 m to 2,203 m, represented the latest
technology of the time. located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.
The Kalka Shimla Railway, a 96-km long, single track working rail link built in the
mid-19th century to provide a service to the highland town of Shimla is emblematic of
the technical and material efforts to disenclave mountain populations through the
railway. located in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh.
The densely wooded mountain spur on which Darjeeling now stands was formerly part
of the Kingdom of Sikkim. It was adopted by the British East India Company as a rest
and recovery station for its soldiers in 1835, when the area was leased from Sikkim
and building of the hill station began, linked to the plains by road. The region was
annexed by the British Indian Empire in 1858.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

Qutb-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India.
Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the
mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added
three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD
1211-36).
Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the minar
reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired
by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517).
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20.
Rani-ki-Vav (the Queens Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat
21.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak

in AD 1198. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a
rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and
architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jaina temples which were demolished by
Qutbu'd-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance.
The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of
fourth century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja
(standard of god Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty
king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that
probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it.
The tomb of Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235.
Ala'i-Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed
by Alau'd-Din Khalji in AH 710 (AD 1311) as recorded in the inscriptions engraved
on it. This is the first building employing Islamic principles of construction and
ornamentation.
Ala'i Minar which stands to the north of Qutb-Minar, was commenced by Alau'd-Din
Khalji, with the intention of making it twice the size of earlier Minar.
Lalkot is the first of the seven cities of Delhi, established by the Tomar Rajput ruler,
Anang Pal, in 1060.
The iron pillar in the mosque compound was brought from elsewhere in India. It bears
a Sanskrit inscription from the 4th century AD describing the exploits of a ruler named
Chandra, believed to be the Gupta King Chandragupta II (375-413). Of the other
monuments, the Tomb of Iltutmish was built in 1235 by the ruler himself and Alai
Darwaja was built in 1311 by Alauld-Din Khalji, who also began the construction of
the Alai Minar.
Date of Inscription: (2014)

located on the banks of the Saraswati River and was initially built as a memorial to a
king in the 11th century AD
Stepwells are a distinctive form of subterranean water resource and storage systems on
the Indian subcontinent, and have been constructed since the 3rd millennium BC.
Rani-ki-Vav was built at the height of craftsmens ability in stepwell construction and
the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, reflecting mastery of this complex technique and
great beauty of detail and proportions. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the
sanctity of water, it is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high
artistic quality; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones
combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works.
Red Fort Complex
Date of Inscription: 2007, New Delhi
27
In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations
of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. It is enclosed by a rubble stone wall, with
bastions, gates and wickets at intervals.
Of its fourteen gates, the important ones are the Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman,
Kashmiri and Delhi gates, some of which have already been demolished.
His famous citadel, the Lal-Qila, or the Red Fort, lying at the town's northern end on
the right bank or the Yamuna and south of Salimgarh, was begun in 1639 and
completed after nine years
The Red Fort is different from the Agra fort and is better planned, because at its back
lies the experience gained by Shahjahan at Agra, and because it was the work of one
hand. It is an irregular octagon, with two long sides on the east and west, and with two
main gates, one on the west and the other on the south, called Lahori and Delhi gates
respectively. While the walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are
constructed of red sandstone, marble has been largely used in the palaces.
From the western gateway after passing through the vaulted arcade, called ChhattaChowk, one reaches the Naubat- or Naqqar-Khana ('Drum-house'), where ceremonial
music was played and which also served as the entrance to the Diwan-i-'Am. Its upper
storey is now occupied by the Indian War Memorial Museum.
The Diwan-i-' Am ('Hall of Public Audience') is a rectangular hall, three aisle deep,
with a faade of nine arches.
A water-channel, called the Nahr-i-Bihisht ('Stream of Paradise'), ran down through it,
with a central marble basin fitted with an ivory fountain. The Mumtaz-Mahal,
originally an important apartment in the imperial seraglio, now houses the Delhi Fort
Museum.
The Diwan-i-Khass ('Hall of Private Audience') is a highly-ornamented pillared hall,
with a flat ceiling supported on engrailed arches. Its marble dias is said to have
supported the famous Peacock Throne, carried away by the Persian invader Nadir
Shah.
The Tasbih-Khana ('chamber for counting beads for private prayers') consists of three
rooms, behind which is the Khwabgah ('sleeping-chamber'). On the northern screen of
the former is a representation of the Scales of Justice, which are suspended over a
crescent amidst stars and clouds. Adjoining the eastern wall of the Khwabgah is the
octagonal Muthamman-Burj, from where the emperor appeared before his subjects
every morning. A small balcony, which projects from the Burj, was added here in
1808 by Akbar Shah II, and it was from this balcony that King George V and Queen
Mary appeared before the people of Delhi in December 1911.
The Hammam ('Bath') consists of three main apartments divided by corridors. The
entire interior, including the floor, is built of marble and inlaid with coloured stones.
The baths were provided with 'hot and cold water, and it is said that one of the
fountains in the easternmost apartment emitted rose water. To the west of the
Hammam is the Moti-Masjid ('Pearl Mosque'), added later by Aurangzeb. The HayatBakhsh-Bagh ('Life-giving garden'), with its pavilions, lies to the north of the mosque,
and was later considerably altered and reconstructed. The red-stone pavilion in the
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middle of the tank in the centre of the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh is called Zafar-Mahal and
was built by Bahadur Shah II in about 1842.
In 1644, Shahjahan commenced in Delhi his great mosque, the Jami'- Masjid the
largest mosque in India, and completed it in 1650. Its square quadrangle with arched
cloisters on the sides and a tank in the centre is 100 m. wide. Built on a raised plinth, it
has three imposing gateways approached by long flights of steps. Its prayer-hall, with
a facade of eleven arches, flanked by a four-storeyed minaret on either end, is covered
by three large domes ornamented with alternating stripes of 'black and white marble.
The planning of the palace is based on Islamic prototypes, but each pavilion reveals
architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian,
Timurid and Hindu traditions The Red Forts innovative planning and architectural
style, including the garden design, strongly influenced later buildings and gardens in
Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and further afield.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Date of Inscription: 2003, Madhya Pradesh

The site spread over 10 km in length and about 3 km in width has more than 700 rock
shelters, of which over 400 have paintings.
The earliest human activities are known from the numerous stone tools including
handaxes, cleavers and also the pebble tools.
The continuity of human evolution from the Lower Palaeolithic Period is noticed by
the smaller size of stone tools in the following Middle Palaeolithic Period besides new
tools like scrapers.
During the Upper Palaeolithic Period newer tool types like: blades, borers and burins
had also emerged.
However, it is in the Mesolithiic Period that there is a clear change in the materials and
tool typology.
Earlier, the tools were largely made of quartzite and sandstone, whereas the tools
being made in the Mesolithic Period were most often of chalcedony. The stone tools of
this period include blades, triangles, trapezes, crescents besides quern and muller.
The Mesolithic culture at Bhimbetka continued much longer as understood by the
presence of Chalcolithic potteries in otherwise Mesolithic contexts.
In all respect it resembles the Sallekhana spots observed in South India.
The cave also has a small inscription of the Maurya/Sunga period. Within the general
area of Bhimbetka Group of rock shelters small stupas have been found at Bhimbetka,
near Bhoranwali, at Bineka, at Lakhajuar and midway between Lakhajuar and
Bhimbetka. At Bineka besides the stupa enclosure wall and other structures were
found. There are a large number of Shanka Lipi inscriptions in the Bhimbetka cluster
of rock shelters.
The paintings here include those of A Mesolithic boar painted in dark red, animals
like: elephant, rhinoceros, boar, barasingha, spotted deer and cattle and snake, etc.
Later paintings include battle scenes painted in red and an elephant painted in white.
The Boar Rock, which is the last among the rock shelters accessible for tourist has a
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23.
Sun Temple, Konrak
24.
depiction of a mythical boar with horns that is many more times larger than the human
being chased by it.
Bhimbetka was first mentioned in 1888 as a Buddhist site, from information obtained
from local adivasis.
Date of Inscription: 1984, Puri, Odisha

Built in the thirteenth century, it was conceived as a gigantic solar chariot with twelve
pairs of exquisitely-ornamented wheels dragged by seven rearing horses.
The temple comprised a sanctum with a lofty (presumably over 68 m. high) sikhara, a
jagamohana (30. m. square and 30. m. high) and a detached nata-mandira (hall of
dance) in the same axis,
Mayadevi Temple :- To the west of the main temple are the remains of temple no.2
popularly called the temple of Mayadevi, believed to have been one of the wives of
Lord Surya. But the presence of the sun images as parsvadevata in-situ indicate its
dedication to the sun god, built earlier than the main Sun temple. The temple facing
east, consists of a sanctum (deul) and a porch (Jagamohana) standing over a raised
platform, faade of which is relieved with ornamentation. The superstructures of the
sanctum and porch are missing. The interior of the porch is notable for their sculptural
treatment while the sanctum is devoid of any deity. Stylistically, the temple is
assignable to circa late eleventh century AD.
Vaishnava Temple: - The small brick temple facing east in south-west corner of the
compound was discovered in 1956 during the sand clearance. Also called temple no.3
is pancharatha on plan. It consists of a deul and a Jagamohana but with the
superstructure is missing and devoid of any exterior decoration. Images of Balarama
and two parsvadevatas of Varaha and Trivikrama were unearthed (now displayed in
Archaeological Museum, Konark) proving its Vaishnava affiliation. The temple is
datable to circa eleventh century A.D.
The Sun Temple is the culmination of Kalingan temple architecture, with all its
defining elements in complete and perfect form.
The Sun Temple is an exceptional testimony, in physical form, to the 13th-century
Hindu Kingdom of Orissa, under the reign of Narasimha Deva I (AD 1238-1264). Its
scale, refinement and conception represent the strength and stability of the Ganga
Empire as well as the value systems of the historic milieu.
The present Sun Temple was probably built by King Narashimhadev I (1238-64) of
the Ganga dynasty to celebrate his victory over the Muslims. The temple fell into
disuse in the early 17th century after it was desecrated by an envoy of the Mughal
Emperor Jahangir. The legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the
son of Lord Krishna. Samba was afflicted by leprosy and after twelve years of penance
he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built this temple.
Taj Mahal
Date of Inscription: 1983, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

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25.
An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by
order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife
Taj Mahal, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, was built by the Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan (1628-1658), grandson of Akbar the great, in the memory of his queen
Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal was a niece of
empress Nur Jahan and granddaughter of Mirza Ghias Beg Itimad-ud-Daula, wazir of
emperor Jehangir. She was born in 1593 and died in 1631, during the birth of her
fourteenth child at Burhanpur.
the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired
masterpieces of the world's heritage.
located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden that
encompasses nearly 17 hectares, in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh
The existence of several historical and Quaranic inscriptions in Arabic script have
facilitated setting the chronology of Taj Mahal.
For its construction, masons, stone-cutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers,
dome builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and
also from the Central Asia and Iran. Ustad-Ahmad Lahori was the main architect of
the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole
range of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The garden in front of the galleries is subdivided into four quarters by two main walkways and each quarters in turn subdivided by the narrower cross-axial walkways, on
the Timurid-Persian scheme of the walled in garden.
The materials were brought in from all over India and central Asia and white Makrana
marble from Jodhpur. Precious stones for the inlay came from Baghdad, Punjab,
Egypt, Russia, Golconda, China, Afghanistan, Ceylon, Indian Ocean and Persia. The
unique Mughal style combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and
Islamic architecture.
Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and
other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central
Asia and Iran. While bricks for internal constructions were locally prepared, white
marble for external use in veneering work was obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan.
Semi-precious stones for inlay ornamentation were brought from distant regions of
India, Ceylon and Afghanistan. Red sandstone of different tints was requisitioned from
the neighbouring quarries of Sikri, Dholpur, etc.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th
century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments.
Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they
embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most
significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India's historic
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observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts

of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.
The Jantar Mantar is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological
concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.
It provides an outstanding testimony of the ultimate culmination of the scientific and
technical conceptions of the great observatory devised in the Medieval world. It bears
witness to very ancient cosmological, astronomical and scientific traditions shared by
a major set of Western, Middle Eastern, Asian and African religions, over a period of
more than fifteen centuries.
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Natural Properties
1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

This National Park in the western part of the Himalayan Mountains in the northern
Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is characterized by high alpine peaks, alpine
meadows and riverine forests.
The GHNPCA protects the monsoon-affected forests and alpine meadows of the
Himalayan front ranges. It is part of the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and includes
twenty-five forest types along with a rich assemblage of fauna species, several of
which are threatened.
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area encompasses the catchments
of water supplies which are vital to millions of downstream users.
The property lies within the ecologically distinct Western Himalayas at the junction
between two of the worlds major biogeographic realms, the Palearctic and
Indomalayan Realms.
The property also protects part of Conservation Internationals Himalaya biodiversity
hot spot and is part of the BirdLife Internationals Western Himalaya Endemic Bird
Area
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area is home to 805 vascular plant
species, 192 species of lichen, 12 species of liverworts and 25 species of mosses.
Some 58% of its angiosperms are endemic to the Western Himalayas. The property
also protects some 31 species of mammals, 209 birds, 9 amphibians, 12 reptiles and
125 insects.
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area provides habitat for 4 globally
threatened mammals, 3 globally threatened birds and a large number of medicinal
plants. The protection of lower altitude valleys provides for more complete protection
and management of important habitats and endangered species such as the Western
Tragopan and the Musk Deer.
This pertains to the transition of some areas from wildlife sanctuary to national park
status. Tirthan and Sainj Wildlife Sanctuaries are designated in recognition of their
ecological and zoological significance and are subject to wildlife management
objectives, and a higher level of strict protection is provided to Great Himalayan
National Park which is a national park. National parks under the Wildlife Protection
Act, 1972 provide for strict protection without human disturbance.
Included within the property is the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary with 120 inhabitants and
the Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary, which is uninhabited but currently subject to
traditional grazing.
2. Kaziranga National Park
Date of Inscription: 1985, Assam

In the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by
a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned
rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and
bears, and thousands of birds.
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The site is on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River at the foot of the Mikir
Hills. The park lies in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra.
There are three main types of vegetation: alluvial inundated grasslands, tropical wet
evergreen forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Grasslands predominate in the
west, with tall 'elephant' grasses on the higher ground and short grasses on the lower
ground surrounding the bheels . They have been maintained by annual flooding and
burning over thousands of years. Tropical wet evergreen forests, near Kanchanjhuri,
Panbari and Tamulipathar blocks, are dominated by trees. Tropical semi-evergreen
forests occur near Baguri, Bimali and Haldibari.
The park contains about 15 species of India's threatened mammals. It harbours the
world's largest population of Indian rhinoceros and Indian elephant
Other mammals include capped langur, a small population of hoolock gibbon,
tiger Panthera tigris , leopard, sloth bear, Ganges dolphin, otter, wild boar, water
buffalo, gaur, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer and Indian muntjac. Elephants and other
animals migrate with the advent of the monsoon and head southwards to the Mikir
Hills and beyond to avoid the annual flooding of the national park.
The numerous water bodies are rich reservoirs of food (including fish) and thousands
of migratory birds, representing over 100 species, visit the park seasonally from as far
afield as Siberia. There is a grey pelican rookery near Kaziranga Village. Other birds
of interest include black-necked stork, lesser adjutant stork, Pallas's fish eagle, greyheaded fish eagle, Bengal florican, swamp partridge, grey peacock-pheasant, great
pied hornbill, green imperial pigeon, silver-breasted broadbill and Jerdon's bushchat.
The avifauna comprises over 300 species.
3. Keoladeo National Park
Date of Inscription: 1985, Rajasthan

This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas
for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and
Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been
recorded in the park.
A green wildlife oasis situated within a populated human-dominated landscape, some
375 bird species and a diverse array of other life forms have been recorded in this
mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps and wetlands
This Bird Paradise was developed in a natural depression wetland that was managed
as a duck shooting reserve at the end of the 19th century.
The park was the only known wintering site of the central population of the critically
endangered Siberian Crane, and also serves as a wintering area for other globally
threatened species such as the Greater Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle.
During the breeding season the most spectacular heronry in the region is formed by 15
species of herons, ibis, cormorants, spoonbills and storks, where in a well-flooded year
over 20,000 birds nest.
The Keoladeo National Park is a wetland of international importance for migratory
waterfowl, where birds migrating down the Central Asian flyway congregate before
dispersing to other regions.
34
Some 375 bird species have been recorded from the property including five Critically
Endangered, two Endangered and six vulnerable species. Around 115 species of birds
breed in the park which includes 15 water bird species forming one of the most
spectacular heronries of the region. The habitat mosaic of the property supports a large
number of species in a small area, with 42 species of raptors recorded.
The property has effective legal protection under the provisions of Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 and Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The park's location in the Gangetic Plain makes it an unrivalled breeding site for
herons, storks and cormorants and an important wintering ground for large numbers of
migrant ducks. The most common waterfowl are gadwall, shoveler, common teal,
cotton teal, tufted duck, comb duck, little cormorant, great cormorant, Indian shag,
ruff, painted stork, white spoonbill, Asian open-billed stork, oriental ibis, darter,
common sandpiper, wood sandpiper and green sandpiper. Sarus crane, with its
spectacular courtship dance, is also found here.
Among landbirds is a rich assortment consisting of warblers, babblers, bee-eaters,
bulbuls, buntings, chats, partridges and quails. Grey hornbill and Marshall's iora are
also present. There are many birds of prey including the osprey, peregrine, Pallas' sea
eagle, short-toed eagle, tawny eagle, imperial eagle, spotted eagle and crested serpent
eagle. Greater spotted eagle has recently been recorded breeding here, a new breeding
record for the species in India and lesser spotted eagle nested in the park in 1986, the
first nesting record for the species in India for some time.
Several other threatened avifauna species occur, including Dalmatian pelican, spotbilled pelican, greater adjutant, lesser adjutant, marbled teal, Baikal teal, Baer's
pochard, red kite, cinereous vulture and sociable lapwing.
Reptiles include water snakes, Indian python, banded krait, green rat snake, turtles and
monitor lizard.
4. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Date of Inscription: 1988, Uttranchal

Nestled high in West Himalaya, Indias Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned
for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty.
This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the
Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep.
One of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Himalayas, Nanda Devi National
Park is dominated by the 7,817 m peak of Nanda Devi, Indias second highest
mountain which is approached through the Rishi Ganga gorge, one of the deepest in
the world.
Both parks contain high diversity and density of flora and fauna of the west Himalayan
biogeographic zone, with significant populations of globally threatened species
including the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer and numerous plant species.
This entire area, located within the Western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA),
supports significant populations of mountain ungulates and galliformes that are prey to
carnivores such as the snow leopard.
35
The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and the Reserved Forest Divisions located west,
south and east of the Biosphere Reserve provide additional buffer to this Biosphere
Reserve.
It comprises the catchment area of the Rishi Ganga, an eastern tributary of Dhauli
Ganga which flows into the Alaknanda River at Joshimath.
The species listed below represent a small sample of iconic and/or IUCN Red Listed animals and plants
found in the property. These species are identified in an effort to better communicate the biological diversity
contained within World Heritage properties inscribed under criteria ix and/or x.
Acer caesium / Himalayan Maple
Agama tuberculata / High altitude lizard
Betula utilis / Himalayan Birch
Cassiope fastigiata / Himalayan Heather
Geum elatum
Hemitragus jemlahicus / Himalayan Thar
Lophophorus impejanus / Himalayan Monal
Martes flavigula / Himalayan yellow marten
Moschus leucogaster / Himalayan musk deer
Mustela sibirica / Himalayan weasel
More Species
Panthera uncia / Snow leopard
Papiliu demoleus / Lime Butterfly
Petaurista petaurista / Flying squirrel
Potentilla atrosanguinea
Presbytis entellus / Common langur
Rhododendron campanulatum / Bell Rhododendron
Rubus ellipticus
Saussurea obvallata / Brahmakamal
Selenarctos thibetanus / Himalayan black bear
Trachydium roylei
Vulpes vulpes / Red fox
5. Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans covers 10,000 km2 of land and water (more than half of it in India, the
rest in Bangladesh) in the Ganges delta. It contains the world's largest area of
mangrove forests. A number of rare or endangered species live in the park, including
tigers, aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles.
Located at the mouth of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers between India and
Bangladesh, its forest and waterways support a wide range of' fauna including a
number of species threatened with extinction.
36
The mangrove habitat supports the single largest population of tigers in the world
which have adapted to an almost amphibious life, being capable of swimming for long
distances and feeding on fish, crab and water monitor lizards. They are also renowned
for being man-eaters, most probably due to their relatively high frequency of
encounters with local people.
They are an excellent example of the ecological processes of monsoon rain flooding,
delta formation, tidal influence and plant colonisation.
the area is estimated to comprise about 55% forest land and 45% wetlands in the form
of tidal rivers, creeks, canals and vast estuarine mouths of the river. About 66% of the
entire mangrove forest area is estimated to occur in Bangladesh, with the remaining
34% in India.
The Sundarbans support a wealth of animal species including the single largest
population of tiger and a number of other threatened aquatic mammals such as the
Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins. The site also contains an exceptional number of
threatened reptiles including the king cobra and significant populations of the endemic
river terrapin which was once believed to be extinct. The property provides nesting
grounds for marine turtles including the olive riley, green and hawksbill. Two of the
four species of highly primitive horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius
rotundicauda) are found here.
The legal protection provided to the property is adequate. The Indian Forest Act, 1927
with its amendments, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
and Environment Protection Act 1986 are being effectively implemented, with rules
and regulation regarding environmental pollution strictly enforced.
world's largest delta formed from sediments deposited by three great rivers, the
Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna, which converge on the Bengal Basin.
In the Indian Sundarbans, the western portion receives some freshwater through the
Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system but that portion designated as the tiger reserve is
essentially land-locked, its rivers having become almost completely cut off from the
main freshwater sources over the last 600 years.
Baghmara Forest Block contains the ruins of a city built by the Chaand Sandagar
merchant community in approximately AD 200-300. Much later, during the Moghul
Empire, Raja Basand Rai and his nephew took refuge in the Sundarbans from the
advancing armies of Emperor Akbar. The buildings they erected subsequently fell to
Portuguese pirates, salt smugglers and dacoits in the 17th century.
found in the property. Clicking on the number in brackets next to the species will reveal other World
Heritage Properties in which a species has been identified. These species are identified in an effort to better
communicate the biological diversity contained within World Heritage properties inscribed under criteria ix
and/or x.
Amphiesma stolata / Buff-Striped Keelback
Anastomus oscitans / Asian Openbill
Ardea purpurea / Purple Heron
Axis axis / Chital
37
Cinnyris asiaticus / Purple Sunbird

Crocodylus porosus / Saltwater crocodile
Dendrelaphis tristis / Bronzeback
Eretmochelys imbricata / Hawksbill sea turtle
Falco chicquera / Red-necked Falcon
Francolinus gularis / Swamp Francolin
More Species
Heritiera fomes / Sundari
Lepidochelys olivacea / Olive ridley sea turtle
Limnodromus semipalmatus / Asiatic Dowitcher
Macaca mulatta / Rhesus Macaque
Naja naja / Indian Cobra
Nypa fruticans / Mangrove palm, Gol pata
Orcaella brevirostris / Irrawaddy dolphin
Oriolus xanthornus / Black-hooded Oriole
Pinus / Royal Bengal tiger
Platanista gangetica gangetica / Ganges River dolphin
Prionailurus viverrinus / Fishing Cat
Python molurus / Indian python
Sonneratia apetala / Sonneratia mangrove, Keora
Sousa chinensis chinensis / Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin
Sus scrofa / Wild boar
6. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Date of Inscription: 1985. Assam

On a gentle slope in the foothills of the Himalayas, where wooded hills give way to
alluvial grasslands and tropical forests, the Manas sanctuary is home to a great variety
of wildlife, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, pygmy hog, Indian
rhinoceros and Indian elephant.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the State of Assam in North-East India, a
biodiversity hotspot. Covering an area of 39,100 hectares, it spans the Manas river and
is bounded to the north by the forests of Bhutan. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is part
of the core zone of the 283,700 hectares Manas Tiger Reserve, and lies alongside the
shifting river channels of the Manas River. The sites scenic beauty includes a range of
forested hills, alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests. The site provides
critical and viable habitats for rare and endangered species, including tiger, greater
one-horned rhino, swamp deer, pygmy hog and Bengal florican. Manas has
exceptional importance within the Indian sub-continents protected areas, as one of the
most significant remaining natural areas in the region, where sizeable populations of a
large number of threatened species continue to survive.
The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat for 22 of Indias most threatened
species of mammals
38
In total, there are nearly 60 mammal species, 42 reptile species, 7 amphibians and 500
species of birds, of which 26 are globally threatened.
Noteworthy among these are the elephant, tiger, greater one-horned rhino, clouded
leopard, sloth bear, and other species. The wild buffalo population is probably the only
pure strain of this species still found in India. It also harbours endemic species like
pygmy hog, hispid hare and golden langur as well as the endangered Bengal florican.
The range of habitats and vegetation also accounts for high plant diversity that
includes 89 tree species, 49 shrubs, 37 undershrubs, 172 herbs and 36 climbers. Fifteen
species of orchids, 18 species of fern and 43 species of grasses that provide vital
forage to a range of ungulate species also occur here.
The property, which has six national and international designations (i.e. World
Heritage Site, National Park, Tiger Reserve (core), Biosphere Reserve (national),
Elephant Reserve (core) and Important Bird Area) has the highest legal protection and
strong legislative framework under the provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 and Indian Forest Act, 1927/Assam Forest Regulation 1891.
A total of 55 mammals, 36 reptiles and three amphibians have been recorded Manas
harbours by far the greatest number of India's Schedule I mammals of any protected
area in the country. Many are typical of South-East Asian rainforest and have their
westernmost distribution here. Mammals include golden langur, a recently discovered
endemic restricted to Manas, capped langur, Hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, tiger
(second-largest population in India), leopard, golden cat, fishing cat, leopard cat,
marbled cat, binturong, sloth bear, wild dog, Ganges dolphin, Indian elephant, Indian
rhinoceros, pygmy hog, swamp deer, sambar, hog deer, Indian muntjac, water buffalo,
gaur, giant squirrel, hispid hare and Indian pangolin.
Over 450 species of bird have been recorded, including the threatened Bengal florican,
great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill and other hornbills. Uncommon waterfowl
species include spot-billed pelican, lesser adjutant and greater adjutant.
Manas (previously also known as North Kamrup)
found in the property. Clicking on the number in brackets next to the species will reveal other World
Heritage Properties in which a species has been identified. These species are identified in an effort to better
communicate the biological diversity contained within World Heritage properties inscribed under criteria ix
and/or x.
Aphanamixis polystachya / Pithraj tree
Bos gaurus / Gaur
Caprolagus hispidus / Hispid Hare
Circus melanoleucos / Pied Harrier
Cuon alpinus / Dhole
Dipterocarpus gracilis
Elaphe frenata / Rein Snake, Green Trinket
Elephas maximus / Asian Elephant
Gavialis gangeticus / Gharial
Houbaropsis bengalensis / Bengal Bustard
39
Leptoptilos dubius / Greater Adjutant

Lophura leucomelanos / Kalij Pheasant
Lutrogale perspicillata / Smooth-coated Otter
Macaca assamensis / Assam Macaque
Muntiacus muntjak / Indian Muntjac
Pangshura sylhetensis / Assam roofed turtle
Pardofelis temminckii / Asian Golden Cat
Porcula salvania / Pygmy Hog
Prionailurus bengalensis / Leopard Cat
Reinwardtia indica / Yellow Flax, Pyoli
Rhinoceros unicornis / Indian Rhinoceros
Rucervus duvaucelii / Barasingha
Rusa unicolor / Sambar
Tadorna ferruginea / Brahminy Duck
Trachypithecus geei / Golden Langur
Ursus ursinus / Sloth Bear, Labiated Bear
7. Western Ghats

Older than the Himalaya mountains, the mountain chain of the Western Ghats
represents geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and
ecological processes.
Moderating the tropical climate of the region, the site presents one of the best
examples of the monsoon system on the planet. It also has an exceptionally high level
of biological diversity and endemism and is recognized as one of the worlds eight
hottest hotspots of biological diversity.
The forests of the site include some of the best representatives of non-equatorial
tropical evergreen forests anywhere and are home to at least 325 globally threatened
flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species.
A chain of mountains running parallel to Indias western coast, approximately 30-50
km inland, the Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa,
Maharashtra and Gujarat.
A significant characteristic of the Western Ghats is the exceptionally high level of
biological diversity and endemism.
This mountain chain is recognized as one of the worlds eight hottest hotspots of
biological diversity along with Sri Lanka.
At least 325 globally threatened (IUCN Red Data List) species occur in the Western
Ghats.
The globally threatened flora and fauna in the Western Ghats are represented by 229
plant species, 31 mammal species, 15 bird species, 43 amphibian species, 5 reptile
species and 1 fish species. Of the total 325 globally threatened species in the Western
Ghats, 129 are classified as Vulnerable, 145 as Endangered and 51 as Critically
Endangered.
40
The Western Ghats region demonstrates speciation related to the breakup of the
ancient landmass of Gondwanaland in the early Jurassic period; secondly to the
formation of India into an isolated landmass and the thirdly to the Indian landmass
being pushed together with Eurasia. Together with favourable weather patterns and a
high gradient being present in the Ghats, high speciation has resulted. The Western
Ghats is an Evolutionary Ecotone illustrating Out of Africa and Out of Asia
hypotheses on species dispersal and vicariance
A number of flagship mammals occur in the property, including parts of the single
largest population of globally threatened landscape species such as the Asian
Elephant, Gaur and Tiger. Endangered species such as the lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri
Tahr and Nilgiri Langur are unique to the area. The property is also key to the
conservation of a number of threatened habitats, such as unique seasonally massflowering wildflower meadows, Shola forests and Myristica swamps.
A Western Ghats Natural Heritage Management Committee (WGNHMC) under the
auspices of the Ministry of Environment of Forests (MoEF), Government of India to
deal with coordination and integration issues is already functional. All 39 components
in the 7 sub-clusters are managed under specific management / working plans duly
approved by the State/Central governments.
41
*I have made this notes being as a reason for direct question coming from World Heritage Site of
Culture, Environment and little bit history portion. So make use of it and save your 06-10 marks in
prelims.
Source: Wikipedia, UNESCO, ASI Site of India.
Thank You for reading this: Save your Culture, Environment and History.
Best Regards
Rajesh Nayak
1989rajeshnayak@gmail.com
42

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1

Notes by Rajesh Nayak

Date of Inscription: 1983, Uttar Pradesh

Red sandstone encompasses, The imperial city of the Mughal rulers.

2. The Ajanta Caves:

Date of Inscription: 1983, Aurangabad district of Maharashtra

3. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

Date of Inscription: 1989

4. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

City walls at south-east corner of the citadel going up the hill

East and South Bhadra Gates

Sahar ki Masjid (Bohrani)

Mandvi or Custom House

Stepwell north of Jama Masjid

Kevda Masjid and Cenotaph

Cenotaph of Kevda Masjid

Cenotaph of Nagina Masjid

Lila Gumbaz ki Masjid, Chapaner

Gate No. 1 on Pavagarh hill (Atak Gate)

The Patha (pilgrim's route) is considered to be the 'soul' of Champaner.

5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)

Date of Inscription: 2004, City of Mumbai, Maharastra.

6. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986), Goa

Inscribed by UNESCO under the World Heritage List in 1986.

Date of Inscription: (1983), Maharashtra State.

Date of Inscription: (1986), Uttar Pradesh

Great Living Chola Temples

Date of Inscription:(1987), Tamil Nadu.

Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram -1984

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

Date of Inscription: (1987), Karnataka

Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Date of Inscription: 2013

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Date of Inscription: 1993, Delhi

Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Date of Inscription: 1986, Madhya Pradesh

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

Date of Inscription: 2002, Bihar

Mountain Railways of India

Date of Inscription: 1999

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

Date of Inscription: 1993

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queens Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak

Date of Inscription: (2014)

Red Fort Complex

Date of Inscription: 2007, New Delhi

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

Date of Inscription: 2003, Madhya Pradesh

Sun Temple, Konrak

Date of Inscription: 1984, Puri, Odisha

Date of Inscription: 1983, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Date of Inscription: 2010

observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts

Date of Inscription: 2014

2. Kaziranga National Park

Date of Inscription: 1985, Assam

3. Keoladeo National Park

Date of Inscription: 1985, Rajasthan

4. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks