WSL Desk
As part of the celebrations of World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh Tourism is showcasing advancements at the state’s UNESCO-listed and tentative heritage sites. These initiatives blend heritage conservation with modern tech to enrich visitor experiences and celebrate diversity, aligning perfectly with this year’s theme for World Heritage Day 2024: “Discover and experience diversity.”
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a plethora of tentative ones, Madhya Pradesh boasts a rich cultural tapestry. These World Heritage Sites, offering a glimpse into its deep historical roots include:
- The Khajuraho Group of Monuments: Celebrated for their intricate sculptures.
- The Stupas at Sanchi: One of India’s oldest stone structures symbolizing Buddhism.
- The prehistoric Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka: Featuring ancient rock paintings depicting early human life.
Beyond these, 10 additional sites are included in the Tentative List, showcasing the state’s cultural richness. These include the scenic Bedhaghat-Lametaghat in Jabalpur, the architecturally significant Mandu Group of Monuments, the historic ensemble of Orchha showcasing grand temples and palaces, the biodiversity-rich Satpura Tiger Reserve, Gwalior Fort with its robust history, the innovative water management system of Khooni Bhandara in Burhanpur, the Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley revealing ancient artistic expressions, the monumental Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple in Bhojpur, culturally rich Gond monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla, and the historic ensemble of Dhamnar illustrating monastic traditions.
Tech Innovations for Visitor Experience
Among the tech innovations are QR code-based audio guides at key museums and monuments, offering detailed narratives at sites like Sanchi, Orchha, and Bhojpur. Additionally, spectacular lights and sound shows have been introduced in cities such as Sanchi (where tourists can delve into the rich Buddhist history from the second century), Orchha (The land of Raja Ram where the lord is worshipped as a King), and Mandu (The love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati), as well as many more mind-boggling stories from Indore, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Pachmarhi, Burhanpur, and Chanderi, blending historical insights with captivating audio-visual effects.
Preservation Efforts and Digitalisation
Augmented and virtual reality (AR & VR) technologies, online ticket booking systems, and GIS mapping further enhance accessibility and preservation efforts, MP Tourism said. Notably, Madhya Pradesh is pioneering digital preservation techniques under the National Monument Mission (NMM), including 3D scanning and digitalisation of key sites.
Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director of MP Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS) has invited global and local visitors to explore these historical marvels and rediscover the heritage of the state.
“MP Tourism continues to create awareness to safeguard and celebrate the state’s cultural legacy, making it accessible to everyone through innovation and technology,” he said.
