Karnataka's Hoysala Temples join Santiniketan as UNESCO Heritage Sites

Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura, three temples from the Hoysala period in the 12th century, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites at the 45th meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. India now has 42 sites with this prestigious status, and Karnataka has four of them.

India has achieved a remarkable feat by securing two new entries in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Following the recognition of Santiniketan, the historic site in West Bengal linked to poet Rabindranath Tagore, Karnataka's Hoysala temples have also earned a spot on the prestigious list.

This is a significant milestone for India, which now boasts 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and showcases its rich cultural heritage. Karnataka, in particular, has four sites on the list, reflecting its glorious past.

The Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura are exquisite examples of 12th-century architecture and art. They were officially inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

India has added two more sites to its UNESCO World Heritage list. Santiniketan, the historic place in West Bengal where poet Rabindranath Tagore lived and worked, was the first to receive the honour. The next day, the Hoysala temples of Karnataka joined the prestigious list.

These 12th-century temples of Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura are among the 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and the fourth in Karnataka, a state known for its rich cultural heritage.

The Hoysala temples are famous for their exquisite stone carvings and cultural significance. They attract tourists from all over the world who admire their architectural beauty and artistic excellence.

Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, expressed his happiness and pride on platform X. He said, "Our government is committed to providing world-class infrastructure and safety to tourists visiting the state's tourist destinations."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the state, saying, "The magnificent Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The timeless beauty and intricate details of the Hoysala temples are a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of our ancestors."

The addition of Santiniketan and the Hoysala temples to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a testament to the nation's dedication to preserving its cultural legacy. India strives to protect its historical treasures, displaying its heritage to the world, through this dual recognition. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a valuable resource for understanding the diversity and richness of human civilizations across time and space.