Six New Properties Added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List

India has recently added six new properties to its UNESCO Tentative List, bringing the total count of tentative sites in the country to 62. These sites, including Ashokan Edict Sites, Chausath Yogini Temples, and Kanger Valley National Park, were officially included in the list on March 7, 2024, as confirmed by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO. The announcement was shared by India at UNESCO on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Significance of Being on the Tentative List

The tentative list is a crucial step in the nomination process for a site to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO, each country must first include a property in the tentative list before it can formally propose it for World Heritage status. This inclusion reflects India’s continued efforts to protect and promote its cultural and natural heritage.

The Newly Added Sites

1. Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)

Kanger Valley National Park is known for its biodiversity and unique geological formations. Located in Bastar district, this park is home to limestone caves, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna. It also serves as a habitat for the endangered Bastar Hill Myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh.

2. Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)

These prehistoric megalithic menhirs in Telangana are significant archaeological structures. Dating back to the Iron Age, they are believed to have been used for burial and astronomical purposes. These sites provide valuable insights into ancient megalithic culture in India.

3. Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (Multiple States)

This is a serial nomination covering multiple locations where Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed. These edicts, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, offer historical evidence of Mauryan rule, governance, and Ashoka’s propagation of Buddhism. The inscriptions are found on rocks, caves, and pillars across India.

4. Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)

The Chausath Yogini Temples are spread across various states and are dedicated to 64 female deities or Yoginis. These temples are circular in shape and often located on hilltops. The temples feature intricately carved stone sculptures and hold religious and architectural significance in Tantric worship traditions.

5. Gupta Temples of North India (Multiple States)

These temples represent Gupta-era architecture, known for its sophisticated design and artistic excellence. Built during the 4th to 6th centuries CE, the Gupta temples are important for understanding the development of Indian temple architecture. The most notable examples include the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh and the Parvati Temple at Nachna.

6. Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)

The palace-fortresses of the Bundela dynasty stand as historical marvels of medieval India. These structures, found in Orchha (Madhya Pradesh) and Datia (Uttar Pradesh), exhibit a unique blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The Jehangir Mahal in Orchha and Govind Mahal in Datia are among the most significant structures.

India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Currently, India has 43 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, categorized as:

• Cultural Sites: 35
• Natural Sites: 7
• Mixed Site: 1

In 2024, India hosted the World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time. During this event, the Moidams (Ahom Dynasty burial sites) in Assam were officially inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Summary of the News