Mudumal Menhirs
Context:
Recently, the Mudumal Menhirs (standing stones) in Narayanpet, Telangana was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The Centre forwarded the nomination to UNESCO, recognising the site’s historical and astronomical significance.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Art and Culture)
Key Highlights:
- Location: Mudumal is situated on the banks of the Krishna River, which separates Telangana from Karnataka.
- Historical Significance:
- The site features nearly 1,200 large-sized menhirs (standing stones) arranged vertically.
- The stones are believed to be around 3,000 years old and serve as an ancient astronomical observatory.
- They map the position of constellations like Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, and Taurus as they appeared centuries ago.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- WHS are landmarks and areas with legal protection under an international treaty administered by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, or scientific significance.
- These sites are considered to contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.”
- India is currently home to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which 35 are cultural, 7 natural, and 1 falls under the mixed category sites.
- Mixed category: Khangchendzonga National Park
- Recent Addition: Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (2024)
Prelims Question:
Consider the following statements regarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- A site must be at least 1,000 years old to qualify for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- The final decision for including a site in the World Heritage List is made by the World Heritage Committee.
- The nomination process for World Heritage Sites is initiated by UNESCO itself.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: There is no requirement for a site to be at least 1,000 years old to qualify for UNESCO World Heritage status. The site must meet at least one of the ten criteria outlined by UNESCO, but age is not a mandatory condition.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The final decision for including a site in the World Heritage List is made by the World Heritage Committee during its annual sessions. The committee evaluates the site’s cultural, natural, or mixed significance before granting it heritage status.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The nomination process is initiated by the member state (country) where the site is located, not by UNESCO itself. The country submits a tentative list to UNESCO, and after evaluation, the World Heritage Committee decides on the final listing.
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