World Heritage Review - Volume 2024, Issue 106, 2024

UNESCO's World Heritage is much more than a List of remarkable sites. It represents the common heritage of humanity – a collection of cultural and natural treasures that transcend borders and generations. These sites tell the story of our world, illustrating our diversity, creativity and resilience through the ages.

In the 16th century, in Uttar Pradesh, the Mughal emperor Akbar built the majestic Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. For a century, its red sandstone walls sheltered generations of rulers – and were silent witnesses to entire chapters of Indian history.

I am delighted to know that India is hosting the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, in July 2024. This significant event underscores India's active engagement with UNESCO, particularly in matters concerning World Heritage.

‘It's an extremely lush landscape. One of the things that always amazes me is the hike to Blue Mountain Peak, because although the trail has been used for hundreds of years, in many areas you have to go single file under the forest canopy. It truly speaks to the resilience of the forest to have that human use but to maintain such a natural feeling and condition.’

Meet Chandrakant Sompura – one of the most respected Indian temple architects today. Born in 1943 in the state of Gujarat, he is a 15th generation craftsman, belonging to a lineage of master architects known as ‘sthapatis’. While he has constructed more than 100 temples worldwide, he has always found inspiration close to home, in particular the city of Palitana adorned with numerous Jain temples dating back to the 11th century.

My journey on heritage began when my city, Ahmadabad, was inscribed as India's first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, when my inquisitive self began to explore more about my city's glorious culture and heritage.

The story of Jaipur City dates back to the early 18th century when it was developed as an urban planning model designed to promote trade and commerce. The city is said to have housed ‘chhattis karkhanas’ (36 industries), consisting mainly of crafts like gemstones, lac jewellery, stone idols and miniature paintings.

‘The heritage of a country is essentially its cultural identity, and whether big or small, majestic or simple, physical or non-physical, it must be maintained and have a meaning for every new generation.’