Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme:
Context:
Tourism Ministry, in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism and India Convention Promotion Bureau are organizing ‘MICE (MICE – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Roadshow – Meet in India’ at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
About the Scheme:
- It is a central sector scheme for the development of identified iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach.
- The objective of the scheme is to boost the tourism influx in India and serve as a model for other tourism sites.
- The nodal agency for the scheme is the Tourism Ministry while other ministries such as civil aviation, railways, etc. are also involved.
About Khajuraho temples:
- Khajuraho Temples are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the country. These temples were built by the Chandella ruler between AD 900 and 1130.
- They are world-wide known for their erotic sculptures. The first recorded mention of the Khajuraho temples is in the accounts of Abu Rihan al Biruni in AD 1022 and the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in AD 1335.
- The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains in the region.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Khajuraho dance festival, temples.
- Chandella rulers.
- Al Biruni.
Mains Link:
Discuss the significance of the scheme.
Sources: PIB.
