UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

PRELIMS 2019 SPECIAL

LECTURE 19

MCQs – STATIC – ART & CULTURE

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UNESCO TANGIBLE HERITAGE SITES

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CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

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The nominated sites must be of “outstanding universal value” and should meet at least one of the ten mentioned criteria:

SELECTION CRITERIA

FOR CULTURAL SITES FOR NATURAL SITES

SELECTION CRITERIA

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Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius. Exhibits an important interchange of human values over a span of time, or within a cultural area of the world on:

a) Developments in architecture or technologyb) Monumental artsc) Town-planning or landscape design

Bears a unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilisation which is living or which hasdisappeared.

CULTURAL SITES

SELECTION CRITERIA

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Is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape whichillustrates a significant stage in human history.

Is an outstanding example of:a. A traditional human settlementb. Land-use or sea-use which is representative of a culture or human-interaction with the environment

especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change. Is directly or tangibly associated with:

a. Events or living traditionsb. Ideas or Beliefsc. Artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance

CULTURAL SITES

SELECTION CRITERIA

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Contains superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. Is an outstanding example representing major stages of the Earth’s history, including:

a. The record of lifeb. Significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landformsc. Significant geomorphic or physiographic features

Is an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolutionand development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems, and communities of plants andanimals.

Contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity,including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal values from the point of view of science orconservation.

Natural Sites

If a site is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is accepted as prima facie evidence that such a site isculturally sensitive.

1

Therefore, it warrants legal protection pursuant to the ‘Law of War’ under the ‘Geneva Convention’, its Articles,protocols and customs.

2

LEGAL STATUS OF DESIGNATED SITE

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In addition to this the legal protection is also warranted under other treaties including the Hague Convention forthe protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict and International Law.

3

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“PROTECTION OF CULTURAL OBJECTS AND PLACES OF WORSHIP“ Without prejudice to the provisions of the “Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the

Event of Armed Conflict” and other relevant international instruments, it is prohibited:1. To commit any act of hostility directed against the historic monuments, works of art or places of

worship which constitute the cultural or spiritual heritage of people;2. To use such objects in support of the military effort;3. To make such objects the object of reprisal.

Article 53 of Geneva Convention

LEGAL STATUS OF DESIGNATED SITE

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Humayun’s Tomb Qutub Minar and it Monuments Red Fort Complex

DELHI

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

Churches and Convents of Goa

GOA

Rani ki Vav – The Queen’s Step Wells Champaner-Pavgadh Archaeological Park

GUJARAT

Kalka-Shimla Railway – Under Mountain Railways ofIndia

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Sun Temple, Konark

ODISHA

Taj Mahal Agra Fort

UTTAR PRADESH

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - Under MountainRailways of India

WEST BENGAL

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Ellora Caves Ajanta Caves Elephanta Caves Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

MAHARASHTRA

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram – PanchRatha, Shore Temple etc.

Great Chola Temples – Brihadeswara Temple,Airavatesvara Temple

Nilgiri Mountain Railways – Under MountainRailways of India

TAMIL NADU

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal – It contains nineHindu Temples and one Jain Temple

Group of Monuments at Hampi – Krishna TempleComplex, Vitthala Temple Complex etc.

KARNATAKA

Khajuraho group of Monuments – it’s a group ofHindu of Jain temples, consisting of KandariyaMahadeva Temple, Vishwanath Temple etc.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi Rock Shelters of Bhimbhetka

MADHYA PRADESH

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur Six Hill Forts of Rajasthan – Chittorgarh;

Ranthambore; Jaisalmer; Kumbhalgarh; Amber;Gagron

RAJASTHAN

UNESCO listed Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s works among its World Heritage Sites list.Le Corbusier works were added in the list in recognition of his contribution in spearheading the modern architectural movement

after World War I, with an emphasis on functionality, bold lines and materials such as concrete, iron and glass.His 17 sites across spread across seven countries France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Argentina, Japan and India have been

added in the World Heritage Sites list.

The Architectural Work Of Le Corbusier (Capital Complex, Chandigarh)

UNESCO listed Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s works among its World Heritage Sites list. Le Corbusier works were added in the list in recognition of his contribution in spearheading the modern

architectural movement after World War I, with an emphasis on functionality, bold lines and materials suchas concrete, iron and glass.

His 17 sites across spread across seven countries France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Argentina, Japan andIndia have been added in the World Heritage Sites list.

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

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CHANDIGARH

Archeological site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University), (Bihar)

Nalanda Mahavihara comprises of the monastic-cum-scholastic archaeological remains from the 5th centuryBC to the 13th century AD.

It located near Patna, state capital of Bihar and is 26th cultural site of India to get prestigious world heritagestatus.

Nalanda Mahavihara was founded by Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty in 5th century CE. It was the earliestplanned university of the Indian subcontinent.

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NALANDA MAHAVIRA

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

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It was patronized by various rulers including King Harshavardhana of Kannauj (7th century CE) and the Palarulers (8th to 12th century CE) as well as various scholars.

Nalanda was considered as a rare combination of outstanding achievements in institution-building, site-planning, art and architecture.

Nalanda University is the second World Heritage site in Bihar after Bodhgaya’s Mahabodhi temple to beaccorded UNESCO’s World Heritage Site tag. This status will help in conservation and protection of the site inbetter way and also increase funds from the UNESCO.

NALANDA MAHAVIRA

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

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WALLED CITY OF AHEMADABAD

The 600-year-old Walled City of Ahmedabad was declared World Heritage City. It is first Indian city get thehonour.

It will be third city from the Indian subcontinent to enjoy this status along with Bhaktapur in Nepal and Gallein Sri Lanka.

It is located on the eastern banks of Sabarmati river and presents a rich architectural heritage from thesultanate period.

AHEMADABAD

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

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WALLED CITY OF AHEMADABAD

The Walled City of Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat Sultanate in in 1411. It remained the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later important political and commercial centre of Gujarat. The richness of architecture present in Ahmedabad is enhanced by the cultural fusion of Hindu and Muslim

elements. The city also holds rare distinction of being one of the oldest trading points in India and also centres of Indian

freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi.

AHEMADABAD

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Buildings

Two building clusters of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles in Mumbai, Maharashtra werejointly inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Buildings like Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clock Tower, Eros Cinema and University of Mumbai are based onthis architectural style.

The decision was taken during 42nd session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Manama, Bahrain. Thisrecognition will push country’s financial capital high on global cultural map.

This collection of the Victorian Gothic buildings and Art Deco buildings are set around the Oval Maidan, a largerecreational ground that was once known as the Esplanade.

The east of the Oval is flanked by the Victorian Gothic public buildings and the western side is flanked by theArt Deco buildings of Backbay Reclamation and Marine Drive.

MUMBAI

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

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Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Buildings

This is third such honour for Mumbai after Elephanta Caves and majestic Victoria Terminus (rechristenedChhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station) which had earned coveted tag in 1987 and 2004 respectively.

With this, Mumbai has equal number of World Heritage sites as Delhi, which has three — Red Fort, QutubMinar and Humayun’s Tomb.

India is now sixth ranked country in the list of world heritage properties. With five sites, Maharashtra has maximum number of world heritage sites in India, including Ajanta and Ellora

caves in Aurangabad and Mumbai has three.

MUMBAI

UNESCO CULTURAL SITES

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UNESCO SITE STATE

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Assam

Kaziranga National Park Assam

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Rajasthan

Sundarban National Park West Bengal

Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand

Western Ghats (Sub-clusters include Agasthyamalai, Periyar,

Anamalai, Nilgiri, Talakaveri, Kudremukh and Sahyadri)Multiple States

Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh

Khangchendzonga National Park Sikkim

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Assam

UNESCO NATURAL SITES

Q. Which of the following is UNESCO sites is / are not correctly matched?

Select the correct code:

a) 3 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 3 and 4 only

d) 4 only

Answer : d

QUESTION 1

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1-Bhimbetka Caves Madhya Pradesh

2-Airavatesvara Temple Tamil Nadu

3-Jantar Mantar Rajasthan

4-Pattadakal Temples Andhra Pradesh

Q. Which of the following statements are incorrect:

1. With five sites Mumbai has maximum number of UNESCO world heritage sites in India

2. Mumbai and Delhi have equal number of UNESCO tangible cultural heritage sites

Select the correct code:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both of the above

d) None of the above

Answer : a

QUESTION 2

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Q. Which of the following statements about Nalanda University (Bihar) are correct:

1) It was founded by king Harshavarshana

2) It is the second UNESCO Heritage site in the state of Bihar

3) It was the earliest planned university of the Indian Subcontinent

Select the correct code:

a) 1 only

b) 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Answer : c

QUESTION 3

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Q. Two clusters of buildings in Mumbai have been recently inscribed in the UNESCO list of

tangible cultural sites. Which of the following statement/s in this regard is/are correct?

1. They are a set of buildings around the Oval Maidan – a large recreational ground that was once

known as the Esplanade.

2. They are marked by an exclusive architectural work of Victorian Gothic Style.

Select the correct code:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 or 2

Answer : a

QUESTION 4

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Q. Two building clusters of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles of Mumbai have

been recently induced into the UNESCO’s list of tangible Cultural Heritage Sites. Which of the

following statement/s in this regard is/are incorrect?

1. The decision was taken during 42nd session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Manama,

Bahrain

2. These clusters are situated around Oval Maidan – the west of which is flanked by the Victorian

Gothic public buildings

Select the correct code:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 or 2

Answer : b

QUESTION 5

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Q. How many states of India are covered by Western Ghats?

Select the correct option:

a) 3 only

b) 4 only

c) 6 only

d) None of the above

DO IT YOURSELF

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WRITE THE NAMES OF THE STATES IN THE COMMENT SECTION