Why in the News?

The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism has announced the addition of six sites to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage List.

About the Sites

	Details
Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)	Located in Mudumal region, Nalgonda district, Telangana. Dates back to 1000 BCE to 500 BCE, associated with Iron Age. Famous for menhirs, large upright stones used for burial or ceremonial purposes. Provides insight into ancient South Indian megalithic cultures.
Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)	Located in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Built by Bundela Rajputs from 16th to 18th centuries. Known for a mix of Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles. Key sites include Orchha Fort, Datia Palace, and Chanderi Fort.
Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)	Located in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. Covers 200 km², known for dense forests, caves, and waterfalls. Home to species like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and bison. Famous for Kanger Dhara waterfall and Bailadila Range of hills.
Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States)	Spread across India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka. Created by Emperor Ashoka during 3rd century BCE. Focuses on moral conduct, non-violence, and promoting Buddhism. Key sites include Sanchi, Lumbini, Kalinga, and Kandahar.
Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)	Found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa. Built during the 8th to 12th centuries CE, associated with Tantric Hinduism. Temples dedicated to 64 Yoginis, with notable sites in Khajuraho and Bhilsa.
Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States)	Located in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Built during 4th to 6th centuries CE during the Gupta Empire. Characterized by Nagara-style architecture. Notable examples: Deogarh Temple, Dasavatara Temple, etc.