Exploring the World Heritage Sites of UPSC

Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a government body responsible for the recruitment and selection of personnel for various services in India. It is also responsible for the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage.

The UPSC has identified several heritage sites which have been declared as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This article gives an overview of the various World Heritage Sites of UPSC, located in different parts of India.

 

Ajanta Caves

Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, the Ajanta Caves are a series of Buddhist cave monuments which date back to the 2nd century BC. The caves were discovered in 1819 and were declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. The caves feature spectacular Buddhist paintings, sculptures and architecture.

The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their intricate and detailed depictions of the life of the Buddha and the ancient Indian civilisation.

 

Rock-cut Architecture

The Ajanta Caves feature impressive rock-cut architecture. The caves were chiseled and carved out of the mountain side and feature intricate designs and patterns. The walls of the caves are adorned with sculptures and paintings depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha and ancient Indian civilization.

 

Buddhist Paintings

The Ajanta Caves feature a variety of Buddhist paintings depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha. The paintings are beautifully detailed and depict various aspects of the Buddha’s life, from his birth to his death. The paintings also feature various deities and scenes from ancient Indian civilization.

 

Scenic Beauty

The Ajanta Caves are surrounded by lush greenery and boast stunning views of the river Waghora. The caves feature a picturesque landscape, with a variety of trees, shrubs and plants adorning the area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife.

 

Ellora Caves

Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are a series of rock-cut caves which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The caves were discovered in 1819 and were declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. The caves are renowned for their intricate and detailed sculptures and architecture.

 

Rock-cut Architecture

The Ellora Caves feature impressive rock-cut architecture. The caves were chiseled and carved out of the mountain side and feature intricate designs and patterns. The walls of the caves are adorned with sculptures depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha and ancient Indian civilization.

 

Stunning Sculptures

The Ellora Caves feature a variety of stunning sculptures depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha. The sculptures are beautifully detailed and depict various aspects of the Buddha’s life, from his birth to his death. The sculptures also feature various deities and scenes from ancient Indian civilization.

 

Natural Beauty

The Ellora Caves are surrounded by lush greenery and boast stunning views of the river Kailasa. The caves feature a picturesque landscape, with a variety of trees, shrubs and plants adorning the area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife.

 

Humayun’s Tomb

Located in the city of New Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb is a mausoleum built in 1570. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. The mausoleum features an impressive architectural design and is a fine example of Mughal architecture.

 

Architecture

Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The mausoleum is built in red sandstone and features an impressive design. The building is surrounded by lush gardens and is adorned with a variety of trees and plants.

 

Gardens

The mausoleum is surrounded by lush gardens which feature a variety of trees and plants. The gardens are an integral part of the mausoleum and feature a variety of pathways and water features.

 

Tomb of Humayun

The mausoleum is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The tomb is built in a square shape and is adorned with intricate designs. The tomb is also surrounded by various other tombs and graves of Mughal royalty.

 

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is located in New Delhi and is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. The minaret was built in the 12th century and is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

 

Architecture

Qutub Minar is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The minaret is built in red sandstone and is decorated with intricate designs. The top of the minaret is adorned with a series of balconies which offer stunning views of the surrounding city.

 

Gardens

The minaret is surrounded by lush gardens which feature a variety of trees and plants. The gardens are an integral part of the minaret and feature a variety of pathways and water features.

 

The Iron Pillar

The minaret is also home to the famous Iron Pillar. The pillar is believed to be from the 4th century and is made of 98% wrought iron. The pillar is a testament to the advanced metallurgical techniques used in ancient India.

 

Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya and is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002. The temple was built in the 5th century and is a fine example of ancient Indian architecture.

 

Architecture

Mahabodhi Temple is a fine example of ancient Indian architecture. The temple is built in red sandstone and is decorated with intricate designs. The temple stands at a height of 170 feet and is adorned with a series of balconies which offer stunning views of the surrounding city.

 

Gardens

The temple is surrounded by lush gardens which feature a variety of trees and plants. The gardens are an integral part of the temple and feature a variety of pathways and water features.

 

The Bodhi Tree

The temple is also home to the famous Bodhi Tree. The tree is believed to be over 2,500 years old and is a symbol of the enlightenment of the Buddha. The tree is also surrounded by a variety of other trees and shrubs which are said to have been planted by the Buddha himself.

 

Group of Monuments at Hampi

The Group of Monuments at Hampi is located in Karnataka and is a group of ruins which date back to the 14th century. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986. The ruins feature impressive stone architecture and sculptures which are a testament to the advanced engineering and design techniques used in ancient India.

 

Architecture

The Group of Monuments at Hampi features impressive stone architecture. The ruins are adorned with intricate designs and sculptures which depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha and ancient Indian civilization.

 

Sculptures

The ruins feature a variety of stunning sculptures depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha. The sculptures are beautifully detailed and depict various aspects of the Buddha’s life, from his birth to his death. The sculptures also feature various deities and scenes from ancient Indian civilization.

 

Natural Beauty

The Group of Monuments at Hampi is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts stunning views of the river Tungabhadra. The ruins feature a picturesque landscape, with a variety of trees, shrubs and plants adorning the area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife.

 

Conclusion

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has identified several heritage sites which have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These sites include the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Mahabodhi Temple and the Group of Monuments at Hampi.

These sites feature impressive architecture, sculptures and paintings which are a testament to the advanced engineering and design techniques used in ancient India. These sites are also surrounded by lush greenery and boast stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

These World Heritage Sites of UPSC are a must-visit for tourists and visitors alike. They offer a unique insight into the history and culture of India and are a testament to the country’s rich heritage.