Which Indian City has been declared as World Heritage City (WHC) by UNESCO recently?
VerifiedExplanation:
The correct answer is indeed Ahmedabad! On July 8, 2017, the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat was officially declared India's first UNESCO World Heritage City. This was a moment of immense pride for the entire country, as it placed Ahmedabad on the global map alongside other historic cities like Paris, Cairo, and Rome. The decision was made at the 41st session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee meeting held in Krakow, Poland.
So, what makes Ahmedabad so special? The city, which is over 600 years old, was recognised for its unique architectural heritage and its rich cultural history. UNESCO highlighted several key features that make the walled city of Ahmedabad a place of "outstanding universal value."
Here are some of the reasons for this prestigious recognition:
- The Walled City: The historic part of Ahmedabad is a fortified settlement that has stood for centuries. It showcases a rich architectural fusion from the Sultanate period.
- Unique 'Pols': The city is famous for its traditional gated housing clusters called 'pols'. These are like mini-neighbourhoods with their own gates, creating a strong sense of community. Many of these pols have beautifully carved wooden houses.
- Community Living: The architecture includes features like 'otlas' (platforms outside houses for sitting) and a bird feeder in every pol, which points to a culture of co-existence and social harmony.
- Cultural Harmony: For centuries, Ahmedabad has been a place where different communities, including Hindus, Jains, and Muslims, have lived together peacefully, contributing to a vibrant, multicultural fabric.
The city's association with Mahatma Gandhi, who established the Sabarmati Ashram here and led key parts of India’s freedom struggle, also adds to its historical significance. This recognition not only helps in preserving the city's ancient heritage but also boosts tourism, bringing global attention to its unique culture. While Ahmedabad was the first, it's good to know that Jaipur became the second Indian city to receive the World Heritage City tag in 2019.
