Lakkundi Group of Monuments Proposed for UNESCO Tentative List

In a significant development for India’s cultural heritage, the ancient group of temples and monuments in Lakkundi and surrounding areas in Karnataka, built during the Kalyana Chalukya period (10th–12th century CE), are being finalised for inclusion in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The State government has partnered with INTACH to prepare and refine the proposal, aiming to secure international recognition for these architectural marvels.

Why in News?

The Karnataka government, with assistance from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), is in the final stages of submitting a proposal to list the Lakkundi group of monuments and associated temples from the Western Chalukyan period on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The monuments fulfil key UNESCO criteria for architectural and cultural significance.

Location & Historical Context

• Located in Gadag district, Karnataka.
• Temples built between 10th–12th centuries CE during the Kalyana Chalukya (Western Chalukya) reign.

UNESCO Tentative Listing Criteria Met

• Cultural Exchange: Illustrates architectural interchange between Nagara, Dravida, and Bhumija styles forming the Vesara style.
• Historical Significance: Represents a significant stage in temple architecture and technological advancement through features like stepwells.

Important Structures in the Proposal

• Lakkundi Monuments: Kasi Visvesvara, Manikesvara, Nanneswara, Brahma Jinalaya (1007 CE), Musukina Bavi.

Surrounding Temples

• Doddabasappa temple, Japada Bavi (Dambal)
• Trikuteshwara temple (Gadag)
• Mahadeva temple (Itagi)
• Sri Mallikarjuna temple (Kuruvatti)
• Someshwara temple (Lakshmeshwara)
• Tarakeshwara temple (Hangal)

Architectural Importance

• Showcases Vesara hybrid style.
• Stepwells integral to temple complexes, some larger than the temples themselves.

Process & Future Steps

• Proposal being reviewed by experts from INTACH and Department of Archaeology.
• Upon acceptance to tentative list, a full nomination dossier will be submitted after 1 year.
• Other Karnataka sites on tentative list: Badami, Aihole, Srirangapatana, Hire Benkal, and Deccan Sultanate Monuments.