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UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site

WION
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWritten By: Sidhant SibalUpdated: Jul 06, 2019, 07:26 PM IST
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File photo. Photograph:(AFP)

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Jaipur is a capital of Rajasthan and was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727.

Pink City Jaipur, known for its iconic architectural legacy and vibrant culture, is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The UN body, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in its 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee announced its decision in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II and is a major tourist destination being part of the golden triangle--a tourist circuit that connects Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The UNESCO describing Jaipur said," The city's urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as well as Western cultures. The grid plan is a model that prevails in the West, while the organisation of the different districts refers to traditional Hindu concepts."

"The streets feature continuous collonaded businesses that intersect in the centre, creating large public squares called 'chaupars', Markets, stalls, residences and temples built along the main streets have uniform facades," it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move as he said, " Jaipur is a city associated with culture and valour. Elegant and energetic, Jaipur’s hospitality draws people from all over.  Glad that this city has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO."

India now has 38 UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Seven sites from seven countries, India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Bahrain and Australia were also added to the list on Saturday. 

Being on the heritage list means, it has a cultural and historical significance and is protected under international laws such as Geneva conventions and Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict.