The serial site, situated in the state of Rajasthan,
includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh; Kumbhalgarh; Sawai
Madhopur; Jhalawar; Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. The ecclectic architecture of
the forts, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears testimony
to the power of the Rajput princely states that flourished in the region
from the 8th to the 18th centuries. Enclosed within defensive walls are
major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and other buildings,
including temples that often predate the fortifications within which
developed an elaborate courtly culture that supported learning, music
and the arts. Some of these urban centres have survived, as have many of
the site's temples and other sacred buildings. The forts use the
natural defenses offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and
dense forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures,
largely still in use today.
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/member-states/single-view/news/hill_forts_of_rajasthan_and_wooden_churches_of_the_carpathian_region_inscribed_on_world_heritage_list/
