Consider the following: 1. Ajanta caves (Maharashtra) 2. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodhgaya (Bihar) 3. Deer Park, Samath (Uttar Pradesh) 4. Kaziranga National Park (Assam) Which of the above is/are World Heritage Site as per UNESCO?

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 4 only. Key Points World Heritage Sites A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity". Ajanta Caves: Ajanta is a series of rock-cut caves in the Sahyadri ranges (Western Ghats) on the Waghora river near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Hence, statement 1 is correct. There are a total of 29 caves (all Buddhist) of which 25 were used as Viharas or residential caves while 4 were used as Chaitya or prayer halls. Mahabodhi Temple Complex: The Maha Bodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment (Bodhi). It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. Hence, statement 2 is correct. The original structure was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Kaziranga National Park: It is located in the State of Assam and covers 42,996 hectares (ha). It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Hence, statement 4 is correct. It is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos. Apart from the sites shown on the map above, Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana and Harappan city of Dholavira have also been declared World Heritage Sites. Hence, India has a total of 40 World Heritage Sites. Deer Park, Samath (Uttar Pradesh) is NOT a World Heritage Site. Hence, only 1, 2 and 4 are correct.