Cultural Marvels: Hoysala Temples and Shantiniketan in UNESCO World Heritage Site Contenders List

New Delhi,12 Sep (VNI) The imminent gathering of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh this September carries significant weight as it strives to integrate fresh entrants into the esteemed World Heritage List. Noteworthy contenders from India in this 45th session of the committee, set in the Saudi capital, include Shantiniketan and the Sacred Ensembles of the  Hoysala Temples 

During this session, the committee will embark on a thorough evaluation of the preservation status of 260 previously inscribed sites on the World Heritage List. It's worth noting that 55 of these are simultaneously listed in the World Heritage in Danger registry

Starting on September 16, the World Heritage Committee will delve into the assessment of nominations for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This encompasses nominations that were deferred from the prior year's discussions.

The roster of 50 potential sites under consideration spans a diverse range, from natural wonders like the Western Ghats, Sundarbans, and the Great Himalayan National Park, to cultural marvels like the Qutub Minar, the Mahabalipuram Group of Sanctuaries, and the Group of Monuments at Hampi.

This list further includes sites like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Jantar Mantar, and the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. Notable inclusions are Shantiniketan in West Bengal and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka.

Thus far, the World Heritage Committee has inscribed 40 sites in India onto the World Heritage List. The committee, entrusted with overseeing the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, is comprised of delegates from the 21 States Parties that have ratified it.

Regarding the Indian entries, the Hoysala Temples of Belur in Karnataka hold a significant position. These sacred ensembles have been on UNESCO's tentative list since 2014 and are presently designated as protected monuments under the purview of the Archeological Survey of India. The Chennakesava Temple in Belur Karnataka, an exemplary specimen of Hoysala architecture, stands as a testament to their artistic legacy. Its construction by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century endured for a remarkable 103 years, resulting in a structure adorned with intricate carvings illustrating scenes from the 'Mahabharata' and 'Ramayana'.

Notably, Hoysala architecture is characterized by its unique blend of influences. Often referred to as hybrid or vesara, it embodies a style that lies somewhere between Dravida and Nagara, exhibiting strong traces of the Bhumija mode from Central India, Nagara traditions from northern and western India, and the Karntata Dravida modes favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas. One can easily distinguish Hoysala temples from other medieval structures by their highly original star-like ground plans and the profusion of decorative carving.

Turning to Shantiniketan, it stands as a university town with a unique historical significance, established by Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. Its origins trace back to Maharshi Debendranath's discovery of a serene tract of land in 1861. This discovery led to the establishment of Shantiniketan, or the 'Abode of Peace'. Tagore, later, chose this idyllic setting for his 'back to nature' ashram-style school in 1901, which eventually expanded into the renowned Viswa Bharati University.

The architectural gems within Shantiniketan, West Bengal, include the Shantiniketan Griha, the inaugural edifice constructed by Debendranath Tagore in 1863, and the Patha Bhavan, featuring vibrant fresco paintings by Nandalal Bose, erected in 1899.
  
In total, India boasts 40 sites graced with the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage distinction. These encompass 32 cultural treasures, among which are Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, and the Harappan-era site in Dholavira -Gujrat, Elephanta Caves- Maharashtra, Red Fort complex in Delhi, and Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Additionally, India possesses 52 sites on the tentative list, including Temples at Bishnupur in West Bengal, Mattanchery Palace in Kerala, and Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The tentative list serves as an inventory of properties that each State Party considers for future nomination.