JAIPUR’S UNESCO HERITAGE STATUS

Source: Hindu

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Context

The heritage conservation and development of Jaipur will be taken up with a budgetary expenditure of ₹100 crore.

Details

• The Walled City of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II.
• It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 under criteria (ii), (iv), and (vi) (human values, urban planning, and living traditions).
• It is also known as pink city.

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Outstanding Universal Value

Read about World Heritage Sites: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/world-heritage-sites-47

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/unesco-world-heritage-sites-40#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20specialized%20agency,arts%2C%20sciences%2C%20and%20culture.&text=It%20was%20founded%20in%201945%20and%20is%20headquartered%20in%20Paris%2C%20France.

Criterion (ii): Exchange of Human Values

• Jaipur represents a mix of Hindu, Mughal, and Western influences in its town planning and architecture.
• The city’s grid-iron planis inspired by Western examples, but enhanced with Vedic architecture.

Criterion (iv): Architectural and Urban Planning

• Its urban form contrasts with medieval cities due to its broad streetsand linear structure, all designed to facilitate trade and commerce.
• The markets (11 main bazars) represent architectural styles spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries, with a singular color schemeand unified facades.
• Many havelisand temple complexes are located along the main bazars and at the 
• The city's layout features continuous colonnaded businesses, intersecting streets, and large public squares called chaupars and sectors known as chowkris.
• Its markets, shops, residences, and temples along the main streets have uniform facades.

Criterion (vi): Living Traditions

• Jaipur has historically been a hub for crafts.
• The city initially planned to house 36 industries(Chhattees Karkhane), many of which continue today.
• Crafts like jewelry making, painting, carving, and other traditional handicrafts are still practiced.

Jaipur’s Inscription Journey

• The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (Inscribed in 2010):
  • • Jantar Mantar is an early 18th-century astronomical observation site.
    • It includes 20 fixed instruments representing India’s astronomical heritage.
• Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Inscribed in 2013):
  • • It includes forts in Amber Fort (Jaipur), Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, and Jaisalmer.
    • These forts demonstrate Rajput power and culturefrom the 8th to 18th centuries.
• Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art (Inscribed in 2015):
  • • Jaipur is known for its historical craftsof jewelry making, painting, and carving.
    • The city hosts the Jaipur International Heritage Festival.
    • Other initiatives include:
• Citizens Outreach Celland Heritage Walks 
• Haatmuseum and Crafts and Folk Art Gallery 
• Global Art Square.

World Heritage Sites in India

Indian Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List (43)

Cultural (35)

• Agra Fort (1983)
• Ajanta Caves (1983)
• Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
• Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
• Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
• Elephanta Caves (1987)
• Ellora Caves (1983)
• Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
• Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004)
• Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
• Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
• Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
• Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
• Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
• Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
• Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
• Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
• Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
• Red Fort Complex (2007)
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
• Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
• Taj Mahal (1983)
• The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
• The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
• Santiniketan (2023)
• Sacred ensembles of Hoysalas (2023)
• Moidams (2024)

Natural (7)

• Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
• Kaziranga National Park (1985)
• Keoladeo National Park (1985)
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
• Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005)
• Sundarbans National Park (1987)
• Western Ghats (2012)

Mixed (1)

• Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

Sources:

Hindu