India Adds Six Properties to UNESCO Tentative List

1. Overview of the Tentative List

• Definition: The tentative list is an inventory of properties that each country intends to consider for UNESCO World Heritage nomination.
• Significance: Inclusion is mandatory for future nomination to the World Heritage List.

2. Recent Additions

• Date of Addition: Six properties were added on March 7, 2025.
• Total Properties: With these additions, India now has 62 sites on the tentative list.

3. Newly Added Properties

• • Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
  • Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
  • Serial Nomination of Ashokan Edict Sites (multiple states)
  • Serial Nomination of Chausath Yogini Temples (multiple states)
  • Serial Nomination of Gupta Temples (north India, multiple states)
  • Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)

4. Notable Features of Chausath Yogini Temples

• Description: Temples feature 64 images of Yoginis in individual shrines, intricately carved and arranged circularly. 
• Cultural Significance: The term 'Yogini' refers to female practitioners of yoga, and these temples are often located on hilltops.

5. Current UNESCO World Heritage Status

• Inscribed Properties: India has 43 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including:
• • 35 Cultural
  • 7 Natural
  • 1 Mixed

6. Recent Milestones

• World Heritage Committee Meeting: India hosted the meeting for the first time in 2024, during which the Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam were recognised.

Conclusion: The addition of these six properties highlights India's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and enhancing its representation in the UNESCO World Heritage framework.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-adds-six-properties-to-tentative-list-for-unesco-recognition/article69331256.ece