World Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh
Sanchi Stupa
The Great Stupa at Sanchi has been the focal point of the Buddhist faith in the region since it was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The grand structure still inspires awe today and sits at the top of a hill, surrounded by the remains of smaller stupas, monasteries, and temples that were built as the religious community grew in the centuries after the site was founded.
The main body of the stupa symbolises the cosmic mountain. It is topped by a ‘harmika’ to hold the triple umbrella, or ‘chhatraveli’, which represents the three jewels of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The high circular terrace against the base is accessible by staircases and is designed for worshippers to be able to walk around the stupa. On the ground level, there is another procession path that is surrounded by stone balustrades.
The gateways at the four cardinal points are the highlights of the structure, with a series of detailed carvings showing Buddhist symbols and important historical and religious scenes. Interestingly, Buddha is always shown in these carvings as a symbol and not as a human. He is represented on the gateways as a horse without a rider, an umbrella above an empty throne, the Bodhi tree, or as footprints.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjuravahaka, is located in the State of Madhya Pradesh and was the principal seat of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. Yasovarman (A.D. 954) built the temple of Vishnu, which is now famous as Lakshmana temple, and is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas. Temples of Khajuraho are world famous for their architectural art and have been declared world heritage by UNESCO.
The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha Temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva, which is attributed to king Ganda (A.D. 1017-29). The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. The Khajuraho group of temples is noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans. The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult images; parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the apsarases and sura-sundaris, which win universal admiration for their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty. The attire and ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.
Bhimbetka rock shelters, series of natural rock shelters in the foothills of the Vindhya Range, central India. They are situated some 45 km south of Bhopal, in west-central Madhya Pradesh state. Discovered in 1957, the complex consists of some 700 shelters and is one of the largest repositories of prehistoric art in India. The shelters were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. The complex is surrounded by the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Bhimbetka region is riddled with massively sculpted formations in the sandstone rock. On the Bhimbetka site’s hill alone, where the bulk of the archaeological research has been concentrated since 1971, 243 shelters have been investigated, of which 133 contain rock paintings. In addition to the cave paintings, archaeologists have unearthed large numbers of artifacts in the caves and in the dense teak forests and cultivated fields around Bhimbetka, the oldest of which are Acheulean stone tool assemblages.
The paintings, which display great vitality and narrative skill, are categorized into different prehistoric periods. The oldest are dated to the Late Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age) and consist of large linear representations of rhinoceroses and bears. Paintings from Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) times are smaller and portray, in addition to animals, human activities. Drawings from the Chalcolithic Period (early Bronze Age) showcase the early humans’ conceptions of agriculture. Finally, the decorative paintings dating to early historical times depict religious motifs, including tree gods and magical sky chariots.
The caves provide a rare glimpse at a sequence of Cultural Development from early nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled cultivators to expressions of spirituality. It has been observed that the present-day cultural traditions of agrarian peoples inhabiting the villages surrounding Bhimbetka resemble those represented in the paintings.
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Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India. It is the second-largest state in India by area, after Rajasthan. The state is bordered by Uttar Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, Gujarat to the southwest, and Rajasthan to the west. The capital of Madhya Pradesh is Bhopal.
Madhya Pradesh is a land of diverse landscapes, from the Vindhya Mountains in the north to the Satpura Range in the south. The state is also home to a number of rivers, including the Narmada, the Chambal, and the Son.
Madhya Pradesh is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Sanchi Stupa, and the Bhimbhetka rock shelters. The state is also home to a number of national parks and Tiger Reserves, including Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Pench National Park.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The monuments are famous for their erotic sculptures, which date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. The stupa is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in India, and it is considered to be one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
The Bhimbhetka rock shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. The rock shelters are home to some of the oldest rock paintings in India, which date back to the Paleolithic period.
The Gondwana rock art is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. The rock art is a collection of prehistoric paintings and engravings that date back to the Mesolithic period.
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. The biosphere reserve is a hilly region that is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
The Kanha National Park is a national park located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Bandhavgarh National Park is a national park located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Pench National Park is a national park located in the Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Sanjay National Park is a national park located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Madhav National Park is a national park located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Van Vihar National Park is a national park located in the Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Panna National Park is a national park located in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Satpura National Park is a national park located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary is home to the great Indian bustard, which is the heaviest flying bird in the world.
The Keoladeo National Park is a national park located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the great Indian bustard, which is the heaviest flying bird in the world.
Madhya Pradesh is a state with a rich history and culture. It is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a variety of national parks and tiger reserves. The state is a popular tourist destination, and it offers something for everyone.
What is a World Heritage Site?
A World Heritage Site is a place of outstanding cultural or natural importance which is designated by UNESCO.
How many World Heritage Sites are there in the world?
There are 1,154 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries.
What are the criteria for a site to be designated as a World Heritage Site?
To be designated as a World Heritage Site, a place must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- It must represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
- It must be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
- It must be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, an agricultural landscape, an important technological ensemble or a type of landscape which is directly associated with significant developments in human history.
- It must be of outstanding natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
- It must be a significant example of ongoing geological processes, significant geomorphic or physiographic features or significant natural phenomena, including those which are rare, threatened or endangered.
- It must be a significant example of biological diversity and of evolutionary processes in the natural world, including those which are threatened or endangered.
- It must be a significant example of the interaction between man and the Environment, representing a significant stage in Human Development.
What are some of the most famous World Heritage Sites?
Some of the most famous World Heritage Sites include the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, and Machu Picchu.
What are the benefits of being a World Heritage Site?
There are many benefits to being a World Heritage Site. These include:
- Increased tourism and Economic Development
- Increased international recognition and prestige
- Protection from development and destruction
- Increased funding for conservation and preservation
What are the challenges of being a World Heritage Site?
There are also some challenges to being a World Heritage Site. These include:
- Increased pressure from tourism
- Increased risk of damage or destruction
- Increased cost of conservation and preservation
- Conflict between conservation and development
What is the future of World Heritage Sites?
The future of World Heritage Sites is uncertain. The challenges facing these sites are significant, but there are also many opportunities for positive change. It is important to work together to ensure that these sites are preserved for future generations.
Sure, here are some MCQs about Madhya Pradesh:
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Which of the following is not a city in Madhya Pradesh?
(A) Bhopal
(B) Indore
(C) Gwalior
(D) Agra -
Which of the following is the capital of Madhya Pradesh?
(A) Bhopal
(B) Indore
(C) Gwalior
(D) Agra -
Which of the following is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh?
(A) Bhopal
(B) Indore
(C) Gwalior
(D) Agra -
Which of the following is the most populous state in India?
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Maharashtra
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Rajasthan -
Which of the following is the Official Language of Madhya Pradesh?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Marathi
(D) Gujarati -
Which of the following is the currency of India?
(A) Indian rupee
(B) Pakistani rupee
(C) Nepalese rupee
(D) Sri Lankan rupee -
Which of the following is the national animal of India?
(A) Tiger
(B) Lion
(C) Elephant
(D) Rhinoceros -
Which of the following is the national bird of India?
(A) Peacock
(B) Parrot
(C) Eagle
(D) Vulture -
Which of the following is the national flower of India?
(A) Lotus
(B) Rose
(C) Jasmine
(D) Sunflower -
Which of the following is the National Song of India?
(A) Jana Gana Mana
(B) Vande Mataram
(C) Saare Jahan Se Accha
(D) Hum Hindustani
I hope these MCQs were helpful!