1. Consider the following places:
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
- Lumbini
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Nalanda Mahavihara
- Borobudur Temple Compounds
- Paharpur, Bangladesh
Which of the above are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
[A] Only 1, 2, 3, and 4
[B] 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 only
[C] All of the above
[D] Only 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All of the above]
Notes:All the sites listed—Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Sanchi, Lumbini, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Nalanda Mahavihara, Borobudur, and Paharpur—are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Mahabodhi Temple (India)
- Sanchi (India)
- Lumbini (Nepal)
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves (India)
- Nalanda Mahavihara (India)
- Borobudur (Indonesia)
- Paharpur (Bangladesh)
Each has been recognized for its outstanding historical and religious significance in Buddhist heritage.
2. Salkhan Fossil Park, which has recently been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites, is located in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Recently, Salkhan Fossil Park, also called Sonbhadra Fossils Park, was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. It is located in Salkhan village in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. The park contains stromatolites—layered rocks formed by ancient cyanobacteria—from the Mesoproterozoic era, around 1.4 billion years ago. These fossils are older than those in Shark Bay, Australia, and Yellowstone, USA, and have challenged previous beliefs about early life on Earth.
3. Which of the following biosphere reserves in Kerala is included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme?
[A] Silent Valley Biosphere Reserve
[B] Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
[C] Wayanad Biosphere Reserve
[D] Periyar Biosphere Reserve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve]
Notes:
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, spanning Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity and endemism.
4. Which of the following biosphere reserves in Himachal Pradesh is included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
[A] Pin Valley Biosphere Reserve
[B] Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
[C] Great Himalayan National Park Biosphere Reserve
[D] Dhauladhar Biosphere Reserve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve]
Notes:
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, covering parts of Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur, is listed by UNESCO for its unique high-altitude desert ecosystem.
5. In which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat can the Bawaman Mosque, a Monument of National Importance, be found?
[A] Rani ki Vav, Patan
[B] Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
[C] Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
[D] Sun Temple, Modhera
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]
Notes:
Bawaman Mosque is located in Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat.
6. Which wildlife sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status?
[A] Mouling National Park
[B] Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Namdapha National Park
[D] Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve]
Notes:
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve harbors species like red panda and Mishmi takin, and is proposed as a UNESCO site for its unique Eastern Himalayan biodiversity.
7. Champaner, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat, is situated near which hill?
[A] Girnar Hill
[B] Saputara Hill
[C] Shatrunjaya Hill
[D] Pavagadh Hill
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pavagadh Hill]
Notes:
Champaner, near Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for 15th-century forts, palaces, and mosques, reflecting significant archaeological and historical heritage.
8. Which archaeological park in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
[A] Rani ki Vav
[B] Sun Temple, Modhera
[C] Adalaj Stepwell
[D] Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]
Notes:
UNESCO declared the historical sites of Champaner as Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, located in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district, featuring forts, palaces, mosques, temples, and stepwells from the 8th to 14th centuries, representing pre-Mughal Islamic and Hindu heritage.
9. In which city of Gujarat is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rani ki Vav located?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Surat
[C] Patan
[D] Vadodara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Patan]
Notes:
Rani ki Vav in Patan, Gujarat, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring seven levels of stairs, designed as an inverted temple with intricate sculptures.
10. Which site in Gujarat was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004?
[A] Rani ki Vav, Patan
[B] Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
[C] Sun Temple, Modhera
[D] Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]
Notes:
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2004.
