On March 7, 2024, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre added six Indian sites to its Tentative List, a crucial step toward gaining World Heritage status. These sites include national parks, ancient temples, megalithic structures, and historic fortresses across multiple states.
Newly Added Sites on India’s Tentative List
- Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
- The park draws its name from the Kanger River.
- A biodiversity hotspot in central India, known for limestone caves, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna.
- Home to rare and endangered species, including the Bastar Hill Myna, Chhattisgarh’s state bird.
- Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
- Prehistoric stone structures (Menhirs) believed to be burial markers or astronomical sites.
- Offer insights into ancient megalithic cultures of South India.
- Ashokan Edict Sites Along the Mauryan Routes (Multiple States – Serial Nomination)
- Rock and pillar inscriptions from the reign of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE).
- Spread across several states, these edicts promote Buddhist principles, governance, and ethics.
- Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States – Serial Nomination)
- Ancient circular temples dedicated to 64 Yoginis, considered forest spirits and mother goddesses.
- Found across Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, these temples feature intricate stone carvings and tantric significance.
- Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States – Serial Nomination)
- Temples from the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE), considered the Golden Age of Indian art and architecture.
- Known for structural advancements and iconic deity sculptures.
- Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)
- Hilltop fortresses and palaces built by the Bundela rulers (16th-18th century CE).
- Examples include Orchha Fort (MP) and Kalinjar Fort (UP), blending Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.
(Source: The Hindu)
