India has added five new heritage sites and proposals to UNESCO’s Tentative List, taking the country’s total number of entries to 78.

The latest additions highlight India’s diverse cultural heritage, covering Buddhist art, ancient cave architecture, temple traditions, tribal heritage and the history of the Satyagraha movement.

The announcement was made by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on September 29, 2026.

The five new entries are Bagh Cave Paintings, Udaigiri Caves, Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley, Ginnorgarh Fort, and the Sites of Satyagraha, a serial transnational proposal connecting India and South Africa.

Bagh Cave Paintings

Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Bagh Cave Paintings are known for their historic Buddhist murals. The addition brings greater attention to the artistic and religious traditions represented by these ancient paintings.

Udaigiri Caves

The Udaigiri Caves, also in Madhya Pradesh, date back to the Gupta era. The caves are significant for their association with ancient Indian history, architecture and religious traditions.

Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley

The Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley includes the historic temple complexes of Bateshwar, Padavali and Kakarmath. Their inclusion reflects the architectural and cultural heritage of the Chambal region.

Ginnorgarh Fort

Ginnorgarh Fort represents the tribal and cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Its inclusion highlights the importance of preserving the traditions and historical legacy of tribal communities.

Sites of Satyagraha

The fifth entry is different from the individual heritage sites. Sites of Satyagraha is a serial transnational proposal connecting India and South Africa, reflecting the historical development and spread of the non-violent Satyagraha movement.

The UNESCO Tentative List is an important stage in the process of identifying properties that may eventually be nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List.

India’s latest additions underline the breadth of the country’s cultural heritage, from ancient Buddhist murals and Gupta-era caves to temple architecture, tribal traditions and a shared India-South Africa historical legacy.