UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Agra and Their Universal Outstanding Value

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, created in 1945, with the goal of promoting peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in:

Communication and Information
Education
Science
Culture

UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, France.

What Are World Heritage Sites?

UNESCO identifies and helps protect World Heritage Sites, which are places of cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. India is one of the founding members of UNESCO and has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized under its protection. The entire list can be accessed here. In this blog we will look at the 03 UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in Agra and delve into their universal outstanding value which makes them extraordinary and worthy of protection and status as World Heritage Sites.

Why Are They Important?

Preserve history, culture, and biodiversity
Boost tourism and economy
Promote international cooperation and peace

TAJ MAHAL AND ITS OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE

Agra, Akbar, India, Fort, Taj Mahal, Mughal, Shah Jahan

The outstanding universal value of Taj Mahal, according to UNESCO, originates from its exceptional architectural and artistic achievement, particularly in Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture. It is considered a masterpiece of balance, symmetry, and harmonious blending of various elements, showcasing the pinnacle of Mughal art and architecture. It is a jewel of Muslim art in India and universally admired masterpiece of world heritage.

Location:

The strategic location of Taj Mahal which is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna.

Mughal Architecture:

The Taj Mahal is a major example of Mughal art and architecture, built of white marble, it harmonious blending of various elements, balance and symmetry.

Architectural and Artistic Masterpiece:

The Taj Mahal is recognized as the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture, representing a peak in Mughal artistic and scientific accomplishments.

Harmonious Blend of Elements:

The monument demonstrates a perfect harmony in its design, blending various elements with exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic qualities.

White marble mausoleum:

It served as the main mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-58 A.D.) and his queen consort Mumtaz Mahal (death in 1040 A.H. or 1631 A.D.).

Universal Significance:

Its beauty and significance transcend national boundaries, making it a symbol of love and a universally admired masterpiece for all humanity.

Symbol of Love and Artistic Triumph:

The Taj Mahal stands as a testament to the love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the artistic and scientific achievements of the Mughal Empire.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, the Taj Mahal is recognized for its “outstanding universal value”.

Criterion (i): to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;

Taj Mahal represents the finest architectural and artistic achievement through perfect harmony and excellent craftsmanship in a whole range of Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture. It is a masterpiece of architectural style in conception, treatment and execution and has unique aesthetic qualities in balance, symmetry and harmonious blending of various elements.

Integrity

Integrity is maintained in the tomb, mosque, guest house, main gate, and the entire Taj Mahal complex. The physical fabric is in good condition, and aspects like structural stability and the verticality of the minarets are continuously monitored. To mitigate deterioration from atmospheric pollutants, an air quality monitoring station under the Archaeological Survey of India is installed. Adequate management of regulations in the buffer zone is essential for protection. Future tourist facilities must also preserve the functional and visual integrity of the property.

Authenticity

The tomb, mosque, guest house, main gate, and the overall Taj Mahal complex have preserved their authenticity since inscription. Although significant repairs and conservation began during the British period, they did not compromise the buildings’ original qualities. Future conservation must adhere to guidelines that protect form and design.

Key Buildings:

The Taj Mahal includes Great South entrance and other gateways, buildings like the Masjid, Mehman Khana, four minarets, the charbagh, Fatehpuri Masjid, Kali Masjid, Khan-i-Alam Bagh, four Saheli Burj, tanks and wells, etc.

AGRA FORT AND ITS OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE

The outstanding universal value of Agra Fort, according to UNESCO, originates from its exceptional architectural and artistic achievement, particularly in Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture. It is considered a masterpiece of balance, symmetry, and harmonious blending of various elements, showcasing the pinnacle of Mughal art and architecture. The fort got its present layout under Emperor Akbar, and was also known as “Lal-Qila” or “Qila-i-Akbari”. It is a jewel of Muslim art in India and universally admired masterpiece of world heritage.

Location:

The strategic location of Agra Fort which is surrounded by moats on three sides and River Yamuna flowing on the eastern side.

Mughal Architecture:

The Agra fort is a major example of Mughal architecture, built of red sandstone it has ornate fortifications and decorated bastions.

Imperial Residence:

It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for several generations, until the capital was shifted to Delhi in 1638 by Shah Jahan.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, the Agra fort is recognized for its “outstanding universal value”.

Criterion (iii):

The fort is inscribed under Criterion (iii) which states that the property bears “an exceptional testimony to a civilization or living cultural tradition”.

The monuments of Agra Fort are exceptional testimony of the Indo-Islamic Mughal art and architecture strongly marked by influences from Persia, which has now disappeared.

Fortification:

The lofty ornamented fortification walls, strong decorated bastions and monumental gateways, such as Amar Singh Gate, Delhi Gate, Hathi gate and Khizri gate (water gate) are notable features.

Integrity

Integrity is maintained in the palaces, halls, associated buildings and gateways of the entire Agra Fort complex. The physical fabric is in good condition, and aspects like structural stability and the strengthening of the fortification are continuously monitored. To mitigate deterioration from atmospheric pollutants, a stone conservation laboratory under the Archaeological Survey of India is functional. To ensure the protection of the setting, adequate management and enforcement of regulations in the extended buffer zone is needed. In addition, future development for tourist facilities are required to ensure that the functional and visual integrity of the property is maintained, particularly in the relationship with the Agra Fort.

Authenticity

The palace comlpex, gateways and subsidiary buildings of the Agra Fort complex have preserved their authenticity since inscription. Although significant repairs and conservation began during the British period, they did not compromise the buildings’ original qualities. Future conservation work will need to follow guidelines that ensure that qualities such as form and design continue to be preserved.

Key Buildings:

The fort includes gateways and buildings like the Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience), Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience), Musamman burj, Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid, Shish Mahal, etc.

FATEHPUR SIKRI AND ITS OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE

Fatehpur Sikri’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) rests on its exceptional architectural achievements, its role as a historical example of Mughal town planning, and its testament to the Mughal civilization of the late 16th century. It’s a unique example of a high-quality architectural ensemble built between 1571 and 1585. The site demonstrates the fusion of Indo-Islamic architectural styles and its influence on subsequent Mughal architecture, particularly in cities like Shahjahanabad (Delhi). The well-preserved monuments within Fatehpur Sikri, including the Jama Masjid and the Tomb of Salim Chishti, showcase the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Mughal Empire.

Location:

The strategic location of the Medieval city of Fatehpur Sikri, which is situated on an extension of the upper Vindhyan ranges, in the environs of now dried up natural lake.

Antiquity of Fatehpur Sikri:

Fatehpur Sikri has a long cultural history prior to Mughal period. Archaeological explorations of the region have revealed pre-historic stone tools, rock shelters with paintings on the periphery of the lake. Excavations near the monument Hada Mahal have yielded five cultural periods ranging from Ochre Coloured Pottery (c. 2nd millennium B.C.), Painted Grey Ware (c.1200-800 B.C.). Northern Black Polished Ware (c.6th-2nd cent. B.C.), Sunga- Kushan (c. 2nd Cent. B.C to 2nd Cent. A.D.) and Medieval period.

Sikri has been mentioned in the Mahabharata as ‘Saik’ meaning ‘a region surrounded by water. An inscription found on the stone sculpture of Jaina Saraswati (dated 1010 AD) discovered from excavation at Bir Chhabili Tila mentions this place as “Sekriya” which seems to be a similar derivative.

Mughal Architecture and Artistic Masterpiece:

Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals. The efficient system of drainage and water- supply adopted here suggests an extremely intelligent and well thought town-planning by the Mughal emperor.

Fortification:

Except northern side, the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri is enclosed by city walls in east, west and southern side. The northern side of city was not provided with any city wall most possibly due to the presence of a natural water lake known as Dabur Jheel or Moti Jheel.

The lofty fortification walls have strong bastions and eight main gateways, such as Delhi Gate, Lal Darwaza, Agra Gate, Bir Pol Gale, Chandarpol Gate, Gwalior Gate, Tehra Gate and Ajmeri Gate.

Universal Significance:

Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

Architecture has “All India Character”:

The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has a definite all-India character. The palaces were but of red sandstone in the trabeate beam-and-post order. Domes have been used sparingly. Sometimes corbelled pendentives have been employed in the transition phase.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986, the Fatehpur Sikri is recognized for its “outstanding universal value”.

Criterion (ii): to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;

The construction of Fatehpur Sikri exercised a definite influence on the evolution of Mughal town planning, namely, at Shahjahanabad.

Criterion (iii): to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;

The city of Fatehpur Sikri bears an exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of 16th century.

Criterion (iv): to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;

The city as a whole is a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585.

Integrity

The inscribed property contains all the attributes necessary to express its Outstanding Universal Value, and these are in a good state of conservation. Factors that previously threatened the integrity of the property, such as mining activities, have been controlled by the banning of mining within a 10-km radius of Fatehpur Sikri, but will require continuous monitoring, particularly in regard to illegal blasting. The extension of the buffer zone, and the establishment of pertinent regulatory measures, are critical to controlling the unplanned growth of the township and the potential threat to the visual integrity of the property. Adequate planning and the definition of clear guidelines for visitor use are also essential to maintain the qualities of the property, especially as relates to the potential development of infrastructure at and nearby the property.

Authenticity

The authenticity of Fatehpur Sikri has been preserved in the palaces, public buildings, mosques, and living areas for the court, the army, and the servants of the king. Several repairs and conservation works have been carried out from as early as the British Government period in India to the Buland Darwaza, Royal Alms House, Hakim Hammam, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai palace, Diwan-i-Am, pavilion of the Turkish Sultana, Birbal’s House, mint house, treasury house, etc., without changing the original structures. In addition, paintings and painted inscriptions in Jama Masjid, Shaikh Salim Chisti’s tomb, Akbar’s Khwabgah, and Mariam’s house have also been chemically preserved and restored according to their original conditions. To maintain the condition of authenticity, guidelines are needed to ensure that form and design, as well as location and setting, are protected.

Key Buildings:

There are 93 monuments in and around Fatehpur Sikri, protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. UNESCO has declared Fatehpur Sikri as an World Heritage Site In 1986. The monuments of Fatehpur Sikri may be broadly classified as Palace Complex, Dargarh Complex, City wall with Gateways, Hammams, Treasury, Waterworks, Tanks and Baoli, Houses of Noblemen, Sarai and Minars.

Thus, UNESCO, founded in 1945, promotes global peace and development through cooperation in education, science, culture, and information. It protects World Heritage Sites, including 42 in India, with three notable ones in Agra: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal epitomizes Mughal architecture and symbolizes love, while Agra Fort displays exceptional Indo-Islamic artistry. Fatehpur Sikri, although a brief Mughal capital, showcases remarkable town planning and architectural harmony. Inscribed for their outstanding universal value, these sites emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage, boosting tourism, and fostering international cooperation for humanity’s shared legacy.

For more information see:

THE CHRONICLES OF MILOTH MAMA