Which of the following is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India?

Introduction / Context:
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are locations that have been recognised for their outstanding cultural or natural value. India has many such sites, including ancient caves, forts, temples and national parks. This question asks you to identify which among the options, all of which are important and famous places, has not been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, even though it is a major monument.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Options include Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in New Delhi, Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, Kaziranga National Park in Assam and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra.

- Several of these are internationally known World Heritage Sites.

- You are expected to know which places have actually been inscribed on the UNESCO list for India.

- The question focuses on the presence or absence of UNESCO recognition, not on national importance alone.

Concept / Approach:
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are classic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous for their rock cut architecture and paintings. The Red Fort Complex in New Delhi is also on the World Heritage list as a representation of Mughal architecture. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a natural World Heritage Site known for the one horned rhinoceros. Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a grand colonial era building and an important monument, but it has not been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, it is the correct answer to the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the core set of Indian UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you have memorised, including Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Red Fort. Step 2: Confirm that Ajanta Caves are on the list for their Buddhist rock cut architecture and paintings. Step 3: Confirm that Ellora Caves are also on the list for their Hindu, Buddhist and Jain rock cut temples. Step 4: Remember that Red Fort Complex in New Delhi has UNESCO cultural heritage status. Step 5: Recall that Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site, recognised for its biodiversity and rhino population. Step 6: Note that Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, while a very important museum and landmark, is not part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India. Step 7: Therefore, identify Victoria Memorial, Kolkata as the option that is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Verification / Alternative Check:
You can verify by quickly scanning any standard list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India from your study material. You will find Ajanta, Ellora, Red Fort and Kaziranga clearly mentioned. Victoria Memorial does not appear on this list. This absence, contrasted with the presence of the other sites, makes it clear which monument has not received UNESCO World Heritage status and confirms your answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are a long established UNESCO World Heritage Site for their Buddhist rock cut art and paintings. Red Fort Complex in New Delhi is inscribed as a cultural World Heritage Site for its Mughal architectural significance. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a natural World Heritage Site known worldwide for wildlife conservation. Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are also on the World Heritage list for their unique combination of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that any grand or famous building must be a World Heritage Site, which is not always true. Victoria Memorial is widely known and visually impressive, so it is easy to mistakenly think that it is on the UNESCO list. Another pitfall is confusing national importance with international recognition. The safe approach is to learn the official UNESCO list and not rely only on how famous a monument appears to be. This distinction will help you avoid similar errors in other heritage related questions.

Final Answer:
Among the options given, Victoria Memorial, Kolkata is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.