Dr Banarsi Lal
Every year 18th of April is observed as World Heritage Day across the globe to promote the cultural heritage. The theme of 2023 World Heritage Day is “Heritage Changes”. The theme for World Heritage Day 2023 is focused on the crucial issues of climate action and its relation to cultural heritage. There is need to show the activities that can be a source of knowledge to fight climate change. This day is celebrated by a wide range of organizations around the globe. On this day we share the information on strengthening and safeguarding our cultural heritage. This day is celebrated in different ways. Monuments and sites are highlighted with the objective of their preservation and protection. Efforts that are needed to protect and conserve diversity of cultural heritage it. Awareness is also created among the masses by writing the articles in newspapers and through the electronic media. Many people also display their thoughts through poems, designing thoughts, quotes and descriptions. In the lockdown period one can arrange the virtual heritage tour if one have the pictures and videos of heritage.
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. The idea behind the theme is the recognition of all types of heritage sites across the various communities and groups. 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. Our rich heritage can be protected with our joint efforts. World Heritage Day is celebrated on the diversity of heritage throughout the world. Heritage sites are vulnerable to several factors and we must do our own efforts to protect these valuable assets.
Union Territory of J&K is rich in its ancient monuments and sites that remind us about the rich historical back-ground. There is no dearth of cultural, and historical sites and monuments. All of them have rich history and some were made centuries ago and still stand tall. If these monuments and sites are highlighted, promoted and preserved then tourism in this UT can be enhanced. Collective efforts are needed for the preservation and conservation of the rich heritage of this beautiful Union Territory. Listing and grading of heritage should be done accordingly. Future generations respect those nations and civilizations who protect their culture and environment for posterity. Archaeological Survey of India has identified 28 protected sites in J&K UT which includes 13 in Kashmir Valley and 15 in Jammu. 69 monuments have been included in the list of National importance. J&K framed its own Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act in the year 2010 and constituted Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority and Executive Committee.
The major objective of legislating the Act and constituting the Authority was to frame the rules, survey the heritage sites and approve them for listing in the heritage inventory. 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 Assam. 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 Uttarakhand. 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, their vulnerability and the efforts needed for their protection and conservation. It is our responsibility to protect our rich heritage and offer it to the next generations. There is need to fill the enthusiasm among the people to conserve their heritage.
(The author is Head, KVK Reasi,
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu).
