GCA Task-3: UNESCO World Heritage Site Nominations

1. Bandhavgarh Fort
M.P India
GCA Task 3 (#DiscoverPotentialSites)
Moinak Maiti

2. Introduction
• It is situated at Umaria district of Madhya
Pradesh, India @ centre of Bandhavgarh National
forest
• Build in 10th Century, made up of stones
• Owned by GOI and status “Dilapidated”
• Fort major attractions
– Shesh Shaiya, Karn Pole Gate , Vaman Incarnation Idol,
Kachahri (Court), Ghudsaal (Stable), Bandhavgarh Fort
Moti Mahal, Bandhavdheesh Temple , Kabir Temple,
Tortoise Idol , Fish Idol & Inscriptions, Varah (Boar) Idol ,
Dharam Das Temple , Treasury Building, Water Well ,
Watch Tower , Raja Talao (Man-made pond)

3. History
• Bandhavgarh is ruled by different dynasties since 2nd
century
– Magh, Maurya, Vakataka, Sengar, Kalchuri and Baghels
– In 2nd & 3rd century under Magh dynasty
– In 5th century under rule of Sengar Dynasty followed by
Kalchuris
– Haihay Kalchuri ruled during 9th century and known to be the
golden period of this region.
– After Kalchuri rule, Baghel rajpoots, derived from Gujarat, finally
took over the fort in 13th century.
– Later Baghel King Vikramaditya Singh abandoned Bandhavgarh
fort in 1617
• In Hindu mythology it was said that this fort was build by
Lord Ramachandra for his brother laxmana to keep eye
over the lanka
• In a nutshell no one knows when exactly the fort was built

4. History...............Continue
• Here one can find man-made caves that were
used as a horse stable, guard room, justice court
etc, made by cutting sand-stone rocks & are cool
from inside.
• Irrefutable evidence of human activity and
architechural techinques used in the fort
• man made caves with inscription and rock
paintings
• The archelogical surveys states that bandhavgarh
dates back to before chirst period
• Bandhavgarh Fort was the business centre for the
traders traveling
between Kaushambi and Bharhut

5. Why it deserved nomination for
UNESCO world heritage site
• Represent a masterpiece of human creative genius- beauty and
history
• Exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of
time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in
architecture or technology, monumental arts, town planning or
landscape design- Trade
• Bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural
tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has
disappeared- Stone age
• be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or
technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant
stage(s) in human history- Different Kings Rulings
• Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-
situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing
threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of
view of science or conservation- Endangered species like Tiger

6. Survey
• Question asked
1. Do you heard about Bandhavgarh fort before ?
2. Do you know the history of Bandhavgarh Fort that it is the fort
gifted by Shri Ram to his brother laxman
3. Do you know about what is UNESCO world Heritage site
4. What is special about Bandhavgarh Fort
5. If I ask you whether you agree to nominate Bandhavgarh Fort
for UNESCO World heritage site after your study on it. Will you
nominate?
6. In case you select to nominate what will be your choices to
make such decisions, please tick as many you feel
7. What other heritage sites comes in your mind other than
UNESCO World heritage sites that can be nominated for the
same

7. Public opinion
• Sample size 10
• 7 said Yes to question number 1
• 8 said No to question number 2
• 9 said Yes to question number 3
• Question number 4: Most of them answered sculptures and
history
• All answered Yes to question number 5
• For question number 6 most of them answer 1, 2, 3 and 4(
refer http://www.gounesco.com/what-is-a-world-heritage-
site/)
• For question number 7 these options came:
– Khandagiri & Udaygiri Caves, odisha
– Singhagad Fort, MH
– Marble rocks, MP

8. Conclusion
Yes, Bandhavgarh Fort can be nominated for the
UNESCO world heritage sites, as it resembles
many human activities, master creativity, rich
history of civilisations, outstanding sculptures and
monuments, now shelters many endangered
species.
Further It is well supported by public opinion also
that it is the best site to be nominated for the
UNESCO World Heritage sites as it satisfies most
of the criteria laid by UNESCO to become a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Pictures
Source: https://indiawildlifetravel.wordpress.com/tag/bandhavgarh-national-park-
attractions/

10. Pictures
Source: http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/bandhavgarh-history.html

11. Pictures
Source: http://bharatrath.blogspot.in/2012/02/bandhavgarh-fort.html

12. Pictures
Source: http://madhya-pradesh-holly-place.blogspot.in/2013/03/bandhavgarh-
national-park-of.html

13. References
• http://www.madhya-pradesh-
tourism.com/heritage/forts/bandhavgarh-
fort.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandhavgarh_Fo
rt
• http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/bandhavgarh-
fort.html
• http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/bandhavgarh-
history.html