What :

• Started in the year 2011
• Aim – Well-planned and all-inclusive development of the fast-growing historical cities around the world, while keeping in mind to preserve the heritage and the culture.

What is in news :  In the state of Madhya Pradesh, the cities of Orchha and Gwalior have been selected by UNESCO under its ‘Historic Urban Landscape Project.’

Details:

• Six cities of South Asia, including Indian cities of Varanasi and Ajmer are already involved in this project. Gwalior and Orchha have been included as the 7th and 8th cities of South Asia.
• UNESCO will prepare the management and development of these cities.
• This project will help in boosting the tourism of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Along with this additional employment opportunities will be created.

About Orchha

• Location : Niwari district of MP’s Bundelkhand region
• Peculiar style of architecture used by the Bundela dynasty.
• Located on the banks of river Betwa
• Built by King Rudra Pratap Singh of Bundela dynasty in the 16th century.
• Celebrated for its rich and ancient architecture of Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha Fort Complex, and Raja Mahal among others.
• Famous for its two elevated minarets – Saavan and Bhadon; and four palaces – Jahangir Palace, Rai Praveen Mahal, Raja Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal.
• Represents the concept of open bungalows, animal statues depicting the culture of Bundelkhand and stone work windows.
• Houses ‘Sri Ram Raja Mandir’, the only place in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a King, not as a deity, with this dedicated temple in his name.

About Gwalior

• Was established in the 9th century and ruled by Gurjar Pratihar Rajvansh, Tomar, Baghel Kachvaho and Scindias.
• Known for its palaces and temples, including the intricately carved Sas Bahu Ka Mandir temple.
• The Gwalior Fort occupies a sandstone plateau overlooking the city and is accessed via a winding road lined with sacred Jain statues.
• Within the forts, high walls are the 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace, now an archaeological museum