UNESCO TENTATIVE LISR (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Six heritage sites from Madhya Pradesh earn a spot on UNESCO's tentative list.

Sites included in UNESCO Tentative List

• The sites included in the new list: Gwalior Fort, Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, God Memorial of Ramnagar.
• Gwalior Fort: It constructed in the 8th century, is rooted in the legacy of the Tomar dynasty.

oStrategic Location: Positioned atop a steep sandstone hill, the fort boasts a naturally fortified position, enhancing its defensive capabilities.

oArchitectural Diversity: The fort stands as a testament to a rich blend of architectural styles, featuring influences from Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu design elements.

• Group of Dhamnar: These caves are situated on a hill close to the village of Dhamnar.

oComposition: This rock-cut complex comprises 51 caves of various sizes, all carved into the laterite hill.

• Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple: Founded by Raja Bhoj, Bhojpur owes its existence to the same visionary who established Bhopal in the 11th century AD.

oArchitecture: The Bhojeshwar Temple, erected in the 12th century, stands as a pinnacle of architectural brilliance in the vicinity.

• Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley: A hidden gem nestled in the Chambal basin, located in Madhya Pradesh, is the Daraki-Chattan cave situated within the quartzite buttresses of Indragarh hill.

oAbundance of Cupules: Within the cave's vertical walls, over 500 cupules adorn the surface, revealing a rich artistic tradition.

• Khooni Bhandara: It stands as an impressive testament to the engineering prowess of the Mughal era, showcasing intricate underground water management techniques.
• Historical Significance: The eight waterworks within Khooni Bhandara, dating back to the Mughal period, hold immense historical importance, contributing to India's rich cultural heritage.