Categories: Travel

After Santiniketan, Karnataka’s Hoysala Temples find place on UNESCO Heritage List, ET TravelWorld


Representative Image

India now has not one, but two additions in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Just a day after Santiniketan, the historic place in West Bengal associated with poet Rabindranath Tagore, received the UNESCO World Heritage tag, Karnataka‘s Hoysala temples have bagged a space on the list.

This recognition marks the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and the fourth in Karnataka, a state celebrated for its rich cultural heritage.

The 12th-century Hoysala era temples of Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura were officially designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysals hold immense historical significance, marking a pivotal stage in the evolution of Hindu temple architecture. According to a UNESCO statement, these have been recognised for their unique architectural marvels, a large-scale sculptural gallery, a multi-tiered frieze, intricate carvings, and historical significance.

Santiniketan, a university town over 160 km from Kolkata, was originally an ashram built by Rabindranath Tagore’s father Debendranath Tagore, where anyone, irrespective of caste and creed, could come and meditate on the one Supreme God, according to a description of the landmark on the official website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

The Hoysala temples, with their innate stone carvings and cultural importance, have long been cherished as tourist destinations in Karnataka, drawing visitors from around the world. Taking to platform X, Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah expressed happiness and pride in this achievement. “Our government is committed to providing world-class infrastructure and safety to tourists visiting the state’s tourist destinations”, the CM said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations, stating, “The magnificent Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The timeless beauty and intricate details of the Hoysala temples are a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of our ancestors.”

This dual recognition is a reminder of the nation’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy. With Santiniketan and the Hoysala temples now joining the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India aims to safeguard its historical treasures, showcasing its heritage to the world.

  • Published On Sep 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM IST

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

Download ETTravelWorld App

  • Get Realtime updates
  • Save your favourite articles

Scan to download App




Source link

24timenews.com

Recent Posts

NASA’s X-59 Supersonic Jet Completes Initial Engine Tests, First Flight Approaching

NASA's experimental X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (Quesst) aircraft has reached a crucial testing milestone with…

9 mins ago

Alice Capsey omitted from T20Is as England name South Africa tour squads

Alice Capsey has paid the price for England's disastrous performance in last month's T20 World…

9 hours ago

2025 Ford F-150 receives some price cuts, starts at $40,705

Ford's bestselling F-150 full-size pickup truck receives minor changes for the 2025 model year, including…

9 hours ago

‘Will continue to advocate for open media’: Australia news outlet on Canada ban after Jaishankar interview

The Australia Today social media page on X The Australia Today, an 'important diaspora outlet,'…

10 hours ago

Robot learns how to clean a washbasin

Robots are supposed to do boring or unpleasant jobs for us. However, tedious tasks such…

10 hours ago

Motorola’s New Rollable Smartphone Patent Suggests Multiple On-Screen Fingerprint Sensors

Motorola showcased its rollable concept device in 2023 and we've seen more development in this space…

10 hours ago