Three Buddhist Sites of Odisha Included in UNESCO Tentative List | 02 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

Three Buddhist sites of Odisha have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, marking an important step towards their future recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Key Points 

• Sites Included: Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri Buddhist archaeological sites have been added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List. 
  • Location: Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are in Jajpur district while Lalitgiri is in Cuttack district. 
  • All three sites collectively form the Diamond Triangle of Buddhism 
• UNESCO Tentative List: The Tentative List is a mandatory prerequisite for any site to be formally nominated for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Historical Significance: These sites reflect the evolution of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism and were major centres of Buddhist learning between the 5th and 13th centuries CE. 
  • Excavations have revealed monasteries (viharas), stupas, sculptures, inscriptions and votive stupas. 
• Government Response: The Odisha government termed the inclusion a milestone for heritage conservation, tourism promotion and global recognition of the state’s Buddhist legacy. 
• Submission by India: The proposal was submitted by India to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, leading to acceptance in the Tentative List.