Six Indian sites have been added to the tentative list for UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2025.
International
In March 2025, six Indian sites were added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This list is the first step before a site can be nominated to the official World Heritage List. With these new additions, India now has 62 sites on the Tentative List.
- The six Indian sites recently added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh, known for its biodiversity and limestone caves. Telangana's Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs, an ancient burial site, also made the list. The Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes, spread across multiple states, highlight India's rich historical legacy.
- Additionally, the Chausath Yogini Temples, located in multiple states, represent unique circular temple architecture. The Gupta Temples in North India, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Gupta period, have also been included. Lastly, the Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas, spread across Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP), reflect the grandeur of Bundela architecture.
Main Point :- (i) The Tentative List is a list of sites that a country considers for future nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sites must be included in this list before they can be officially nominated.
(ii) The Tentative List contains sites that are either cultural, natural, or a combination of both, and are considered to have outstanding universal value.
(iii) Being on the Tentative List ensures that these heritage sites meet the necessary criteria and are properly evaluated before being nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Director-General (DG): Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters: Paris, France
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