UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India: Culture and Architecture

There are 37 World Heritage Sites in India and that makes India number sixth globally. As in, sixth largest number of sites in the world. We have already made a list of natural and sites of religious importance, here is the final list of sites that are culturally and architecturally important.

 

Built in the 16th century, Humayun's Tomb is also known as Necropolis of the Mughal dynasty. The site was built for Emperor Humayun by his widow and along with his tomb, the site holds 150 more tombs that belong to the members of the royal family. The site was given te status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

 

Also to make it to the list of World Heritage Sites in India by UNESCO in 1993 is the towering Qutab Minar and other structures inside the complex.  Standing over 72 metres, the tower was built in the 13th century and is an architectural marvel. 

 

This red sandstone palace fort is an interesting mix of architectural design inspired from India and Persia. It gained the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 because of its unique architectural design. 

 

This park sits on a prehistoric site and still has a lot to be excavated. Due to this, the site gained the status in 2004. The site is a beautiful combination of a chalcolithic site, a hill fortress and the remainder of the erstwhile capital of Gujarat from the 16th century. 

 

The site was inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in 2003. What makes this site important are the rock paintings on the sandstone formations  dating back to the Mesolithic period. 

 

This ever-busy railway station is one of the most popular icons of Mumbai. Also the headquarters for the Central Railways in India, the grand railway station gained the status in 2004. It was originally named as Victoria Terminus and is designed in tge grand Gothic architectural style. 

 

The site holds a collection of astronomical instruments in the form of architecture. Thr Jantar Mantar is one of the best preserved similar structures (five in total) in the whole of India. Looking at these structures, one could only wonder the kind of astronomical skills and the understanding of the cosmos, during that time. It gained the status in 2010.

 

The Agra Fort is also also referred to as the Red Fort, not to be confused with the aforementioned one. In 1983, it found its way to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

 

Located in Agra, this city was at first abandoned due to political unrest. But slowly new city walls were built which led to the constuction of palaces, mosques and other important buildings. It didn't take too long for it to gain another name--City of Victory. Fatehpur Sikri got the status in 1986.

 

Everybody recognises Taj Mahal and why not when it is one of the most beautiful structures in the whole world. Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1631 by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. The structure is made our of white marble, looks spectacular any day, any time. The site made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

 

 

This is comprised of six forts in total: Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort and Jaisalmer Fort. These date back to 5th century AD and the pride of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan. They made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013.

 

Rani ki vav – The Queen’s Stepwell

This site is located in Patan and is popular because of its intricate design. It is constructed near Saraswati River and is a subterranean water storage system. The stepwell dates back to the third millennium BC. Look around for other breathtaking sculptures found within the property. It gained the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

 

Nalanda dates back to the third century BC. It was an erstwhile scholastic and monastic institution where Buddhism as a religion developed. Here you will find early Buddhist art works, stuccoes, stupas, shrines and viharas. Nalanda made it to the list in 2016.

 

This is a collection of properties spread across 17 sites in 7 different countries. Chandigarh is the best example we have in India. The city was planned and designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. It gained the status in 2016.

 

The Historic City is the erstwhile walled quarter which used to be an important political and commercial center of Gujarat. It gained the status in 2017.