State’s six sites nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to mind-blowing architecture and construction of monuments, six tourism destinations of Madhya Pradesh have now become famous for another reason as these sites have been nominated in UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. The State will have more destinations in the series of sculptures and temples of Khajuraho, Buddhist monuments and relics at Sanchi and Bhimbetka rock. The six sites nominated are Gwalior Fort, Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur and God Memorial of Ramnagar, Mandla, the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on social media. These six heritage sites have now been included in UNESCO’s tentative list. Officials from respective regions and public representatives expressed happiness and termed it a proud moment for citizens of the State and as a big achievement. Burhanpur, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Srivastava said, “Around a decade ago efforts were intiated to claim underground water structure of Khooni Bhandara in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage.

 

In 2013, a UNESCO team had carried out inspection of the structure. Now the district administration, municipal corporation administration and Madhya Pradesh Government have prepared an action plan to provide facilities here given the possibility of domestic and foreign tourists and researchers visiting the place shortly.” Presently, the UNESCO world heritage sites in MP includes sculptures and temples of Khajuraho. These structures strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among greatest masterpieces of Indian art and are simply incredible, Buddhist monuments and relics at Sanchi are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art. Bhimbetka rock shelters that depicts wealthy traditions of India and painting that marks existence of humans. While The Gwalior Fort is strategically located in the city of Gwalior , known for its impregnable defenses, this historic fort stands tall on a hill, offering a commanding view of the city and its surroundings. Khuni Bhandara or Kundi Bhandara is a unique underground water management structure located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in Sultanpur, it is one of the amazing historical monuments in Burhanpur.

 

Burhanpur being ruled by Mughals, most of its historical structures reflect the style of Mughal architecture and grandeur. Burhanpur was known as the gateway to southern India for its strategic location. Khuni Bhandara is a unique water supply system. It is being said that it was built in 1615 by Abdul Rahim Khankhana, Subedar of Burhanpur during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir. It was built to provide drinking water for his soldiers and people of the city. This underground water system was built with the help of Persian geologist Arkbul ArzIn. It has been declared as a state-protected structure by the State Directorate of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums. Dhamnar Caves are caves located in the village of Dhamnar, in Mandsaur district. These caves include 51 rock cut caves containing Buddhist and Hindu structures like stupas, chaityas, porch and small chambers both of Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism constructed around 5th-6th centuries AD. Absence of a Mandapa attached to Garbhagriha and use of a rectilinear roof rather than the more traditional curved Shikhara makes Bhojeshwar Temple unique. It is on a hill in the hamlet of Bhojpur. The temple never reached its completion till today. The Archaeological Survey of India looks after the maintenance and completion of the temple.