6 New Properties Added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List

1. In March 2025, India added 6 new properties to its UNESCO Tentative List, increasing the total count of tentative sites in the country to 62.
2. This announcement was made official on March 7, , through the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO.

 

UNESCO Tentative List:
 

1. The tentative list is a crucial step in the nomination process for a site to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. According to UNESCO, each country must first include a property in its tentative list before it can be formally nominated for World Heritage status.
3. Being included in the tentative list is a way for countries to express their intention to recognize and protect their cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
4. This inclusion reflects India's ongoing commitment to the preservation and promotion of its vast and diverse cultural and natural heritage.
5. By adding these 6 new properties to the list, India continues to expand the scope of its potential World Heritage Sites.

 

What are The Newly Added Sites in UNESCO Tentative List ?
 

1. Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
   • Location: Bastar district, Chhattisgarh
   • Significance: Known for its biodiversity and unique geological formations. The park features limestone caves, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna, making it an important site for conservation.
   • Key Features:
     • Home to the endangered Bastar Hill Myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh.
     • A habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including species of national and international importance.
     • Known for its natural beauty and ecotourism potential.
        
2. Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
   • Location: Telangana
   • Significance: These prehistoric megalithic structures date back to the Iron Age and were likely used for burial and astronomical purposes. The menhirs are scattered across the region and represent important archaeological and cultural heritage.
   • Key Features:
     • The menhirs offer insights into the ancient megalithic culture of India.
     • Associated with early burial practices and possibly aligned with astronomical events.
     • A rare example of prehistoric archaeological structures in India.
        
3. Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (Multiple States)
   • Location: Various locations across India
   • Significance: This is a serial nomination covering multiple sites where Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed, reflecting the governance of the Maurya Empire and the propagation of Buddhism.
   • The edicts date back to the 3rd century BCE.
   • Key Features:
     • Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed on rocks, caves, and pillars in multiple states.
     • The edicts offer evidence of Mauryan governance, policies of non-violence, and Ashoka's support for Buddhism.
     • Sites include locations in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, and other regions.
        
4. Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)

• The Chausath Yogini Temples are ancient, roofless shrines dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, female deities in Hindu tantra associated with yoga and spiritual power.
• Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, these temples are key examples of Tantric Hinduism.
• Locations:
  • Madhya Pradesh: Khajuraho, Bhedaghat, Mitaoli, Dudhai, Badoh, Hinglajgarh, Shahdol, Naresar.
  • Odisha: Hirapur, Ranipur Jharial.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Lakheri, Rikhiyan.
  • Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram.
• Architectural Features:
  • The temples are usually circular or octagonal in shape.
  • They contain 64 images of Yoginis, each in individual shrines, arranged circularly around the temple.
  • Intricate stone carvings are a hallmark of their architecture.
  • Many temples are located on hilltops, offering commanding views of their surroundings.
  • The Bhedaghat temple is the largest circular Yogini temple, with a diameter of around 125 feet.
• Historical Significance:
  • The Mitaoli temple in Madhya Pradesh was built in the 11th century under the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
  • The Bhedaghat temple in Madhya Pradesh was constructed early in the 11th century CE by King Yuvaraja II of the Kalachuris of Tripuri.
  • The cult of the Yoginis was prominent in the Chandela territory, particularly in the Khajuraho region, where many temples were built during this period.
     

5. Gupta Temples of North India (Multiple States)
   • Gupta temples are among the most important examples of early Indian temple architecture, representing a significant development from cave architecture to structural temples.
   • Built during the Gupta period (circa 4th to 6th centuries CE), these temples are foundational to the evolution of Indian religious and architectural traditions.
   • Key Locations and Temples:
     • Uttar Pradesh (UP):
       1. Dashavatara Temple (Deogarh): A Vishnu temple, considered one of the earliest examples of Gupta-era temple architecture, showcasing intricate carvings and a distinct architectural style.
       2. Bhitargaon Temple: A brick temple with a four-sided shikhara tower, one of the best-preserved examples of early Gupta brick temples.
     • Madhya Pradesh (MP):
       1. Nachna-Kuthara Temple (Parvati Temple): Located in Panna district, this temple is another remarkable example of Gupta architectural style.
       2. Udayagiri Caves: Near Vidisha, these rock-cut caves are renowned for their sculptures and their architectural influence on the Gupta period.
       3. Tigawa (Vishnu Temple): Situated in Jabalpur district, this temple is a significant example of Gupta temple architecture.
       4. Shiva Temple at Bhumara: An important Gupta-era temple featuring distinct sculptural elements.
     • Rajasthan:
       1. Though not as prominent as UP and MP, Gupta-era influences can be seen in some architectural and artistic elements across Rajasthan.
   • Characteristics of Gupta Temple Architecture:
     • Early Structural Temples: The Gupta period marked the shift from cave architecture to structural temples, which became a staple in North India.
     • Brick Construction: Bhitargaon Temple is a notable example of a brick temple from this period, showcasing early advancements in brick construction techniques.
     • Shikhara Towers: Most Gupta temples feature shikhara towers, which are typically curved or multi-tiered structures that became iconic in Hindu temple architecture.
     • Sculptural Art: Gupta temples are renowned for their intricate sculptures, seen especially in the Udayagiri caves and other temple sites.
     • Terracotta Panels: Terracotta panels often adorned Gupta temples, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and showcasing the artistic richness of the period.
   • Influence on Later Architecture:
     • The Gupta style of temple architecture became a cornerstone for later developments in Indian temple design, particularly during the Medieval and Post-Gupta periods.
   • Significance of the Gupta Period:
     • Golden Age: The Gupta period is often referred to as a "golden age" of Indian history, marked by advancements in art, architecture, literature, science, and technology.
     • Political Unification: The Gupta Empire brought about a period of political unification in North India, which created a stable environment for cultural and architectural growth.
     • Patronage of Arts and Culture: The Gupta rulers were known for their strong patronage of the arts, which led to flourishing achievements in various cultural fields, including temple architecture.
        
6. Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)
   • Location: Orchha (Madhya Pradesh) and Datia (Uttar Pradesh)
   • Significance: The palace-fortresses of the Bundela dynasty are historical architectural masterpieces from medieval India. These structures represent a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, which was typical of the Bundela period.
   • Key Features:
     • The Jehangir Mahal in Orchha and Govind Mahal in Datia are significant examples of Bundela architecture.
     • The structures represent a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, showcasing intricate designs and artistic craftsmanship.
     • These palace-fortresses are important for understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bundela dynasty.

 

About India’s Current UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
 

1. As of now, India has 43 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, categorized as follows:
   1. Cultural Sites: 35
   2. Natural Sites: 7
   3. Mixed Site: 1
       
2. In 2024, India had the honor of hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time.
    
3. During this event, Moidams (Ahom Dynasty burial sites) in Assam were officially inscribed on the World Heritage List, bringing India’s total to 44 World Heritage Sites.
    

Conclusion:
 

India’s recent addition of six new properties to the UNESCO Tentative List underscores the country’s continued efforts to preserve its vast and diverse heritage. By recognizing and promoting these sites, India is enhancing its commitment to cultural and natural conservation, ensuring that these valuable legacies are protected for future generations. These inclusions also strengthen India's presence in the global heritage community, as it continues to prioritize its rich historical, cultural, and natural landmarks.