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UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites contains 6 new sites from Madhya Pradesh

In the recently released UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites (WHS), six new sites from Madhya Pradesh have found a place. This is a significant boost for the state’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The list includes Gwalior Fort, Dhamnar Caves, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur, and Gond Monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla.

Know the sites

  • Gwalior Fort- The fort is situated atop a hill, giving beautiful glimpses of the city. It is known for its impenetrable walls, which are 10 meters high and capable of providing formidable security.
    • The fort contains adorable and exquisite sculptures and showcases exceptional architectural excellence.The foundation of the fort was laid in the 6th century AD by Suraj Sen, who was a Rajput warrior.The Tomar ruler, Maan Singh, reigned over the fort in 1398 and added to its beauty by building many monuments inside the premises.It was also controlled by Ibrahim Lodi, the Mughal Sultanate, the Marathas, and Scindia.
    • The fort encompasses many ancient temples, including the Teli ka Mandir, the Chaturbhuj Temple, the Sas Bahu Temple, and the Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor.
  • Dhamnar Caves- They are located in Mandsaur district. They were built in the 7th century AD and contain 51 caves, stupas, chaityas, passages, and dwellings.
    • They also have a giant statue of Gautam Buddha and some historically and architecturally important caves like Bari Kacheri (a large courtyard) and Bhima Bazar.
  • Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple- It is close to the capital city of Bhopal. Carved from a single stone, this is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
    • Its sanctum sanctorum contains a huge 2.35-meter-long Linga.
    • It was commissioned by Parmar Dynasty ruler, Raja Bhoj in the 11th century and is known as the Somnath of East due to its exceptional architecture.
    • The architecture of the temple is inspired by the Bhumija and Dravidian styles.
  • Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley- Situated in the Chambal basin, it has the largest concentration of rock art sites in the world.
    • These sites are spread across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
    • The rock art of the sites depicts daily life, including the religious and hunting practices of the pre-historic societies.
  • Burhanpur’s Khooni Bhandara- It’s a unique water supply and management system.
    • Built by erstwhile ruler Abdurrahim Khankhana about 407 years ago, it contains eight waterworks. 
    • Persian geologist Tabkutul Arz employed the Persian Qanat technique to build this underground water system, which is still operational today.
  • Gond Memorial of Ramnagar, Mandla- This is a group of some historical monuments that include-
    • Moti Mahal (Rajmahal)
    • Raibhagat ki Kothi
    • Suraj Mandir (Vishnu Mandir)
    • Begum Mahal
    • Dalbadal Mahal

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