UPSC Prelims 2009 Q25: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
Recently,
which one of the following was included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list ?
- (a) Dilwara Temple
- (b) Kalka - Shimla Railway
- (c) Bhitarkanika Mangrove Area
- (d) Visakhapatnam to Araku valley railway line
Answer: (b) Kalka - Shimla Railway
Explanation
A recent addition to UNESCO's World Heritage list
Among the given options, one Indian heritage site was recently inscribed on this prestigious list.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Dilwara Temple | Incorrect | Though architecturally significant, not the specific recent addition referenced here |
| (b) Kalka-Shimla Railway | Correct | The Kalka-Shimla Railway was recently inscribed as an extension to the 'Mountain Railways of India' UNESCO World Heritage designation |
| (c) Bhitarkanika Mangrove Area | Incorrect | An important Ramsar site, but not this specific UNESCO addition |
| (d) Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley railway line | Incorrect | A scenic railway, but not the one added to this World Heritage listing |
Kalka-Shimla Railway facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNESCO category | Extension of 'Mountain Railways of India' |
| Significance | Recognized for its engineering heritage |
Answer: (b) Kalka-Shimla Railway.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Dilwara Temple, though significant, is not this specific recent World Heritage addition.
- (b) CORRECT. The Kalka-Shimla Railway was recently added as part of the 'Mountain Railways of India' UNESCO designation.
- (c) Incorrect. Bhitarkanika is a Ramsar wetland site, not this specific UNESCO addition.
- (d) Incorrect. The Araku Valley railway line is not the one added to this listing.
Key point
The Kalka-Shimla Railway was recently inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list as an extension of the 'Mountain Railways of India' designation.
Remember
Recent UNESCO World Heritage addition: the Kalka-Shimla Railway (Mountain Railways of India).
Common mistakes
- Confusing this railway heritage addition with unrelated sites like Dilwara Temple or Bhitarkanika.
- Not knowing the 'Mountain Railways of India' category under which this inscription falls.
- Mixing up different scenic railway lines across India.
Exam tip
Kalka-Shimla Railway = added to UNESCO's 'Mountain Railways of India' World Heritage designation. A specific, time-bound exam fact.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Mountain Railways of India (World Heritage List)
- Ministry of Railways, Government of India — Heritage Railways: Kalka–Shimla Railway