How Are UNESCO World Heritage Sites Chosen? Check Selection Criteria & Process

India's Tentative List Additions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2025)

In 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre added six Indian properties to its Tentative List, a preliminary step towards potential World Heritage Site designation. These sites were selected based on a rigorous evaluation of their outstanding universal value, reflecting their significance not only to India but to the shared heritage of humanity.

Did you know? 🇮🇳 India recently nominated six new sites for #UNESCO World Heritage recognition, reflecting the GoI’s dedication to preserving cultural and historical treasures. (1/2)#AmritMahotsav #CultureUnitesAll #MainBharatHoon @UNESCO @ASIGoI @TravelTelangana @tourismgoi pic.twitter.com/wlnTWZHJtC

— Amrit Mahotsav (@AmritMahotsav) March 20, 2025

The inclusion of these sites underscores India's rich and diverse cultural heritage. The selection criteria considered factors such as historical significance, showcasing the sites' roles in shaping India's past and their contribution to the broader historical narrative. The diverse topography of the chosen sites highlights India's varied landscapes, from majestic mountains to fertile plains, and their influence on human settlement and cultural development. Additionally, the rich biodiversity of some sites reflects their importance in conserving unique ecosystems and habitats for rare and endangered species. Finally, the recognition of regions renowned for ancient craftsmanship emphasises India's enduring artistic traditions and their contribution to the world's artistic heritage.

 (2/2)#AmritMahotsav #CultureUnitesAll #MainBharatHoon pic.twitter.com/EQ6kOSRB9y

— Amrit Mahotsav (@AmritMahotsav) March 20, 2025

The Tentative List inclusion marks a significant step towards potential World Heritage Site designation for these sites, offering increased recognition and protection for these invaluable cultural and natural treasures. India's Tentative List Additions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2025) is :

1. Mudumal Menhirs, Telangana:

The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district, dating back 3,500–4,000 years, have been added to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage list. If approved, it would become the Telangana’s second UNESCO site after the Ramappa Temple (2021). These standing stones are among India’s most well-preserved megalithic observatories, featuring precise boulder alignments and stone circles, highlighting advanced astronomical knowledge.

2. Kanger Valley National Park, Chhattisgarh

Kanger Valley National Park, located in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, spans 200 sq km and features diverse topography, including plateaus, deep gorges, and limestone caves. Established in 1982, it harbours rich biodiversity with 963 plant species, 49 mammals, 201 birds, and unique geological formations. The park’s caves, waterfalls, and dense forests make it an ecologically and geologically significant site.

3. Ashokan Edict Sites, Multiple States

Ashoka’s edicts, inscribed on stone, ensured his messages reached diverse regions, establishing a consistent image across his empire. They provide insights into Buddhism, Mauryan governance, and ancient craftsmanship. Strategically placed along trade routes and settlements, these inscriptions remain remarkably preserved, offering a glimpse into Ashoka’s transformative rule and his pioneering approach to mass communication and governance.

4. Chausath Yogini Temples, Madhya Pradesh & Odisha

The Chausath Yogini temples showcase early medieval architectural brilliance, blending spirituality, culture, and nature. Recognised by ASI, some are well preserved, while others need restoration. Conservation efforts, legal protection, and community involvement are crucial. A comprehensive management plan is essential for structural stability, stone carving preservation, and awareness programs to safeguard their historical and cultural legacy.

5. Gupta Temples, Multiple States

The Gupta temples, protected by ASI, reflect India's architectural and religious heritage. Conservation efforts ensure their preservation, but a detailed management plan is needed for structural stability and stone carving protection. Their World Heritage nomination would highlight their universal value. Community engagement, education, and awareness programs are essential to safeguarding and promoting these historical treasures.

6. The Bundela dynasty's palace-fortresses in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

The Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas exemplify medieval Indian palatial architecture, blending Rajput and Mughal styles. These structures showcase fortification strategies, artistic murals, and innovative designs. Their evolution from Garhkundar Fort to Jahangir Mahal reflects architectural advancements. With high cultural value, they merit World Heritage recognition for their craftsmanship, defensive ingenuity, and artistic synthesis of regional and imperial influences.

This development highlights the significance of UNESCO’s role in preserving cultural and natural heritage worldwide. The organisation, through the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), ensures that sites of exceptional importance are identified, protected, and maintained for future generations.

What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

A World Heritage Site is designated based on its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), which means it possesses exceptional cultural or natural significance beyond national borders. These sites are categorised into:

1. Cultural Heritage Sites

Sites with historical, artistic, or scientific importance. Examples: Taj Mahal (India), Statue of Liberty (USA), Sydney Opera House (Australia).

2. Natural Heritage Sites

Sites significant for science, conservation, or natural beauty. Examples: Sundarbans National Park (India), Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe).

3. Mixed Heritage Sites

Sites with both cultural and natural significance.

Global UNESCO World Heritage Statistics

Spread across 168 countries. The World Heritage Convention had been ratified by 196 countries as of October 2024.

Tentative List: What Does It Mean?

The Tentative List is an inventory 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 dossier for UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee to review. In India, the Indian National Commission for Co-operation with UNESCO (INCCU) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manage this process.

UNESCO states that “World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.”

UNESCO World Heritage Committee

• Meets annually (June/July).
  
  
• Consists of 21 member states from among 196 signatories of the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
  
  
• Responsible for adding, modifying, or removing sites from the World Heritage List.
  

Selection Criteria for UNESCO World Heritage Sites

To be inscribed as a World Heritage Site, a property must meet at least one of the following 10 selection criteria:

Cultural Criteria

1. A masterpiece of human creative genius.
   
2. An important interchange of human values in architecture, technology, monumental arts, or landscape design.
   
3. A civilisation's or cultural tradition's unique testament.
4. An outstanding example of an architectural or technological ensemble illustrating a significant stage in human history.
   
5. An outstanding example of traditional human settlement, land use, or sea use under irreversible change.
   
6. Directly associated with events, traditions, beliefs, or artistic works of universal significance.
   

Natural Criteria

1. Containing superlative natural phenomena or exceptional natural beauty.
   
2. Representing major stages of Earth's history, including geological and physiographic features.
   
3. Representing significant ecological and biological processes in ecosystem development.
   
4. Contains important habitats for biodiversity conservation, including habitats of threatened species.
   

These criteria were consolidated into a single list of 10 factors in 2004.

India and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

India became a signatory to the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1977.

India continues to propose new sites for global recognition, strengthening its cultural and natural heritage conservation.

Conclusion

India’s inclusion of six new properties in UNESCO’s Tentative List (2025) reflects its commitment to preserving historical and natural sites. With 43 sites already recognised and 62 awaiting evaluation, India remains a significant contributor to global heritage conservation. UNESCO's role in safeguarding and promoting these sites ensures their preservation for future generations.