Dr BANARSI LAL
Every year18th of April is observed as the World Heritage Day or International Day of Monuments and Sites across the globe to protect our cultural heritage. This day is celebrated to create awareness on preservation of rich cultural heritage sites and monuments. The objective of celebrating this day is to make people aware on the conservation and importance of our rich cultural heritage and to attract them towards the heritage sites and monuments by giving information about them located in different locations. The theme of 2024 World Heritage Day is “Discover and Experience Diversity”. Our ancestors have given us a rich cultural past and their efforts for preserving our rich heritage should not be wasted. Our monuments and sites are our assets and it is our prime responsibility to preserve them. Our ancient monuments and sites define our rich ancient past. Collective efforts are needed to develop a cultural friendly ecosystem. There is need to fill the enthusiasm among the people to conserve the rich heritage. Creation of awareness on the preservation of historic monuments and sites is need of the hour. We need to preserve our rich heritage for our future generations. The experts from diverse fields like architecture, engineering, geology and archaeology have retained some of the most scintillating and marvelous monuments for our younger generations. School children can be made aware of World Heritage through the organization of various recreational activities in the school. Different types of story telling, essay writing, drawing and poster making etc. sessions on ancient heritage monuments and sites can be organized. World Heritage is defined as the shared wealth of humankind. This day reminds us of our rich past. Firstly the seeds of World Heritage Day were sown on 18th of April 1982.It was firstly proposed by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on 18th of April, 1982 and approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983. There are grand total of 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe of which 869 are cultural, 213 are natural and 39 are a mixture. It has been observed that some cultures were accepted, some were forced upon the people, some were rejected by the people and some cultures were damaged. World Heritage Site is a place such as a building, desert, forest, island, monument etc. which is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as being of special importance. The International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) organized a symposium in Tunisia. The calls were made for celebration of an “International Day for Monuments and Sites” all over the world. This idea picked up the pace and the committee approved the suggestion. The proposal for the celebration of this day was then moved to UNESCO General Conference where a resolution was passed in November 1983.Since that day, the people across the globe have been celebrating the “International Monuments and Sites Day” also known as “Word Heritage Day” on 18th of April. There is need to recognize the people involved in preserving the sites and monuments, especially scientists, geographers, archaeologists and engineers on this day. Our rich heritage can be protected with our collaborative efforts.
Heritage sites are vulnerable to several factors and we must do our own efforts to protect these valuable assets. In India there is no dearth of cultural, natural and historical sites and monuments. It is rich in its ancient monuments and sites that remind us about the rich historical background. All of them have rich history and some were made centuries ago and still stand tall. Future generations respect those nations and civilizations who protect their culture and environment for posterity.
India is rich in monuments and sites that signify our rich culture and heritage. Some of these sites are known across the globe such as the Taj Mahal in Agra or the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. There are various other structures that give us a peek into the bygone era. UNESCO has listed 35 sites in India as part of its World Heritage Sites and that makes India among the top countries in the world in terms of heritage sites. Monuments and sites are the places of importance of cultural or natural heritage as defined by the UNESCO. However, many of us aren’t too familiar with all this. Some of the world famous heritage sites are situated in India.
Taj Mahal is said be an abode of love immortalized in stone, the marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Taj Mahal has considered among the Seven Wonders of the World. One of the most iconic buildings, the mausoleum attracts a large number of visitors across the globe. Elephanta Caves are situated in Maharashtra state. These caves have been carved out of single solid basalt rock. The caves are filled with beautiful stone carvings of Hindu gods and goddess. The sculpture of Mount Kailash, Parvati, Ravana and especially of Lord Shiva, which shows his three moods as the creator, the destroyer and the preserver, are the masterpieces. Kaziranga National Park has been established in Asam state. It was started in 1905 at the orders of British Viceroy Lord Curzon following a request from his wife. This wildlife park is famous for its one-horned rhino population. Mahabodhi Temple is found in Bihar. This temple is known for the spot where Lord Buddha got enlightenment. At this sacred place monks take their pledge and wear their ceremonial robes for the first time. The temple has been built in Dravidian architecture style around the original Bodhi tree which sheltered Lord Buddha. Fatehpur Sikri is situated in Uttar Pradesh. It was found in 1569 and the city served as the Mughal capital. The city is the manifestation of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s dream to build a grand capital for his empire.
The Great Munhall’s grand city was abandoned just 16 years after it was built due to the acute shortage of water. The Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Parks is another lesser known UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Uttrakhand. The Great Living Chola Temples were built by the Chola Empire. The site includes three temples, the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. These temples show the achievements of the Chola in architecture. Our monuments and sites are valuable assets of human civilization. There is need to create awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity and their vulnerability and the efforts needed for their protection and conservation. It is our huge responsibility to protect our rich heritage and offer it to our future generations.
(The writer is Sr. Scientist & Head of KVK, Reasi SKUAST-J)