70. Regarding Raigad Fort, judge:
1. It was among twelve nominated Maratha forts;
2. It was Shivaji’s capital;
3. Rivers and valleys isolate its massif.
Which set was correct in the paper?
[RRB Technician Grade III — 30 Dec 2024, Shift 2]
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Raigad formed part of the twelve-fort Maratha Military Landscapes nomination for 2024–25. It was the royal capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji and its terrain helped defence. UNESCO subsequently inscribed the entire ensemble in 2025.
69. At which proposed Maratha World Heritage fort was Shivaji Maharaj crowned?
[RRB Technician Grade III — 27 Dec 2024, Shift 3]
A. Raigad Fort
B. Karnala Fort
C. Korigad Fort
D. Mangi-Tungi Fort
Answer: A. Raigad Fort
Explanation: Shivaji Maharaj underwent his coronation at Raigad in 1674. The hill fort subsequently became central to Maratha administration and identity. It was included among the twelve forts of the Maratha Military Landscapes, a serial property inscribed by UNESCO in 2025.
68. Which fort was absent from the 2024–25 Maratha Military Landscapes UNESCO nomination?
[RRB Technician Grade III — 30 Dec 2024, Shift 2]
A. Raigad
B. Karnala Fort
C. Salher
D. Rajgad
Answer: B. Karnala Fort
Explanation: Karnala Fort in Maharashtra was not one of the twelve sites in the submitted Maratha Military Landscapes nomination. Raigad, Salher and Rajgad were included. UNESCO inscribed the completed serial nomination in 2025, recognising a network of strategic Maratha fortifications.
67. The 46th meeting of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee was hosted in which city?
[RRB JE CBT-I — 17 Dec 2024, Shift 1]
A. New York
B. Paris
C. New Delhi
D. Dubai
Answer: C. New Delhi
Explanation: India hosted the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in July 2024. At this session the Moidams of Assam were added to the World Heritage List. The committee evaluates nominations and reviews conservation matters.
66. Rani-ki-Vav, an inscribed World Heritage stepwell, lies in which state?
[SSC MTS — 22 Oct 2024, Shift 1]
A. Haryana
B. Gujarat
C. Maharashtra
D. Karnataka
Answer: B. Gujarat
Explanation: Rani-ki-Vav stands at Patan in Gujarat. The richly sculpted stepwell dates to the eleventh century and represents sophisticated water architecture. UNESCO inscribed it in 2014 for its artistic accomplishment and the cultural significance of stepwells.
65. Sanchi Stupa, part of a UNESCO property, is located in which Indian state?
[SSC CHSL — 10 Jul 2024, Shift 1]
A. Bihar
B. Punjab
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Rajasthan
Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Sanchi is in Madhya Pradesh, near Bhopal. The Buddhist monuments include stupas, pillars and temples developed over many centuries. The Great Stupa began under Ashoka, and the entire ensemble gained World Heritage status in 1989.
64. Which is the oldest of India’s three UNESCO-listed mountain railways?
[WBPSC WBCS 2023 Mains, History — held 18 Aug 2024]
A. Konkan Railway
B. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
C. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
D. Kalka–Shimla Railway
Answer: B. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Explanation: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway opened in the nineteenth century and was the first of the Mountain Railways of India inscribed by UNESCO, in 1999. The Nilgiri and Kalka–Shimla lines were later added to the serial listing in 2005 and 2008.
63. In which state are the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, inscribed in 2023?
[IB ACIO Grade II — 17 Jan 2024, Shift 1]
A. Karnataka
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Odisha
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A. Karnataka
Explanation: The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas lie in Karnataka. UNESCO’s 2023 inscription includes temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. Their intricately carved surfaces, sophisticated plans and Hoysala architectural language are key aspects of their outstanding value.
62. For Bhimbetka, which statements are true:
i. It is in Uttar Pradesh;
ii. It has prehistoric rock paintings;
iii. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
[APSSB CSLE — 10 Nov 2024]
A. i and ii
B. i alone
C. ii and iii
D. iii alone
Answer: C. ii and iii
Explanation: Bhimbetka is in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, not Uttar Pradesh. Its rock shelters contain paintings and evidence of prehistoric occupation. UNESCO designated the site a World Heritage property in 2003 because of its archaeological and cultural importance.
61. Who commissioned the series of five major Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories in northern India?
[SSC CGL Tier-I — 17 Sept 2024, Shift 2]
A. Sawai Man Singh
B. Maharana Pratap
C. Sawai Jai Singh II
D. Madho Singh
Answer: C. Sawai Jai Singh II
Explanation: Sawai Jai Singh II planned observatories in Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura to support astronomical study. The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is particularly well preserved and received UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2010.
