Bhopal: The Central Government has handed over the dossier prepared by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for nominating the historical group of Orchha in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Center has recommended declaring the historical group of Orchha as a World Heritage Site for the year 2027-28. Indian Ambassador to the UNESCO Office in Paris, Mr. Vishal V Sharma has handed over the Orchha Dossier to Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assoumo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Following UNESCO’s official announcement, Orchha will be the country’s only World Heritage Site under state protection.
Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, continuous efforts are being made to preserve the historical heritage of the state and to provide world class heritage. Facilities to tourists. Principal Secretary Shri Shukla expressed happiness over the acceptance of the dossier by UNESCO and said that it is a proud achievement for the cultural and historical heritage of the state. Orchha is known for its unique architectural style and rich historical significance. Nomination in the World Heritage List will further strengthen the global identity of Orchha’s historical heritage. Also, Orchha will become a major attraction for international tourists.
It is noteworthy that every year the Central Government recommends to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to nominate one of the country’s heritage sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 14 places in the state have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Khajuraho Temple Complex, Bhimbetka Caves and Sanchi Stupa are included in the permanent list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gwalior Fort, Khooni Bhandara of Burhanpur, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple of Bhojpur, Gond Monuments of Ramnagar in Mandalay, Historical Group of Dhamnar, Group of Monuments in Mandu, Historical Group of Orchha, Bhedaghat in Narmada Valley- Lametaghat includes Satpura Tiger Reserve and Chander
Continuous efforts of last 5 years
This resulted in a proposal by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to include Orchha and Bhedaghat in the UNESCO provisional list in 2019 and 2021 respectively. It was considered worthy by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and sent to the World Heritage Division of UNESCO and then announced for inclusion in the provisional list. After the announcement, the Dossier of Orchha, Mandu, Bhedaghat was prepared by the Tourism Board with the help of expert institutions and sent to the Archaeological Survey of India. The Ministry of Culture of the Government of India conducted a preliminary inspection and recommended Orchha’s dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Department.
Contribution to the common heritage of humanity
Indian Ambassador Mr. Vishal V Sharma while handing over the dossier to Mr. Lazar Eloundou Asomo, Director of UNESCO World Heritage Centre, said that it is a great honor to submit the nomination dossier for the historical group of Orchha. The matter is for consideration in the meeting of the World Heritage Committee for the year 2027-2028 in Madhya Pradesh. He thanked the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Archaeological Survey of India, Madhya Pradesh State Government and their officials for the excellent coordination and timely submission of this nomination dossier. Gave thanks. He said that the historical complex of Orchha reflects the rich cultural and architectural heritage of India. By presenting Orchha’s nomination dossier, we hope to contribute to the common heritage of humanity and promote global recognition of its unique cultural significance. He appreciated UNESCO and expected the World Heritage Committee to give positive consideration to Orchha’s dossier.
Description of cultural and historical heritage of Orchha
Bundela Architectural Style: The architecture of Orchha, developed by the Bundela rulers, epitomizes a unique architectural style, which includes palaces, temples and forts.
Jahangir Mahal: The famous Jahangir Mahal of Orchha is a unique blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. It was built to welcome the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Raja Ram Temple: The only temple in India where Lord Ram is worshiped as a king. This shows the religious and cultural importance of Orchha.
Chaturbhuj Temple: This huge and grand temple is a fine example of unique architecture.
Orchha Fort Complex: Orchha Fort Complex, consisting of palaces, Durbar Hall and other historical structures, is a symbol of the power and prestige of the Bundelkhand region.
Banks of Betwa River: Orchha is situated on the banks of Betwa River, which gives it natural beauty and makes it attractive for spiritual and cultural tourism.
Royal Chhatris: Located on the banks of the Betwa River, the Royal Chhatris of Orchha were built in the memory of the Bundela kings and are a magnificent example of royal architecture.
Amar Mahal and Lakshmi Narayan Temple: The wall paintings and architecture of these temples reflect the religious faith and cultural contribution of the Bundela rulers.
Main benefits of nominating Orchha as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
: UNESCO’s recognition of Orchha as a World Heritage Site will give it international recognition as a major cultural and historical site.
• After registration, there will be a huge increase in the number of international and domestic tourists, which will strengthen the local economy.
• Development of tourism will create new employment opportunities for the local community, which will improve their economic condition.
• Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Orchha can get support for conservation and development from various international organizations and institutions.
• Local sculptures, handicrafts and other cultural products will be promoted and given national and international recognition.
• Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site will open new opportunities for education, research and study on Orchha, which will attract the attention of historians and researchers.
• UNESCO recognition will promote sustainable and environmentally sensitive tourism development in Orchha, thereby strengthening its long-term tourism potential.
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