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UNESCO has given the status of World Heritage Site to more than 1200 places all over the world. These are not just some stone or brick buildings, but contain within themselves thousands of years of old mysterious stories and glorious civilizations. In terms of heritage sites, Italy leads the world with about 58 heritage sites, but our India is also no less than anyone in this list. On the strength of its unmatched culture, India proudly stands at sixth position in the world with 44 world heritage sites. Now a very interesting question arises that among the many ancient heritage sites of India, which is the oldest World Heritage Site? Let us dive into the pages of history and know about the oldest UNESCO sites of India.
Bhimbetka caves: 11 thousand years old human habitation
The crown of India’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site is held by the ‘Bhimbetka Caves’ of Madhya Pradesh. Located just 45 kilometers away from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, this place is a living wonder of history. These more than 750 rocky caves, spread over a vast area of about 10 kilometers, are considered to be thousands of years old. The paintings carved on the walls of the cave testify that there used to be human habitation here about 11,000 years ago. On these walls, the lifestyle of primitive humans, their hunting methods and their festivals have been depicted through amazing paintings.
Dholavira: A unique sign of 5 thousand years old Harappan civilization
Dholavira present in Kutch district of Gujarat is no less than a treasure for history lovers. Situated near the Masar and Manhar rivers, this city was a very important and developed center of the approximately 5,000 year old Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization). In the year 2021, UNESCO included this historical city in the list of World Heritage Sites. Dholavira is famous all over the world for the best and advanced ‘town planning’ of its time as well as its excellent water management system.
Sanchi Stupa: Sacred center of Buddhism built by Emperor Ashoka
Standing proudly on a hill in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, ‘Sanchi Stupa’ is one of the oldest and famous Buddhist monuments in the world. According to historians, it was built about 2300 years ago, in the third century BC, by the great emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty. Sanchi Stupa, located about 56 kilometers from Bhopal, is counted among the oldest stone structures of India. Considering its historical and spiritual importance, UNESCO gave it the status of World Heritage Site in the year 1989.
Ajanta Caves: A unique example of 2000 year old amazing painting.
‘Ajanta Caves’, located on the picturesque banks of the Waghora River in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, is such a wonder of Indian art that people from all over the world are stunned to see it. Believed to be around 2000 years old, these Buddhist caves are world famous for their mesmerizingly beautiful paintings and carved sculptures. This ancient historical heritage of India was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in the year 1983.
Mahabodhi Temple: Ancient temple made of bricks where Buddha attained enlightenment
The history of Mahabodhi Temple located in Gaya district of Bihar is directly related to the life of Lord Buddha. This is the same holy and historical place where Mahatma Buddha attained enlightenment after rigorous penance about 2500 years ago. It is believed that Emperor Ashoka had built this temple here around 300 BC. Mahabodhi Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world made of bricks, is still the most important pilgrimage site of Buddhism. Due to its amazing importance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2002.