Santiniketan, situated in West Bengal and established by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1901, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Initially a residential school and art center rooted in ancient Indian traditions, it evolved into ‘Visva Bharati,’ a unique central university with the Prime Minister as its chancellor since 1921. Notably, Santiniketan’s architecture breaks away from British colonial and European modernist styles, embodying pan-Asian modernity by incorporating diverse regional traditions. UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural, historical, or scientific significance, are protected under international conventions, with India boasting 41 such sites, including cultural, natural, and mixed heritage sites.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Visva Bharati: Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, Visva Bharati is a prominent central university located in Santiniketan. It emphasizes a holistic approach to education and cultural exchange.
- UNESCO World Heritage Convention: This international convention, established in 1972, protects and recognizes sites of cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance. Santiniketan’s inclusion reflects its cultural importance.
- Cultural Heritage Sites: These include historic buildings, archaeological sites, and monumental works of art, like Santiniketan, which embodies a unique cultural and artistic tradition.
- Natural Heritage Sites: These encompass natural areas with outstanding ecological and evolutionary features. India has several such sites that protect its rich biodiversity.
- Mixed Heritage Sites: These sites blend cultural and natural significance. India’s diverse landscape is represented by several mixed heritage sites, showcasing the interplay of culture and environment.
