Context:
Recently, six heritage properties were added to India’s UNESCO tentative list by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
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With these additions, India now has 62 sites on the tentative list.
Addition to the World Heritage Centre’s tentative list is mandatory if a property is to be nominated for inscription to the World Heritage List in future
At present, a total of 43 properties from India are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including 35 in the ‘Cultural’ category, seven in ‘Natural’ and one in ‘Mixed’ category.
- A World Heritage site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
About Nominated 6 sites
- Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh: In 1982 it was designated under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the national park is renowned for its diverse topography.
- Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana: The site is situated in a tranquil and unspoiled landscape, where the ancient stones stand tall and silent as enduring sentinels of a forgotten era.
- Serial nomination of Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (multiple states):
- It includes major edicts, minor edicts, pillar edicts, and cave inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.
- Serial nomination of Chausath Yogini Temples (multiple states): These temples have 64 images of the Yoginis in their individual cells or shrines. The Yoginis are 64 in number and hence called the Chausath Yogini (female practitioner of yoga).
- Serial nomination of Gupta Temples in north India (multiple states): It includes 20 renowned temples that highlight the cultural contribution of the Gupta Dynasty.
- Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh: This serial nomination encompasses six significant components: Garhkundar Fort, Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Datia Palace, Jhansi Fort and Dhubela Palace. These forts and palaces embody the cultural traditions, architectural styles, and political history of the Bundela Rajputs.
UNESCO’s Tentative List
Tentative sites (TWHS) are sites that are considered for future nomination to the World Heritage List.
The Tentative Lists of States Parties are published by the World Heritage Centre.
- The World Heritage Centre was established in 1992 as a coordinator within UNESCO for all matters related to World Heritage, it manages the World Heritage Convention and ensures the preservation of sites of “Outstanding Universal Value”.
The Tentative List is updated to include sites that can be nominated for World Heritage Status, as only sites on this list can be considered for nomination.