Ancient Sirpur Included on UNESCO Tentative List

Public Lokpal
October 20, 2026

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Ancient Sirpur Included on UNESCO Tentative List

The historic archaeological complex of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh has officially advanced a step closer to earning a UNESCO World Heritage Tag after being added to UNESCO's tentative list.

Situated along the Mahanadi River in the Mahasamund district, Sirpur (ancient Sripura) served as the capital of the Dakshina Kosala region under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi dynasties from the 5th to the 12th century CE.

What sets Sirpur apart is its remarkable religious pluralism. It stands as one of India's rare archaeological landscapes where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism flourished side by side in a unified urban layout.

Excavations at the site have unearthed 22 Shiva temples, five Vishnu temples, ten Buddhist viharas, and three Jain monastic complexes.

Among its main architectural marvels is the 7th-century Lakshmana Temple, renowned as one of India's oldest and best-preserved brick temples.

Following its inclusion on the tentative list, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and local authorities now have a one-year window to submit a detailed nomination dossier to UNESCO.

This document will define buffer zones, conservation frameworks, and highlight the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

Beyond global recognition, securing World Heritage status is expected to elevate local infrastructure, preserve priceless heritage, and place Chhattisgarh prominently on the international cultural tourism map.