World Heritage Day-2024: Theme is 'Discover and experience diversity'
It was in the 1980s that International Council on Monuments and Sites had declared 18th April as World Heritage Day and UNESCO approved the observance in 1983. Ever since, the day is observed to highlight the importance such sites and the problems involved in protecting and preserving them.
Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to identify, protect and preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the world.
At many places, conferences are held with participation of tourists, common people, students, guides, scientists, architects, archaeologists, geographers, material scientists and engineers.
The purpose of the day is to raise the awareness about the preserving human heritage and its diversity which as per UNESCO falls in three categories: natural, cultural and mixed. India has a total of 35 world heritage sites, of which 27 are cultural natural, and 1 mixed site recognised by UNESCO.
According to UNESCO, a World Heritage site is a natural or man-made area or a structure that is of international importance and space which requires special protection.
Here is an account of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide
- Total sites: 1,121
- Cultural sites: 869
- Natural sites: 213
- Mixed sites: 39
- Sites in danger of extinction: 53
UNESCO World Heritage Centre has recognized the Hill Forts of Rajasthan as a serial cultural site. According to UNESCO, "The serial site, situated in the state of Rajastahan, includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh; Kumbhalgarh; Sawai Madhopur; Jhalawar; Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. The eclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears testimony to the power of the Rajput princely states that flourished in the region from the 8th to the 18th centuries.
“Enclosed within defensive walls are major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and other buildings including temples that often predate the fortifications within which developed an elaborate courtly culture that supported learning, music and the arts. Some of the urban centres enclosed in the fortifications have survived, as have many of the site's temples and other sacred buildings. The forts use the natural defenses offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and dense forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures, largely still in use today,” it is added
Earlier in 2018, I wrote two articles for merinews.com titled 'Education is first step in protecting our shared heritage'
In Bathinda, school students visited the local fort which was built in 12th century, reported TD Garg who is an old colleague and Facebook friend.
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