A World Heritage Site is a location on Earth that holds distinctive cultural or physical importance and possesses outstanding universal value for humanity. This can encompass various forms such as a building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, or mountain. These sites are included in the World Heritage List to ensure their preservation, allowing future generations to appreciate and enjoy them. India currently has 42 UNESCO World heritage sites.
In the dynamic journey towards UPSC Prelims 2024, aspirants seek a competitive edge through insights into global heritage. UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand as vital reservoirs of cultural, natural, and archaeological significance, offering a unique lens for aspirants to sharpen their understanding. Let’s explore recent developments around these sites, providing aspirants a strategic perspective aligned with UPSC Prelims 2024 preparation.
1. Konark Sun Temple
Why In News?
The Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust (KHPT), comprising heritage conservationists and archaeologists, has once again advocated for the establishment of a ‘Global Sun Temple,’ akin to the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple.
2. Mahabalipuram
Why In News?
The W20 summit took place at Mahabalipuram. W20 serves as the official G20 engagement group with a primary focus on promoting gender equality.
3. Kaziranga National Park
Why In News?
IFS (Indian Forest Service) officer Sonali Ghosh has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park.
4. Mahabodhi Temple
Why In News?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has imposed a fine of Rs 80 lakh on the managing committee of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya for violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
5. Bhimbetka
Why In News?
Indian scientists have proved that the Indian Dickinsonia fossil that had been originally reported from UNESCO World Heritage Site Bhimbetka Cave Shelter in an earlier research in 2021, was actually a left-over impression of a fallen beehive, not a true fossil.
6. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
Why In News?
The ancient site, which has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2014, has now been officially inscribed in the World Heritage list as the “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas” by the global body.
7. Shantiniketan
Why In News?
In September, the town of Santiniketan, where Rabindranath Tagore established Visva-Bharati over a century ago, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Visva-Bharati University has installed three plaques recognizing Santiniketan as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notably, these plaques feature the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty but do not include the name of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate and founder of the institution.
8. Wadi El-Rayan (Wadi al-Hitan)
Why In News?
Egyptian paleontologists have revealed a captivating window into prehistoric eras through the identification of an extinct whale species called “Tutcetus rayanensis.” Dating back 41 million years, this ancient creature offers valuable insights into the transitional period when whale ancestors were making the evolutionary shift from land to sea.
9. Stonehenge of the Netherlands
Why In News?
Archaeologists have recently uncovered a 4,000-year-old religious burial ground in the Netherlands, earning it the moniker “Stonehenge of the Netherlands.”
Recognizing the significance of these sites, as evidenced by their inclusion in the World Heritage List, underscores their importance in the context of UPSC examinations. As aspirants, it is crucial to comprehend the role these sites play in shaping our understanding of history, ecology, and cultural diversity. Our responsibility, as future administrators and policymakers, is to champion the cause of these sites, ensuring their protection and appreciation for generations to come. Upholding the sanctity of World Heritage Sites aligns with the ethos of the UPSC journey, fostering a sense of global responsibility and a deepened appreciation for the intricate tapestry of human civilization and the environment.