Last Update:08 November 2024 11:47 IST

It honors the ancient charm of Jaipur and Ahmedabad, two Indian cities recognized by UNESCO for their rich cultural heritage and magnificent architecture.

India’s cultural splendor is best exemplified by the magnificent villas of Ahmedabad and the magnificent Hawa Mahal of Jaipur.

Two historical cities of India, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, have taken their place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The cities are magnificent examples of the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, with their architectural wonders and rich historical significance. Each city has its own unique architectural style, historical significance and a vibrant urban skyline that reflects India’s past.

While Ahmedabad has well-preserved heritage sites such as the iconic Jama Masjid, Sidi Saiyed Mosque and vibrant Pol districts that showcase the rich cultural fabric of the city, Jaipur has iconic monuments such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Let’s delve deeper into the history of these cities.

Historical city of Ahmedabad

The walled city of Ahmedabad, one of the major cities of Gujarat, was founded on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati River by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 AD. It continued to develop as the capital of the state for six centuries. The city offers a rich architectural heritage from the Sultanate period, particularly the Bhadra fort, the walls and gates of the Fort city, numerous mosques and tombs, and important Hindu and Jain temples of later periods. The urban fabric consists of densely packed traditional houses (pols) on covered traditional streets with features such as public wells, bird feeders and religious institutions.

The layout of the city represents not only the magnificent architecture that emerged throughout the periods, but also the social fabric of the city as it was lived in community. Ahmadabad was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its rich historical past and unique urban architecture. The city gained the title of cultural center it deserved with its well-preserved historical buildings.

Ahmedabad consists of 2,696 significant buildings protected by the Heritage Department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), 28 monuments listed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 1 monument listed by the State Department of Archeology (SDA).

Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Popularly known as the Pink City, this place is located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan and was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Unlike other cities in the region located on rugged terrain, the walled city of Jaipuri is a masterpiece set in the plain and built according to a grid plan inspired by Vedic architecture. The broad avenues have continuous colonnaded businesses that intersect at the centre, forming large public squares called ‘chaupar’. Markets, residences, shops and temples built along main streets have uniform building facades. The urban planning of the city shows a mixture of ideas from ancient times. Hindu and early modern Mughal cultures, as well as Western cultures.

Designed as a commercial capital, the city has preserved local trade, craft and cooperative traditions to this day. It is a vivid example of India’s rich cultural fabric. In 2019, the city of Jaipur was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, this city’s Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory that houses a number of instruments that calculate time and positions in the sky, is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Both Ahmedabad and Jaipur offer a unique blend of culture, history and architectural wonders, making them must-visit destinations for travelers looking for an authentic Indian experience. The cities are shining examples of India’s tapestry woven from centuries of history, art and tradition.