2. Built Heritage and Natural Heritage of India

Describe Built Heritage and Natural Heritage of India

Have you ever wondered about the ancient forts, palaces, or the stunning landscapes and wildlife that make our country unique? Get ready to dive into some exciting facts about grand monuments and breathtaking natural wonders. Let's spark our curiosity and uncover the treasures of India's past and present!

‘Built Heritage’ refers to the special and important buildings, structures, and places, built by people a long time ago, that have been preserved because they are important to our history and culture. These places and buildings can tell us a lot about how people used to live in the past.1

India has a rich and diverse collection of historical buildings, structures, and places found throughout the country. The country has a long and fascinating history spanning thousands of years, reflected in its different landmarks and architectural styles, built by various civilizations over time.1

Listed below are some types of Indian heritage sites:

1. Ancient Temples:

India is home to numerous ancient temples, showcasing unique architectural styles. These temples were built as places of worship for different religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.2

Fig 2.1: Brihadeshwara Temple in
Tamil Nadu

The Brihadeshwara Temple in Tamil Nadu is more than 1000 years old. The walls of the temple are filled with carvings in Tamil and Sanskrit that show how people lived long ago.2

Fig 2.2: Sun Temple of
Odisha

The Sun Temple was built a long time ago, around the 13th century, in a place called Konark in Odisha. This temple is built like a chariot for the sun god, standing on 24 wheels.2

Fig 2.3: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bihar

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is located in the city of Patna, Bihar. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples made entirely of bricks that has been standing since the 6th century.2

2. Forts and Palaces :
Many forts and palaces were constructed by various rulers and emperors throughout Indian history. These structures reflect the artistic and cultural flair of the time. The Mughal Empire left a significant impact on Indian architecture, characterised by grand mausoleums like the Taj Mahal and forts such as the Agra Fort and the Red Fort in Delhi.3

Fig 2.4: Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan

The Chittorgarh fort is one of the largest forts in India, built over 700 years ago. It is located in the district of Mewar, in Rajasthan.3

Fig 2.5: The Mysore Palace

The Mysore palace is the second most visited palace after Taj Mahal. Located in the state of Karnataka, the architectural style of this palace is a perfect blend of the Rajput, Hindu, Muslim and Gothic styles.3

Fig 2.6: Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh is considered as one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Vid : 2.1 All About The Taj Mahal5

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most stunning examples of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is primarily made of white marble and surrounded with four minarets, one at each corner.4

3. Stepwells and Water Structures:
India's ancient engineering skills are evident in stepwells and water structures, which were used for water conservation and storage in areas with low rainfall. Some famous stepwells include Rani-ki-Vav in Gujarat, Panna Meena in Rajasthan, and Chand Baori, also in Rajasthan, among others.6

Fig 2.7: Rani-ki-Vav a well known step well in Gujarat

Rani-ki-Vav, also known as the Queen's Stepwell, is an ancient and magnificent stepwell located in the town of Patan, Gujarat, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most well-preserved and grand stepwells in the country. The stepwell is about 64 meters long, 20 meters wide, and reaches a depth of approximately 27 meters.6

4. Rock-Cut Caves:
These caves, like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, were carved into rocky hillsides and served as monasteries, temples, and dwelling places.7

Fig 2.8: The Ajanta and Ellora caves

The Ajanta and Ellora caves, are a group of rock-cut caves, located in Maharashtra. Some of the caves have paintings and statues of Buddha made over 1,500 years ago.7

Fig 2.9: The Elephanta Caves in Mumbai

The Elephanta Caves, located in Mumbai, are a group of ancient rock-cut caves. They were created between the 5th and 8th centuries AD and consist of a total of seven caves.

5. Other monuments and ruins:
There are many other monuments and ruins that hold great historical and cultural significance. They are tangible reminders of ancient civilizations and offer a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and achievements of our ancestors.8

Fig 2.10: Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hampi

The ruins of Vijaynagar Empire are at Hampi, Karnataka. Spreading over a large area, these temples, which today are mostly destroyed remains, were builts about 700 years ago.8

Fig 2.11: Qutub Minar located in Delhi

Qutub Minar is a famous historical monument located in Delhi, India. It is a towering minaret made of red sandstone and marble.8

India is home to many amazing natural heritage sites that showcase the country's incredible beauty and diverse ecosystems. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, these places are filled with unique plants and animals. Famous natural sites include the Sundarbans, home to the majestic Bengal tiger, and the Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. These natural wonders are protected as World Heritage sites to ensure they remain beautiful and vibrant for everyone to enjoy, and for future generations to see.9

1. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a magnificent wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Assam, India. It is one of the most famous and important protected areas in the country and holds a significant place in India's conservation efforts.9

Fig 2.12 Kaziranga National Park - A wildlife sanctuary

2. The Great Himalayan National Park

It is situated in the western part of the Himalayas, in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The park is home to many species of colourful birds, rare animals, and diverse plants. Visitors can enjoy trekking and exploring various nature trails within the park, allowing them to experience the stunning landscapes and discover the amazing wildlife that lives there.9

Fig 2.13 A valley in The Great Himalayan National Park

Vid: 2.2 A little girl exploring The Great Himalayan National Park10

3. The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India, beginning in Gujarat in the north and extending to the southern tip of India in Kerala. They pass through several states, including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats are covered in lush rainforests, which receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. These rainforests play a key role in maintaining the water cycle, providing water to many rivers.9

Fig 2.14: Malshej ghat

Fig 2.15 Location of Western Ghat on the map of India.

Glossary

ancient: something very old, from a long time ago
architectural: related to the design and style of buildings
monument: a building or structure important because of its history
natural: related to nature, like plants, animals, and landscapes
preserved: kept in good condition to prevent damage
stepwell: a well or water tank with steps leading down to the water level
wildlife sanctuary: a protected area where animals and plants are safe
ruins: the remains of a building that has been destroyed or is very old
mausoleum: a large building where someone important is buried
landscape: the natural scenery of a place, like mountains or valleys

Summary:

Built heritage refers to the important buildings, structures, and places built by people a long time ago.
Key examples of Indian built heritage include ancient temples, forts and palaces, stepwells and water structures, and rock-cut caves.
Natural Heritage includes different kinds of places such as mountains, forests, deserts, and coastlines.
Some of India's natural heritage are Kaziranga National Park, The Great Himalayan National Park, and The Western Ghats.

References:

1 Built Heritage. India Culture (2023) Link

2 Top 35 Most Visited Ancient and Heritage Temples. Walk through India (n.d.) Link

3 Fort and Palaces in India. Indian luxury train (n.d.) Link

4 Taj Mahal. UNESCO (n.d.) Link

5 Taj Mahal History and Architecture. Mocomi kids (2013) Link

6 Stepwells of India. Press information Bureau (2022) Link

7Cave Architecture. Cultural India (n.d.) Link

825 Best Monuments in India. Fabhotels (2023) Link

9 Exploring India’s UNESCO natural world heritage sites. Times of India (2020) Link

10 Great Himalayan National Park. Himalayan Ecotourism (2020) Link

Prev Lesson

Next Lesson

Page updated

Report abuse