The 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan', six forts located on the
rocky terrains of the Aravali mountains, made it to the World Heritage Sites
list of UNESCO. The hill forts are Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron, Jaisalmer,
Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore. Rajasthan's Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Bina
Kak said: "The selection of these forts is a reflection of our work done
in the past. We stand by our commitment towards conservation and protection of
our rich cultural heritage, of which we are immensely proud." The minister
added that the hill forts were approved in the 37th meeting of the World
Heritage Committee in Pnom Penh, Cambodia, June 21. The selection of these
forts as a serial cultural property is the first of its kind ever by the
Unesco, she said. Kak added that the six forts will receive enhanced
international recognition like the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur after it was
selected for the World Heritage List in 2010.
The selection will also pave the way for other monuments to
be nominated for being included in the World Heritage List. Built between 18th
and 19th centuries, the forts are excellent example of Rajput military hill
architecture, which are found in palaces, temples, memorials and even in
villages. Several missions of International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS), an advisory body to the Unesco, have been visiting Rajasthan since
2011 and discussed the nomination with the state archaeology department,
Archaeological Survey of India and the Indian Advisory Committee on the World
Heritage under the union ministry of culture.
