UPSC CSE Prelims
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct ?
- They acted as army fortresses.
- They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.
- They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.
- They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
Moidams (Maidams) are the traditional burial mounds of the Tai-Ahom Kingdom in Assam.
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Statement 1 is Incorrect: Moidams were not army fortresses.
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Statement 2 is Incorrect: They were not recreation centres for royals and nobles.
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Statement 3 is Correct: Moidams served as burial grounds (royal necropolis) for Ahom kings, queens, and nobles.
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Statement 4 is Incorrect: They were not battle drill centres.
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Therefore, only Statement 3 is correct, making Option C the correct answer.
Why Other Statements Are Wrong
| Statement | Why Incorrect? |
|---|---|
| Army fortresses | Moidams were funerary monuments, not military structures. |
| Recreation centres | No historical evidence suggests their use for leisure activities. |
| Battle drill centres | They were burial sites, not military training grounds. |
Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Garba dance
Garba dance from Gujarat was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023 during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee held in Kasane, Botswana. Among the given options, this is the most recent inclusion, making it the correct answer.
📝 Short Notes: Indian Entries in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List (Chronological)
| Year | Cultural Heritage | Region/State |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Ramlila (Traditional Performance of Ramayana) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2008 | Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre) | Kerala |
| 2008 | Ramman (Religious Festival and Ritual Theatre) | Uttarakhand |
| 2009 | Mudiyettu (Ritual Theatre and Dance Drama) | Kerala |
| 2009 | Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances | Rajasthan |
| 2010 | Chhau Dance | Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal |
| 2010 | Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh | Ladakh |
| 2013 | Sankirtana (Ritual Singing, Drumming and Dancing) | Manipur |
| 2014 | Thatheras of Jandiala Guru (Brass and Copper Craft) | Punjab |
| 2016 | Yoga | Pan-India |
| 2016 | Novruz (Shared with 11 countries) | Shared heritage |
| 2017 | Kumbh Mela | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra |
| 2021 | Durga Puja | West Bengal |
| 2023 | Garba Dance | Gujarat |
Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
- Shantiniketan
- Rani-ki-Vav
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Only two
Out of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed, only two were inscribed in 2023: Shantiniketan (inscribed in September 2023) and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (inscribed in September 2023). The other two sites were inscribed much earlier: Rani-ki-Vav was added to the list in 2014, and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya was inscribed in 2002.
📝 Short Notes: India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Recent Additions
- Shantiniketan (2023): Founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1863 and expanded by Rabindranath Tagore into Visva-Bharati University in 1921; represents a unique blend of traditional Indian and modern Western educational philosophies.
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023): Comprises three magnificent temples - Chennakeshava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), and Keshava Temple (Somanathapura); built during 12th-13th centuries CE; famous for star-shaped platforms (jagatis) and intricate stone carvings.
- Rani-ki-Vav (2014): An 11th-century stepwell in Patan, Gujarat; built by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty as a memorial to King Bhimdev I; showcases exceptional stepwell architecture with intricate sculptures.
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex (2002): Located at Bodhgaya, Bihar; originally built by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE; marks the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment; one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick.
- India's UNESCO Count: As of 2023, India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (34 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed), making it the sixth country globally with the most sites.
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