Sirpur in Chhattisgarh Added to UNESCO Tentative List: Know Its History, Monuments and More

An ancient archaeological site in Chhattisgarh, Sirpur, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List under the name Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape. 

The place is located on the banks of the Mahanadi River and is famous for its temples, Buddhist monasteries, archaeological remains and more. It also played an important role in regional trade and cultural connections.

With this development, Sirpur could be considered for UNESCO World Heritage status in the future. Explore more about this site and what are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. 

Key Details About Sirpur 

Sirpur is a part of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh, which is around 78 kilometres from the state capital, Raipur. Below are the details of this site. 

Source: Unesco

What is the History of Sirpur?

Sirpur, which is also referred to as Shripur or Sripura, became the capital city of Kosala Kingdom during the reign of Sharabhapuriyas and then prospered further during the time of Panduvamshis. Sirpur prospered as a city due to its proximity to the river Mahanadi and became an important commercial hub, center of culture and religion. 

From the 5th to the 12th centuries CE, the city prospered with the patronage of the ruling kings and Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and Jain constructions thrived together in Sirpur.

What Are the Important Monuments in Sirpur? 

SIrpur is home to many ancient temples, Buddhist monasteries and archaeological structures that tell its historical and religious significance. Some of its important monuments include:

• Lakshmana Temple

• Ram Temple

• Gandheshwar Temple

• Anandprabhu Kuti Vihara

• Swastik Vihara

• Rajmahal

• Harshagupta and Teevardeo Buddha Vihara

• Baleshwar Group of Monuments

Is Sirpur a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

No, Sirpur's listing as a UNESCO Tentative Site does not ensure that Sirpur has already been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The UNESCO Tentative List highlights those sites that a nation considers for nomination. Before being considered by the World Heritage Committee for inclusion in the World Heritage List, a site must be nominated and evaluated.

Hence, Sirpur's listing as a UNESCO Tentative Site is indeed significant, yet still distinct from Sirpur's designation as a World Heritage Site.

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India 

State-Wise List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

• Uttar Pradesh: 4

• Maharashtra: 5

• Tamil Nadu: 5

• Odisha: 1

• Assam: 3

• Rajasthan: 4

• West Bengal: 3

• Karnataka: 4

• Madhya Pradesh: 3

• Delhi: 3

• Uttarakhand: 1

• Bihar: 2

• Gujarat: 4

• Himachal Pradesh: 2

• Sikkim: 1

• Chandigarh: 1

• Telangana: 1

• Kerala: 1

Note: Some sites span multiple states, so they are counted under each relevant state/UT.

So far India has a total of 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Uttar Pradesh having the highest 4 sites. 

Also READ: List of First 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites