Banking on World Heritage

Why is in news? MoS Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurates exhibition Banking on World Heritage, showcasing banknotes of G20 member nations featuring UNESCO-listed world heritage sites

Minister of State for Culture has inaugurated the exhibition Banking on World Heritage, showcasing banknotes of the G20 member nations featuring UNESCO-listed world heritage sites.

She remarked that the G20 countries have 70 percent of the declared Heritage of the world and this exhibition is an effort to preserve and conserve the same. The exhibition will be open until the ninth of this month at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

A $100 note that features the Independence Hall of Philadelphia, a five-pound note from the U.K. with a part of Westminster Abbey, and currency notes from Brazil and Argentina, both featuring the Iguazo National Park that lies on the border between the two countries. These are among the many banknotes of G-20 member countries which would be showcased in a unique exhibition.

The exhibition “Banking on World Heritage” would feature five Indian currency notes — ₹20, which carries the image of the Sun Temple at Konark, ₹10 with Ellora caves, ₹500 with Red Fort and two separate notes of ₹100, with Kanchanjunga mountains and Gujarat’s “Rani Ki Vav” stepwell.

Two out of the five Indian banknotes — the ₹100 note with Kanchanjunga and the ₹20 note — had been printed before the 2016 demonetisation exercise while the rest are post-2016.

Sun Temple at Konark:

Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses.

It was built by King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of Ganga dynasty.

The temple is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work.

The temple is perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty.

It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959).

This temple was also known as ‘BLACK PAGODA’ due to its dark color and used as a navigational landmark by ancient sailors to Odisha. Similarly, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the “White Pagoda”.

It remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

Rani-ki-Vav step well:

Rani-ki-Vav, an 11th century stepwell in the Patan area of Gujarat, has been approved for placement on the World Heritage list by UNESCO.

As per the UNESCO’s statement, “the Queen’s Stepwell” was designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water.

It is located on the banks of Saraswati, Patan, Gujarat.

It was built by Queen Udayamati as a memorial to King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty.

The well is subterranean structure with a series of steps, board landings, pavilions and sculpted walls which provides access to water in deep water

It is of seven storeys with five exist and there are more than 800 elaborate sculptures which are survived. This is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.

Kanchanjunga mountain:

Kanchenjunga is the highest peak of India and it is the world’s third-highest peak, rising 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) above sea level.

Kanchenjunga is located 46 miles north-northwest of Sikkim, on the boundary of Sikkim, northeastern India, and eastern Nepal.

Kanchenjunga is located in the Great Himalayas Range and is home to many animals.

Kanchenjunga’s name translates to “The Five Treasures of Snows” (namely gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books). Positioned on the line separating India and Nepal.