UNESCO’s World Heritage Selection Process assesses the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Cultural, Natural and Mixed Heritage Categories. India’s tentative list (2025) includes six properties such as Mudumal Menhirs and Kanger Valley National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee evaluates nominations based on 10 selection criteria to ensure global heritage conservation. In this article, we will explore India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and its selection criteria and processes in 2025.
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India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2025)
In 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre added six Indian properties to its tentative list, an initial step towards a potential World Heritage Name. These sites are selected based on a rigorous assessment of their outstanding universal value, which reflects not only their significance to India but also the shared heritage of mankind.
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did you know? 🇮🇳India has recently nominated six new websites #unesco The recognition of the World Heritage Site reflects Goi’s commitment to protecting cultural and historical treasures. (1/2)#amritmahotsav #culturenitesall #MainBharathoon @unesco @asigoi @traveltelangana @tourismgoi pic.twitter.com/wlntwzhjtc
– Amrit Mahotsav (@amritmahotsav) March 20, 2025
The inclusion of these sites emphasizes India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The selection criteria take into account factors such as historical significance, showing the role of these locations in shaping India’s past and their contribution to the broader historical narrative. The various topography of the selected sites highlights the diverse landscapes of India, from majestic mountains to fertile plains, and their impact on human settlement and cultural development. Furthermore, the abundant biodiversity of certain sites reflects their importance in protecting unique ecosystems and habitats of rare and endangered species. Finally, recognition of regions that are well-known for ancient craftsmanship emphasizes India’s enduring artistic tradition and its contribution to the world’s artistic heritage.
(2/2)#amritmahotsav #culturenitesall #MainBharathoon pic.twitter.com/eq6kosrb9y
– Amrit Mahotsav (@amritmahotsav) March 20, 2025
The tentative list contains an important step in potential World Heritage titles at these locations, providing more recognition and protection for these valuable cultural and natural treasures. India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2025) is:
1.
The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in the Telangana Narayanpet district dates from 3500 – 4,000 years and has been added to the list of temporary UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. If approved, it will become Telangana’s second UNESCO site (2021). These standing stones are one of the most well-preserved megalithic observatories in India, with precise megalithic alignment and stone circles that highlight advanced astronomical knowledge.
2. Chhattisgarh Cong Valley National Park
Located in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Kanger Valley National Park spans 200 square kilometers and has a variety of terrain including plateaus, deep canyons and limestone caves. Founded in 1982, it has a rich biodiversity, with 963 species of plants, 49 species of mammals, 201 species of birds and unique geological formations. The park’s caves, waterfalls and dense forests make it a place of ecological and geological significance.
3. Ayukan dict website, multiple states
Ashoka’s orders were carved on the stone, ensuring that his message reached various regions and established a consistent image in his empire. They provide insights into Buddhism, Molyan governance and ancient craftsmanship. These inscriptions are strategically placed along trade routes and settlements, providing a glimpse into Ashoka’s transformative rules and its groundbreaking approach to mass communication and governance.
4. Josas Yogi Temple, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha
The Chausath Yogini temple displays the brilliance of early medieval architecture, blending spirituality, culture and nature. Some of the ASI-approved ones are well preserved, while others require recovery. Protection work, legal protection and community participation are crucial. A comprehensive management plan is crucial to structural stability, stone carving protection and awareness programs to protect its historical and cultural heritage.
5. Gupta Temple, multiple states
The Gupta Temple, protected by ASI, reflects the architectural and religious heritage of India. Protection work ensures their preservation, but detailed management plans are required for structural stability and stone engraving protection. Their World Heritage nominations will highlight their universal value. Community engagement, education and awareness programs are essential to maintaining and promoting these historical treasures.
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6. The Bondra Dynasty in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
The palace of Bundelas fulfills medieval Indian Patel architecture, blending Rajput and Mughal styles. These structures demonstrate reinforcement strategies, artistic murals and innovative designs. Their evolution from Garhkundar Fort to Jahangir Mahal reflects the progress of architecture. They have high cultural value and deserve the recognition of the World Heritage Site, their craftsmanship, defensive creativity, and artistic synthesis with regional and imperial influences.
This development underscores the importance of UNESCO’s role in the protection of global cultural and natural heritage. Through the Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), the Organization ensures sites of extraordinary importance and are identified, protected and maintained by future generations.
What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Designate a World Heritage Site based on its outstanding universal value (OUV), which means it has extraordinary cultural or natural significance. These sites are divided into:
1. Cultural Heritage
A website of historical, artistic or scientific importance. Examples: Taj Mahal (India), Statue of Liberty (USA), Sydney Opera House (Australia).
2. Natural heritage
A site that is important for science, conservation or natural beauty. Example: Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) Sundarbans National Park (India).
3. Mixed legacy
A place with cultural and natural significance.
Global UNESCO World Heritage Statistics
Spread across 168 countries. As of October 2024, 196 countries have ratified the World Heritage Convention.
|
category |
Number of sites |
|
Cultural sites |
952 |
|
Natural site |
231 |
|
Mixed location |
40 |
|
Main site |
1,223 |
Tentative list: What does this mean?
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The tentative list is a list of properties a country considers suitable for nomination as a World Heritage Site. Once added to the tentative list, a country must submit a nomination archive for UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee for review. In India, India manages this process with the National Cooperation Commission of the UNESCO (INCCU) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
UNESCO notes “The World Heritage Site belongs to all the peoples in the world, regardless of their territory.”
UNESCO World Heritage Committee
- Meet every year (June/July).
- It consists of 21 member states of the 196 signatories to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
- Responsible for adding, modifying or deleting websites from the World Heritage List.
Selection criteria for UNESCO World Heritage Sites
To be engraved as a World Heritage Site, the property must meet at least one of the following 10 selection criteria:
Cultural Standards
- A masterpiece of human creative genius.
- Important interchange of human values architecture, technology, commemorative art or landscape design.
- A unique will of civilization or cultural tradition.
- An outstanding example of an architectural or technical ensemble that illustrates an important stage in human history.
- In irreversible changes, outstanding examples of traditional human settlements, land use or sea use.
- Directly related to events, traditions, beliefs or works of art, has universal significance.
Natural Standard
- Contains the most advanced natural phenomena or special natural beauty.
- Represents the main stages of Earth’s history, including geological and physiological characteristics.
- Represents important ecological and biological processes in the development of ecosystems.
- Contains important habitats for biodiversity conservation, including those of threatened species.
These criteria were merged into a single list of 10 factors in 2004.
India and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
India became a signatory to the 1977-1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
|
category |
Number of locations in India |
|
Cultural sites |
35 |
|
Natural site |
7 |
|
Mixed location |
1 |
|
Total (recognized) |
43 |
|
Tentative list |
62 |
India continues to provide new locations for global recognition, enhancing its cultural and natural heritage protection.
in conclusion
India has included six new properties (2025) in its temporary list of UNESCO, reflecting its commitment to preserving historical and natural locations. India has recognized 43 websites and is awaiting evaluation of 62 locations, so it remains a significant contributor to global heritage conservation. The role of UNESCO in maintaining and promoting these sites ensures their preservation for future generations.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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