UNESCO World Heritage List

UNESCO World Heritage List

Why it Matters? 

  • The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, comprising 12 forts across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have been inscribed as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 47th World Heritage Committee session in Paris. 

What You Should Know? 

  • A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) to humanity. 

  • Governed by the World Heritage Convention, adopted in 1972 and enforced in 1975. 

  • It seeks to identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage around the world. 

  • Categories of World Heritage Sites 

  • Cultural Heritage 

  • Natural Heritage  

  • Mixed Heritage 

  • Criteria for Selection 

  • A site must meet at least one of 10 selection criteria, like cultural significance, natural beauty, architectural innovation, biodiversity, etc. 

  • Other considerations include authenticity, integrity, and effective protection and management mechanisms. 

  • The World Heritage Committee (WHC) is the governing body under UNESCO. It maintains the World Heritage List, the List of World Heritage in Danger, and manages the World Heritage Fund. 

  • India ratified the World Heritage Convention in 1977. 

  • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency for all WHS matters. 

  • As of July 2025, India has 44 World Heritage Sites, ranking 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region. 

  • Cultural Sites (36) 

  • Agra Fort (1983) 

  • Ajanta Caves (1983) 

  • Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016) 

  • Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) 

  • Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004) 

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) 

  • Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) 

  • Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021) 

  • Elephanta Caves (1987) 

  • Ellora Caves (1983) 

  • Fatehpur Sikri (1986) 

  • Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004) 

  • Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) 

  • Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) 

  • Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) 

  • Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013) 

  • Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017) 

  • Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993) 

  • Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019) 

  • Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana(2021) 

  • Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) 

  • Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002) 

  • Maratha Military Landscapes of India (2025) 

  • Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (2024) 

  • Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008) 

  • Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) 

  • Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat(2014) 

  • Red Fort Complex (2007) 

  • Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) 

  • Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023) 

  • Santiniketan (2023) 

  • Sun Temple, Konârak (1984) 

  • Taj Mahal (1983) 

  • The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement(2016) 

  • The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) 

  • Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai(2018) 

  • Natural (7) 

  • Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area(2014) 

  • Kaziranga National Park (1985) 

  • Keoladeo National Park (1985) 

  • Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) 

  • Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks(1988, 2005) 

  • Sundarbans National Park (1987) 

  • Western Ghats (2012) 

  • Mixed (1) 

  • Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)