What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

• A place recognised for exceptional cultural / natural importance to humanity.
• Protection is guided by an international treaty, while the site remains under the sovereignty of the country where it is located.

World Heritage Convention (1972) – Core Points

• Adopted in 1972, came into force in 1975.
• Created:
  • World Heritage Committee
  • World Heritage List
  • World Heritage Fund (international assistance)

Selection Criteria (10) – How UNESCO Inscribes a Site

Cultural Criteria (i–vi)

• Masterpiece of human creative genius
• Important interchange of human values / civilisation
• Unique testimony to a cultural tradition / civilisation
• Outstanding example of architecture / technology / landscape
• Outstanding example of traditional settlement / land-sea use
• Direct association with events, ideas, beliefs of universal significance

Natural Criteria (vii–x)

• Exceptional natural beauty / superlative phenomena
• Major stages of Earth’s history
• Significant ecological and biological processes
• Important habitats for biodiversity conservation

Legal Status and Obligations (After Inscription)

• Ownership stays with the State, but protection becomes a shared global responsibility.
• State obligations:
  • Identify, protect, conserve, present, transmit to future generations
  • Integrate protection into planning and governance
  • Periodic reporting on conservation status
• UNESCO tools:
  • “In Danger” listing, technical support, possible delisting in extreme cases

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: Category-wise List

A) Cultural Sites (35)

1. Agra Fort (1983) – Uttar Pradesh
2. Ajanta Caves (1983) – Maharashtra
3. Ellora Caves (1983) – Maharashtra
4. Taj Mahal (1983) – Uttar Pradesh
5. Sun Temple, Konark (1984) – Odisha
6. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) – Tamil Nadu
7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) – Goa
8. Fatehpur Sikri (1986) – Uttar Pradesh
9. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) – Karnataka
10. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) – Madhya Pradesh
11. Elephanta Caves (1987) – Maharashtra
12. Great Living Chola Temples (1987; extension 2004) – Tamil Nadu
13. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) – Karnataka
14. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) – Madhya Pradesh
15. Humayun’s Tomb (1993) – Delhi
16. Qutb Minar and its Monuments (1993) – Delhi
17. Mountain Railways of India (1999) – West Bengal / Tamil Nadu / Himachal Pradesh
18. Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya (2002) – Bihar
19. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) – Madhya Pradesh
20. Champaner–Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004) – Gujarat
21. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004) – Maharashtra
22. Red Fort Complex (2007) – Delhi
23. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) – Rajasthan
24. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013) – Rajasthan
25. Rani Ki Vav (2014) – Gujarat
26. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (2016) – Bihar
27. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016) – Chandigarh (India component)
28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) – Gujarat
29. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) – Maharashtra
30. Jaipur City (2019) – Rajasthan
31. Dholavira: A Harappan City (2021) – Gujarat
32. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple (2021) – Telangana
33. Santiniketan (2023) – West Bengal
34. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023) – Karnataka
35. Moidams – Ahom Dynasty Mound-Burial System (2024) – Assam

B) Natural Sites (7)

1. Kaziranga National Park (1985) – Assam
2. Keoladeo National Park (1985) – Rajasthan
3. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) – Assam
4. Sundarbans National Park (1987) – West Bengal
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988; extension 2005) – Uttarakhand
6. Western Ghats (2012) – Multiple States (Western India)
7. Great Himalayan National Park (2014) – Himachal Pradesh

C) Mixed Site (1)

1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) – Sikkim

• Cultural value: sacred landscape and indigenous traditions
• Natural value: exceptional Himalayan biodiversity across altitude zones

India: Recent Update (2025) on Tentative List

• 6 sites reportedly added in 2025, taking the Tentative List total to 62 (Tentative List is the pre-nomination stage).
• Examples mentioned: Kanger Valley NP, Chausath Yogini Temples, Gupta Temples, Bundela Palace-Fortresses, etc