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Which of the following are UNESCO recognized world heritage sites ? 1. Caves of Ajanta 2. Temple and caves at Ellora 3. Mandapas of Mahabalipuram 4. Caves of Kanheri Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Explanation
The UNESCO World Heritage list includes the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, both inscribed in 1983 as masterpieces of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture [3]. The 'Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram', which includes the Mandapas (rock-cut cave temples), Rathas, and the Shore Temple, was inscribed in 1984. Specifically, the Krishna Mandapam and other mandapas are integral parts of this UNESCO-recognized site. While the Kanheri Caves, located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, are a significant Buddhist site with 109 caves and are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, they are not currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site [1]. Although some sources claim recent recognition, official UNESCO records and comprehensive heritage lists confirm only Ajanta, Ellora, and Mahabalipuram hold this status among the options provided [3].
Sources
- [2] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/243/
- [3] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242/
- [1] https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/cave/kanheri/