Lakkundi Temples Set for UNESCO Tentative Listing
ANALYSIS
- The Lakkundi group of monuments in Karnataka are being finalised for inclusion in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
- The monuments date from the 10th to 12th centuries CE, built during the rule of the Kalyana Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas).
- The Karnataka government has tied up with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) to fine-tune the proposal.
Key Monuments Identified
INTACH has shortlisted major temples and stepwells under the proposed “Architectural Ensembles of Kalyana Chalukyas”:
- Kasi Visvesvara Temple, Lakkundi
- Manikesvara Temple, Lakkundi
- Nanneswara Temple, Lakkundi
- Brahma Jinalaya (dated 1007 CE) – oldest temple in Lakkundi
- Musukina Bavi, Lakkundi
Other associated monuments:
- Doddabasappa Temple and Japada Bavi, Dambal
- Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag
- Mahadeva Temple, Itagi
- Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti
- Someshwara Temple, Lakshmeshwara
- Tarakeshwara Temple, Hangal
The final list may be pruned or expanded based on expert consultations with the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage.
UNESCO Criteria Fulfilled
The proposal states that the monuments meet two key UNESCO criteria:
- Interchange of human values
- Reflect architectural and technological developments across cultural regions.
- Outstanding example of architectural ensemble
- Represent a significant stage in human history through temple architecture.
Architectural Significance
- The temples are classified as Vesara style (hybrid style).
- They combine elements of:
- Nagara style (North Indian)
- Dravida style (South Indian)
- Bhumija style
- The Kalyana Chalukya temples between the Tungabhadra and Malaprabha rivers represent a distinct phase in temple architecture.
- Large stepwells (Bavis) are integral components of temple complexes; in some cases, they are larger than the shrines themselves.
Next Step in Process
- After inclusion in the Tentative List and completion of one year, the State can prepare a detailed nomination dossier for final World Heritage inscription.
Other Karnataka Sites in Tentative List
- Monuments and forts of the Deccan Sultanate
- Monuments of Srirangapatna island town
- Hire Benkal megalithic site
- Badami and Aihole group of monuments
NECESSARY STATIC PART
UNESCO Tentative List
- A mandatory preliminary step before nomination to the World Heritage List.
- Each State Party maintains its own inventory of proposed sites.
Vesara Style Architecture
- Hybrid temple architecture style.
- Developed prominently under the Western Chalukyas.
- Marks transition and synthesis between northern and southern architectural traditions.
Kalyana Chalukyas
- Ruled parts of present-day Karnataka between 10th–12th centuries CE.
- Known for advancements in temple architecture and structural experimentation.
Updated - 01 May 2025 ; 09:30 PM IST | News Source: The Hindu