These six heritage sites of Madhya Pradesh figure in UNESCO tentative list, know more about them

 Bhopal: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has included six destinations of Madhya Pradesh in its tentative world heritage list. These are Gwalior Fort, Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple-Bhojpur, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur and Ramnagar and Gond Memorial of Mandla.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the cultural grandeur of Madhya Pradesh is now occupying the world stage. Six heritage sites have been included in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. The wonderful cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh will now be recognized as world heritage.

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla said that this is a matter of pride for the state.Now efforts have been made to get these sites notified in the permanent list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort, known for its impenetrable security in Gwalior, is situated on a hill, from where a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings is visible. With its 10 meter high walls, the fort is adorned with exquisite sculptures and remarkable architecture. According to historians, the foundation of Gwalior Fort was laid by the Rajput warrior Suraj Sen in the sixth century AD. After being invaded and ruled by various rulers, the Tomars captured the fort in 1398. The most famous among the Tomars was Man Singh. It was he who constructed many monuments inside the fort complex.

Dhamnar Group of caves

The Dhamnar Caves are caves located in the village of Dhamnar, located in Mandsaur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. This rock cut site consists of 51 caves, stupas, Chaityas, passages, and compact dwellings, carved in the 7th century CE. The site includes large statues of Gautama Buddha in sitting and Nirvana mudra.[

Fourteen caves on the northern side are considered historically significant, among which Bari Kacheri (big courthouse) and Bhima Bazar are the most so. The Bari Kacheri cave measures 20 feet square and includes stupas and chaityas. The porch includes stone railing with the wooden architecture. Bhima Bazar cave is the largest among the group, measuring 115 feet by 80 and including vzhara and chaityagruha. It consists of stupas. 

Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur

Located about 28 km from the capital Bhopal, Bhojeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved from a single stone, the huge linga in the sanctum sanctorum is 2.35 meters tall with a circumference of about 6 metres. It is set on a three-tiered sandstone platform 6 meters square. Because of its amazing architecture it was given the title of ‘Somnath of the East’. King Bhoj ordered its construction between 1010 and 1053 AD on a hill in Bhojpur village. However, the temple could never be fully constructed.

Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley 

The Chambal Basin and central India contain the world’s largest concentration of rock art sites originating from different historical periods and civilizations. Spread over Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, these sites provide insight into ancient human habitation and cultural evolution. Spanning from the Palaeolithic to the historic period, rock art depicts scenes of daily life, religious rituals and hunting practices. Rock art sites in the Chambal Basin display a mix of artistic styles and cultural effects, reflecting the dynamic history of the region.

Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur

One of its kind water supply system Khooni or Kundi Bhandara is situated in Burhanpur, which was constructed 407 years ago and is still operational and useful for the local people. It was built in 1615 by Abdul Rahim Khankhana, the ruler of Burhanpur.

Gond Memorial, Mandla, Ramnagar

Ramnagar in Mandla district used to be the stronghold of Gond kings. In 1667, Gond king Hriday Shah had built Moti Mahal on the banks of river Narmada. The five-storeyed palace testifies to the will power of the king despite limited resources and technology. Over time, two floors have been buried underground but three floors are still visible.