Published Dec 30, 2023 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 30, 2023 | 9:00 AM
In the heart of South India lies a treasure of architectural marvel, cultural wonderment and a rich tapestry of heritage and history. Journeying through the expanse of southern India offers a full-bloom view of tales and lores of the ancients hidden in the sculptures and landscapes that bring us closer to the legacy left behind for future generations to experience, preserve, conserve and be proud of.
The year 2023 has been a promising one to that effect. It was a year when the temples, the food, the structures, and the skilled craftstmanship were all hailed by the global community, granting each one a heritage and legendary status.
In a rewind mode, South First brings a list of heritage wins for South India in the year that went by.
Hampi and Pattadakal were listed as World Heritage Sites in the 1980s. Karnataka’s wait for another UNESCO listing ended this year in September. UNESCO recognised the state’s ancient Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somnathapura as World Heritage Sites.
🔴BREAKING!
Just inscribed on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, #India 🇮🇳. Congratulations! 👏👏
➡️ https://t.co/69Xvi4BtYv #45WHC pic.twitter.com/Frc2IGlTkf
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) September 18, 2023
Heritage experts hail that this is possibly the only Indian monument on which once can trace the names of at least 200 sculptors who worked on these temples, 900 years ago.
INTACH Bengaluru played a key role in this achievement by preparing the dossier for Hoysala’s nomination at the World Heritage Convention.
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Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) states that this recognition establishes KIA T2 as the only Indian airport to attain such global acclaim.
The terminal spans an impressive 2,55,661 square meters. It rests on four pillars: technological leadership, a garden-infused terminal, environmental and ecological stewardship, and a celebration of Karnataka’s heritage.
Taste Atlas, a Croatia-based food guide, ranked Kozhikode’s Paragon as the 11th most legendary restaurant in the world. In a span of six months, the restaurant was named the 5th best by the same portal. Known for its flavourful biryanis and authentic Malabari cuisine, Paragon enjoys iconic status owing to the meticulous preparation of dishes which celebrate local produce and traditional cooking methods.
In July 2023, Buhari’s Chicken 65 — Chennai’s fiery legend — made its mark on Taste Atlas’ Top 50 chicken dishes. Four Indian chicken dishes, including the Chicken 65, were featured on Taste Atlas’ list of 50 of the best chicken dishes from around the world. Positioned on the global list, this iconic dish from Chennai, Tamil Nadu is said to have been invented by AM Buhari of Buhari Hotel in 1965.
Buhari’s Chicken 65: Chennai’s fiery legend makes its mark on Taste Atlas’ Top 50 chicken dishes
In September 2023, Karachi Bakery was ranked 29th among the 150 most legendary dessert places in the world. Of the 10 eateries which featured from India, it is the only one from South India.
The iconic fruit biscuit is the bakery’s iconic product. The fruit biscuit made of tutti-fruity, papaya, crunchy and nutty boasts a unique flavour. Also, the bakery has more than 30 outlets in India, and exports to over 20 countries.
Basheer. (Facebook)
On 31 October, which is celebrated as World Cities Day, Kozhikode was declared as the City of Literature by UNESCO. This announcement came a day before Kerala began its Formation Day celebrations.
Kozhikode residents credit this honour to writers and other creative talents, such as Basheer, who broke away from the Sanskritised form of Malayalam. They developed a vocabulary that was approachable, relatable, and informal.
Shore Temple near Mahabalipuram (iStock)
The Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was recognised as India’s first Green Energy Archaeological Site. This project was a collaborative effort between Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India and Hand in Hand India (HiHH). The lighting at the Shore Temple is now powered by clean energy derived from solar power.
Besides, the project also aims to reduce the ecological impact of tourists, all while enhancing their experience. The officials involved in the project plan to achieve this by setting up a reverse osmosis plant providing drinking water to travellers.
Archaeologists unearthed a crystal quartz weighing unit from the Sangam era. The first of its kind, the quartz weighing unit was found 175 cm beneath the ground. The excavations began in Keeladi in 2014. The quartz unit is estimated to be from a period between 600 BC to 2nd century AD.
According to news reports, the unit measures 2 cm in diameter, 1.5 cm in height and weighs a mere 8 grams.
View of Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, India. (iStock)
The International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) declared Prakasam Barrage as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS.
The President of ICID present the WHIS award to Andhra Pradesh at the 25th International Congress of ICID in Visakhapatnam. Till now, India has received 14 WHIS awards. Of this, Andhra has received four awards, one each to Cumbum Tank (2020), KC Canal (2020), Porumamilla Tank (2020), and Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (2022).
