Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh

 

Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, is a repository of ancient history, heritage and culture. Here, one can find man-made caves adorned with paintings dating back to thousands of years. The echoes of the royal past can be heard in its fabulous monuments.

In Madhya Pradesh, you can see heritage that possesses ageless beauty Handed down by the emperors of the golden India.

1) Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Raisen District
 
Declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003, the site was also declared as protected under Indian Laws and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1990. It is located in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh at the southern edge of the Vindhya hills. Spread in 1829 hectares of land, the site has seven hills Vinayaka, Bhonrawali, Bhimbetka, Lakha Juar east Lakha Juar west, Jhondra and Muni Babaki Pahari. The site contains the world's oldest stone walls and floors. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters gives evidence of human life settlement since Stone Age. What makes the site interesting is the Rock Art and Paintings, which are classified into seven periods giving an evidence of life over many centuries.

2) Sanchez Stupa, Sanchez

Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, the Great. Sanchez Stupa was built to preserve the Buddhists Philosophy. Located on a hilltop at Sanchez Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchez is tagged as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1989. It is the housing relics of Buddha. Famous for its Great Stupa or Stupa No.1, Sanchez provides an interesting view to Buddhists religion.

 

3) Khajuraho, Bundelkhand
 
Another place in Madhya Pradesh that is UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Chhatarpur district of the state. The site is famous for its erotic sculptures. The Khajuraho group of temples are dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism. Khajuraho Temple complex organises evening show known as son et lumière (sound & light).
Also, the best time to visit Khajuraho is during the month of February as the Khajuraho Dance Festival is held during that month. The festival features various classical Indian dances telling the story of the backdrop of the Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temples.

4) Bhojeshwar Temple, Bhojpur
 
Bhojeshwar temple is also a home for Lord Shiva. It is located in Bhojpur Village of Raisen city. Bhojeshwar temple houses a 2.3m high lingam in its sanctum. The temple is said to be unfinished and its construction plans engraved on the surrounding rocks has contributed in understanding the construction techniques in 11^th century. Once surrounded by 3 dams and a reservoir and the engraved architectural plans suggest that the temple could have made Bhojpur one of the largest temple complexes of India.

5) Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal
 
Taj Ul Masjid situated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh is the largest mosques in India. The name Taj-Ul-Masjid meaning ‘Crown of the Mosques’ is also one of the largest mosques in Asia. The construction of the mosque started during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum and continued till 1985. Rich in its construction history, the famous mosques calls for tourists from all over the world.