Soon, Ramappa temple to be a UNESCO's world heritage site

Warangal: Can Ramappa temple, 800-year-old engineering marvel of Kakatiya era, make it to the world heritage sites recognised by the UNESCO? Indeed, it is an intriguing question for those promoting and following the Kakatiya architectural elegance for ages.

As of now, there are 1,121 world heritage sites across the globe, and of which 38 are from India. The long list of world heritage is classified into cultural, natural and mixed sites.

Ramappa temple, the abode of Ramalingeshwara Swamy, is the only nomination for year 2019. It is on the threshold of getting world heritage tag alone by the virtue of its structural and sculptural ingenuity.

It may be noted here the temple that was in the race for the UNESCO's World Heritage Site tag in 2018 is back for the coveted tag with the Central government promoting it as country's lone nomination.

Against this backdrop, Vasu Poshyanandana, Secretary General of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Thailand, is undertaking a two-day visit to assess the historic Ramappa temple for inclusion into the World Heritage site list on 25 September.

Vasu is also to visit remnants of Swayambhu temple and Keerthi Thoranas at Warangal fort and Rudreswara Temple also known as Thousand Pillars temple in Hanamkonda on 26 September.

He will be accompanied by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, Joint Director General Thanwiz Sharma, World Heritage director, Delhi, Daljeet Singh, State ASI director Dinakar Babu, Mulugu District Collector C Narayana Reddy, Kakatiya Heritage Trust office bearers – B V Papa Rao, M Panduranga Rao and GSV Suryanarayana Murthy. Dr Choodamani Nandagopal, Art Historian, UNESCO Fellow Dean Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Jain University Bangalore, who played a crucial role in preparing the dossier will also be present.

After the two-day visit, Vasu is expected to meet the officials of State government in Hyderabad. Speaking to The Hans India, Warangal Seva Tourism and Cultural Society founder president Kusuma Surya Kiran, said, "the tourism-dependent economy of the rural-centric Mulugu district would get a huge boost if Ramappa gets the UNESCO tag that would identify it as a world heritage site.

The tourist footfall from across the country and abroad will increase by leaps and bounds." It may be mentioned here that Surya Kiran, who has been working as the tourism promotion officer in Warangal, had so far visited 18 of the world heritages sites in India, apart from Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.

A brief history of the Ramappa temple

The Ramappa temple, located 210 kilometres northeast of Hyderabad, was built in 1213 AD by Kakatiya general Recherla Rudra during the reign of Kakatiya king Ganapathi Deva.

This is perhaps the only temple in the country to be known by the name of its sculptor, Ramappa, rather than after the presiding deity Ramalingeswara Swamy. The temple that stands majestically on a 6 ft high star shaped platform is often described as the brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan.

The temple reflects a repository of Kakatiyan creative genius, with intricate carvings adorning the walls, pillars and ceilings of this marvellous edifice. The temple is a best example of love for art, music and dance patronised by Kakatiyas.

The temple is situated in a valley and is built with bricks so light that they can float on water, established after scientific research conducted indicating the creative master pieces of the time. The temple withstood many wars, invasions and natural calamities. The temple is also known for many wonders such as sand box foundations and exquisite carvings.