UNESCO World Heritage Week 2024 

Current Context : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Shimla Circle, inaugurated the UNESCO World Heritage Week 2024 at the historic Kangra Fort on November 19.

• Objective : Promotes conservation, awareness, and pride in cultural heritage, encouraging public involvement in preserving these sites for future generations.
• The event includes a photo exhibition is showcasing 40 centrally protected monuments in the state, featuring landmarks like Laxmi-Narayan Temple Complex, Masroor Rock-Cut Temples, and Rashtrapati Niwas.

About Kangra Fort:

• Location: Situated near the town of Dharamshala in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India.
• Historical Significance: One of the oldest forts in India, believed to date back to around 4th century BC, linked to the Katoch dynasty—one of the world’s oldest surviving royal lineages.
• Cultural Importance: The fort has witnessed several significant events, including battles involving Mughalsand Sikh rulers, and invasions by figures like Mahmud of Ghazni.
• Protected as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).