The state now has 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with 15 sites in the Tentative List and 3 in the Permanent List.
Madhya Pradesh’s historical heritage has gained global recognition, with four of its sites newly included in UNESCO’s Tentative List. Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister said that the inclusion of Ashokan Edict Sites, Chausath Yogini Temples, Gupta Period Temples and the Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas in UNESCO’s Serial Nomination for Tentative Listing highlights Madhya Pradesh’s distinct place in India’s cultural and historical landscape. This recognition is a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its invaluable heritage.
Last year, UNESCO also included six heritage sites from Madhya Pradesh in its Tentative List, namely: Gwalior Fort; Khooni Bhandara of Burhanpur; Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley; Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple in Bhojpur; Gond Monuments of Ramnagar in Mandla; and The Historic ensemble of Dhamnar.
With this latest inclusion, Madhya Pradesh now boasts 18 UNESCO-recognized heritage sites – three on the Permanent List (Khajuraho Group of Temples, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Buddhist Monuments of Sanchi) and 15 on the Tentative List. Other sites in the Tentative List include Monuments of Mandu, Historic Group of Orchha, Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in Narmada Valley, Satpura Tiger Reserve and Chanderi in Iconic Saree Weaving Cluster of India.
On this significant occasion, Dr. Mohan Yadav extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, the Department of Culture, archaeologists, history enthusiasts, organizations and citizens who have contributed immensely to preserving Madhya Pradesh’s cultural legacy. He further called upon the people of Madhya Pradesh to unite in their commitment to safeguarding these historical treasures, ensuring that the state’s cultural glory continues to rise on the global tourism map.