1.1 Outstanding Universal Value :-
Jaipur is unique as one of the first planned Indian cities with its geometric structure based on western grid-iron planning, with zoning as per traditional notions, and earmarked sites for buildings and neighbourhoods designated for occupations, planned by the State. The planning was based on a response to the geographical terrain as it was set on the plains open for trade and commerce as opposed to hilly terrain and military cities of the past, as well as designed with ancient Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western influences.

Outstanding universal value must be identified for the protection and management of World Heritage properties, as a defined list of non-negotiables. When the outstanding universal value of the property which justified its inscription on the World Heritage List is destroyed, the Committee considers deleting the property from the World Heritage List. (UNESCO, 2008) As per the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value, Jaipur City fulfils criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi) as a World Heritage Site.

Criterion (ii): to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;

Jaipur represents a unique town plan, which was arrived at after a study of several town plans around the world, as evidenced by the Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western elements. The grid-iron plan was inspired by Western examples but enhanced with traditional zoning elements.

Criterion (iv): to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history

The planning of the city provides a unique example, as it is one of the first cities in India with an application of the grid-iron pattern at a monumental urban scale, implemented for use in a planned trade city. It is in stark contrast to the medieval cities of the time, with its broad streets and linear structure, with the main markets all planned and constructed by the State in a single phase, maintaining the bazar facades.

Criterion (vi): to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.

Jaipur has been popular as a city for crafts, ever since it was originally planned to house “chhattees karkhane” or 36 industries, many of which are traditional handicraft-based industries which still continue in various specified neighbourhoods of the Walled City.

1.2 Attributes contributing to OUV :

The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.
Date of Inscription: 2010
Criteria: (iii)(iv)
Property : 1.8652 ha
Buffer zone: 14.6664 ha
Dossier: 1338

The serial site, situated in the state of Rajastahan, 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 the urban centres enclosed in the fortifications 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.
Date of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (ii)(iii)
Property : 736 ha
Buffer zone: 3,460 ha
Dossier: 247rev

Historical crafts of jewelry making, carving, and painting that have been a center of trade since the early 18th century, with 53,500 workshops practicing these crafts today.

Capital of the State of Rajasthan in India, Jaipur is home to a population of 3 million inhabitants. In the early 18th century, the city was called the House of the 36 Industries (Chattis Karkhanas) for being an historical trade centre largely supported by crafts and folk art, including painting, carving and jewelry. This period has shaped the city and is honoured through the dedication of specific streets and markets to each of these industries. Today, this legacy continues to bear witness to the diversity and vitality of the field of crafts and folk art, which employs about 175,000 people working in around 53,500 workshops.

Jaipur views creative industries as a means to sustain its rich cultural heritage, passing on many traditions through local festivals and fairs which have always been embedded in the city’s cultural life. The Jaipur International Heritage Festival is the best-known event showcasing traditional works of crafts and folk art, as well as contemporary works. This event puts particular emphasis on fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors and civil society, as well as developing interdisciplinary approaches between crafts and folk art and design. Jaipur is also home to the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), the largest resource centre in the country, which is currently undertaking cross-cutting research and offering residencies.

To further protect and promote crafts and folk art, the Municipality is developing many initiatives, including the Heritage Walks. This project aims to give new life to the ancient streets and markets, thereby improving artisans’ working conditions and supporting direct selling. In addition, there are plans for establishing a Global Art Square in the heart of the city, creating a unique hub for new generations of craftspeople to sustain Jaipur’s artistic traditions.

As a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, Jaipur envisages:

• enhancing the working conditions and status of craftsmen through the Citizens Outreach Cell and the Heritage Walks, to foster a sustainable urban and socio-economic development based on direct selling and workers’ well-being;
• establishing the onsite and online museum Jaipur Haat, as well as the Crafts and Folk Art Gallery at the Jaipur International Airport, to facilitate international showcasing of local works of crafts and folk art; and
• encouraging exchange of knowledge and knowhow with other Creative Cities of Crafts and Folk Art, notably through local and international festivals and fairs.

The walled city of Jaipur, in India’s north-western state of Rajasthan was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II. Unlike other cities in the region located in hilly terrain, Jaipur was established on the plain and built according to a grid plan interpreted in the light of Vedic architecture. The streets feature continuous colonnaded businesses that intersect in the centre, creating large public squares called chaupars. Markets, shops, residences and temples built along the main streets have uniform facades. The city's urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and early modern Mughal as well as Western cultures. The grid plan is a model that prevails in the West, while the organization of the different city sectors (chowkris) refers to traditional Hindu concepts. Designed to be a commercial capital, the city has maintained its local commercial, artisanal and cooperative traditions to this day.
Date of Inscription: 2019
Criteria: (ii)(iv)(vi)
Property : 710 ha
Buffer zone: 2,205 ha
Dossier: 1605