---
title: "India and UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Definition & Meaning"
description: "India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, evaluated by ICOMOS, are crucial for UPSC GS2 exam preparation and highlight the country's rich cultural and natural."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/unesco-world-heritage-sites-india"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- India holds UNESCO World Heritage status for cultural, natural, and mixed sites inscribed under the 1972 World Heritage Convention administered through its national agencies and ICOMOS evaluation.
- Which agency nominates Indian sites for World Heritage status?
- How does World Heritage listing differ from UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
- What are the criteria a site must meet for inscription?
- Can a World Heritage site lose its status?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 16 November 1972

   India and UNESCO World Heritage Sites denotes the body of cultural, natural, and mixed properties on Indian territory inscribed on the World Heritage List ma…

2. 14 November 1977

   India ratified the Convention on , accepting the obligation under Article 4 to ensure the identification, protection, conservation, and transmission of herit…

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Example

In July 2024, India hosted the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, which inscribed the Moidams of Assam's Ahom dynasty as the country's first World Heritage site from the Northeast.

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