India is nominating Chhattisgarh’s Sirpur archaeological site for UNESCO World Heritage status, supported by new pathways, digital displays, and improved heritage management.

About Sirpur Archaeological Site

• It is located in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh near Raipur on the banks of the Mahanadi.
• It was a multi-religious urban centre (5th–12th century), discovered in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham.
• Key Features
  • Excavations revealed: 22 Shiva temples, 5 Vishnu temples, 10 Buddhist viharas, 3 Jain viharas.
  • Notable structures:
    • Lakshmana Temple (7th-century), celebrated for its brick shikhara, sculpted door jambs and Vaishnava panels.
    • Surang Tila complex with its high stepped terrace, panchayatana layout and distinct Shiva lingams.
    • Tivaradeva Buddha Vihara (6th-8th century) noted for its Buddha statue and blended Buddhist–Hindu iconography.
  • Remains include palace complexes, markets, residences, stupas, meditation cells, water systems, etc.
• Cultural Significance
  • It was the capital of Dakshina Kosala under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi kings.
  • Displays early-medieval urban planning blending religious, civic, and commercial spaces.
  • Represents a riverine cultural landscape aligning with UNESCO’s “combined work of nature and humankind” concept.
  • Important centre of Buddhist learning, Shaiva and Vaishnava worship, and Jain traditions.

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Process of UNESCO Recognition 

• Tentative List: Country places the site on a Tentative List of potential heritage sites; nomination without listing is not allowed.
• Nomination File Preparation: Detailed Nomination Dossier prepared with documentation, maps, conservation status; UNESCO can provide technical guidance.
• Submission & Completeness Check: File submitted to the World Heritage Centre, which checks for completeness and forwards it for evaluation.
• Evaluation by Advisory Bodies: International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) evaluates cultural sites; IUCN evaluates natural sites.
  • Assessment is  based on Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) criteria.
• Final Decision by World Heritage Committee: The committee meets annually and it may inscribe, refer, defer, or reject the nomination based on expert recommendations.

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