UNESCO WHS Flashcards
Andhra Pradesh
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) – Cultural. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a vast archaeological complex with temples, palaces, markets, and fortifications. Key structures include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, Lotus Mahal, and the Elephant Stables. The site is known for its Dravidian-style architecture and intricate carvings depicting mythological stories.
Assam
Kaziranga National Park (1985) – Natural; Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) – Natural; Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (2024) – Cultural
Bihar
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002) – Cultural; Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (2016) – Cultural
Chandigarh
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016) – Cultural
Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb (1993) – Cultural; Qutub Minar and its Monuments (1993) – Cultural; Red Fort Complex (2007) – Cultural
Goa
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) – Cultural
Gujarat
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004) – Cultural; Rani-ki-Vav (Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014) – Cultural; Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) – Cultural; Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021) – Cultural
Haryana/Punjab
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016) – Cultural
Himachal Pradesh
Great Himalayan National Park (2014) – Natural
Karnataka
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) – Cultural. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a vast archaeological complex with temples, palaces, markets, and fortifications. Key structures include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, Lotus Mahal, and the Elephant Stables. The site is known for its Dravidian-style architecture and intricate carvings depicting mythological stories.; Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) – Cultural. Pattadakal is a UNESCO site showcasing Chalukyan architecture, blending North and South Indian styles. It consists of ten major temples, including the Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, and Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, known for intricate carvings and inscriptions.; Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala (2023) – Cultural. This collection includes 12th-13th century temples such as the Chennakesava Temple (Belur) and Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), featuring elaborate stone carvings and Hoysala-style architecture.
Kerala
Western Ghats (2012) – Natural
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) – Cultural. The Khajuraho temples, built by the Chandela dynasty, are famous for their Nagara-style architecture and intricate erotic sculptures. Key temples include Kandariya Mahadeva, Lakshmana, and Vishwanatha Temples, representing themes of devotion, love, and spirituality.; Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) – Cultural; Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) – Cultural
Maharashtra
Ajanta Caves (1983) – Cultural;
Ellora Caves (1983) – Cultural;
Elephanta Caves (1987) – Cultural; Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) – Cultural; Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) – Cultural
Odisha
Sun Temple at Konârak (1984) – Cultural
Rajasthan
Keoladeo National Park (1985) – Natural; Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) – Cultural;
Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013) – Cultural. This site comprises six majestic forts – Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore, Gagron, Amber, and Jaisalmer. These forts exemplify Rajput military architecture, defensive structures, and intricate palace complexes.;
Jaipur City (2019) – Cultural
Sikkim
Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) – Mixed (Cultural + Natural)
Tamil Nadu
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) – Cultural. Built during the Pallava dynasty (7th-8th centuries), this site consists of rock-cut temples, rathas (chariot-shaped temples), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and sculpted reliefs like the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges’ panel. Notable structures include the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Pancha Rathas.; Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004) – Cultural. These temples, including Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur), Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram), and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, exemplify Chola dynasty architecture, bronze sculptures, and extensive inscriptions.; Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2005) – Cultural; Western Ghats (2012) – Natural
