World Heritage Day 2025

Syllabus: Important Days (UPSC Prelims)
Source: PIB

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced free entry to all centrally protected monuments on 18 April¹ 2025 to mark the International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day).

What is World Heritage Day?

• Observed every year on 18th April across the world.
• Aims to spread awareness about the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
• Declared by International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982.
• Approved by UNESCO in 1983.
• Theme 2025: “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of ICOMOS Actions”.

What are World Heritage Sites (WHS)?

• Sites recognised for Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) to humanity.
• Classified into Cultural, Natural, and Mixed.
• Protected under the World Heritage Convention, 1972 (UNESCO).
• Countries (State Parties) must identify, protect and conserve these sites.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Committee administers the global list.
• India ratified the convention in 1977.

Global Numbers (as of Oct 2024)

• Total WHS: 1,223
  • Cultural – 952
  • Natural – 231
  • Mixed – 40
• 196 countries have signed the World Heritage Convention.

World Heritage Sites in India (as of April 2025)

• Total Sites: 43
  • Cultural – 34
  • Natural – 7
  • Mixed – 2
• Tentative List: 62 sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Cultural Sites (35):
Red Fort Complex, Qutb Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar, Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Rani-ki-Vav, Jaipur City, Capitol Complex Chandigarh, Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, Champaner-Pavagadh, Dholavira, Hampi, Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Pattadakal, Sanchi, Mahabalipuram, Great Living Chola Temples, Nalanda, Churches & Convents of Goa, Sun Temple Konark, Bhimbetka, Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Ahmedabad, Harappan City Dholavira, etc.

Natural Sites (7):
Great Himalayan National Park, Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers, Kaziranga, Manas, Sundarbans, Western Ghats, Khangchendzonga NP.

Mixed Site (1):
Khangchendzonga National Park (cultural + natural value).

Government Initiatives for Cultural Heritage

Restoration of Antiquities

• India has reclaimed 655 antiquities since 1976 from foreign countries.
• 2024 saw inclusion of Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register.

Heritage Scheme & Corridor Projects

• Adopt a Heritage Scheme (2017):
  Public and private entities maintain heritage sites using CSR funds.

Digital Documentation

• Over 12.3 lakh antiquities and 11,400 heritage sites digitised under NMMA.
• Indian Heritage in Digital Space creates immersive experiences using technology.
• ASI’s ‘Must See’ Portal showcases ~100 major monuments with virtual views.

Global Cultural Leadership

• India hosted the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session in Delhi (July 2024).

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

About ASI

• Premier body responsible for archaeological research and conservation of monuments.

Established

• 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, known as the Father of Indian Archaeology.

Functions

• Surveys, excavations, conservation and protection of historical sites.
• Maintains the national inventory of antiquities.

Legal Framework

• Operates under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
• Manages 3,698 protected monuments across India.

WORLD HERITAGE LIST – QUICK VIEW (PIB Data)

• Cultural Sites: 952
• Natural Sites: 231
• Mixed Sites: 40
• Total Sites Worldwide: 1,223
• Convention Members: 196 countries

1. Question Reference
   (HPAS PYQ 2025) ↩︎