Five Sites added to the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
India's UNESCO Tentative List has added 5 more sites 2026, taking the total to 78, with additions ranging from Gupta-era caves and early medieval temples in Madhya Pradesh to Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha sites, shared with South Africa.
1) Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley: Bateshwar, Padavali and Kakarmath, Madhya Pradesh
A unique cluster of early medieval temples built between the 8th and 11th centuries CE, representing an important phase in the evolution of regional Nagara-style temple architecture.
2) Bagh Cave Paintings, Madhya Pradesh
A group of nine rock-cut Buddhist caves, mainly in use from the 4th to 6th century CE. Their murals, particularly those in Cave 4, are significant examples of post-Ajanta Buddhist cave paintings. Contd
3) Udaigiri Caves, Madhya Pradesh
A rock-cut sacred ensemble developed under Gupta patronage in the 4th and 5th centuries CE. The site includes 20 caves, sculptures and inscriptions, including the Varaha form of Vishnu in Cave 5 and Anantasayana Vishnu in Cave 13.
4) The Sites of Satyagraha
It includes nine properties across South Africa and India, including Sabarmati Ashram, Mani Bhavan Complex, Harijan Sevak Sangh Complex, Sevagram Ashram, Aga Khan Palace and Gandhi Smriti Residence in India, along with Pietermaritzburg Railway Station and Phoenix Settlement in South Africa.
5) Ginnorgarh Fort, Madhya Pradesh
A major political and administrative centre of the Gond kingdom from the early 16th to early 18th century. The fort includes palace buildings, stepwells, reservoirs, wall paintings and an ingenious water management system.
Source - ASI
