Historic Urban Landscape Project

Historic Urban Landscape Project

Part of: GS Prelims and GS I – Culture

In news Madhya Pradesh has launched UNESCO’s ‘Historic Urban Landscape’ project for Gwalior and Orchha cities of State.

• The development and management plan of these cities will be prepared by UNESCO.
• All aspects including history, culture, food, lifestyle, economic development, community development will be included in it.
• These places will now be jointly developed by UNESCO, Government of India and Madhya Pradesh by focusing on their historical and cultural improvement.

What is the Background?

• Gwalior and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh were included in the list of UNESCOs world heritage cities under its urban landscape city programme in December 2020.
• Gwalior: It was established in the 9th century and ruled by Gurjar Pratihar Rajvansh, Tomar, Baghel Kachvaho and Scindias.
• Orchha: It is popular for its temples and palaces and was the capital of the Bundela kingdom in the 16th century.
• The famous spots in the town are Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, Ramraja Temple, Rai Praveen Mahal, and Laxminarayan Mandir 

About the ‘Historic Urban Landscape’ Approach:

• It was adopted in 2011 at UNESCO’s General Conference.
• UNESCO defines HUL approach as an integrated approach towards managing heritage resources found within dynamic and evolving environments.
• HUL acknowledges the interconnections within a city, which occur between the built and natural environments, the tangible and intangible values, as well as within the cultural and social practices of a community.
• The approach addresses the policy, governance and management concerns involving a variety of stakeholders, including local, national, regional, international, public and private actors in the urban development process.

News Source: News On Air