Gwalior, Kozhikode join UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Central Idea

• Gwalior and Kozhikode from India are among the 55 new cities which have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
• Earlier, Srinagar was designated the creative city in the field of Crafts and Folk Arts.

Inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

[A] Gwalior’s Musical Heritage

• Category: Gwalior, located in Madhya Pradesh, earned its spot in the ‘Music’ category, showcasing its rich musical heritage.
• Cultural Significance: Gwalior, home to the Gwalior Gharana and synonymous with musicians like Baiju Bawra and Tansen was acknowledged for being a popular destination for learning Indian classical music from musicians in the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

[B] Kozhikode’s Literary Excellence

• Category: Kozhikode, situated in Kerala, made its mark in the ‘Literature’ category, highlighting its literary achievements.
• Literary Legacy: Kozhikode carried the distinction of of being home to over 500 libraries.

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network