The 44th session of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Committee which was held in Fuzhou, China in July, included Rudreswara Temple or Ramappa temple, situated in Palampet Mulugu district in Telangana and Dholavira in Gujarat in the World Heritage Site list.
The Union Minister for Culture, Tourism G. Kishan Reddy, unveiled the plaque of the World Heritage Site Inscription of the Ramappa Temple yesterday. During the event he said: “This inscription is a recognition of the ingenious brilliance and architectural prowess of the Great Kakatiyas. The Rudreshwara temple stands as a unique testimony to the highest level of creative, artistic and engineering talents involving various experimentations in expressive art forms of the Kakatiya period.”
In its description of Ramappa Temple, UNESCO had stated: “It is the main Shiva temple in a walled complex built during the Kakatiyan period (1123–1323 CE). The distinctive Vimana of the temple is made of lightweight porous ‘floating bricks,’ which reduce the weight of the roof structures. The building features decorative beams and the temple’s magnificent sculptures illustrate regional dance customs and Kakatiyan culture.”
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Hailing the decision of the temple becoming part of the list, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had commented: “Excellent! Congratulations to everyone, especially the people of Telangana. The iconic Ramappa Temple showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of the great Kakatiya dynasty. I would urge you all to visit this majestic Temple complex and get a first-hand experience of it’s grandness.”
The Minister during the unveiling ceremony also committed to making Ramappa a tourist attraction. He said: “It is a matter of pride for all people of Telangana that we now have the first world heritage site from the State. We will ensure the development of Ramappa by creating good amenities and making it a tourist friendly destination.”
It may be noted that the Civil Aviation Ministry is taking steps to develop Warangal Airport to boost tourism of Ramappa and the places around it.
