Ashoka Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh on UNESCO Tentative List

ANALYSIS

• The Ashokan pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh (West Champaran, Bihar) have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List under the title ‘Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes’.
• The information was provided by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
• Important Clarification:
  • The pillars have not been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • They are currently placed on the Tentative List, which is a prerequisite for future nomination to the World Heritage List.
• About Tentative List:
  • It is an inventory of properties that a State Party intends to consider for nomination.
  • Inclusion in the Tentative List is mandatory before final nomination.
• The serial nomination includes Ashokan Edict Sites across multiple states:
  • Bihar
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Karnataka
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Gujarat
  • Delhi
• The proposal was submitted by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO in February 2025.
• A total of six properties, including serial nominations such as:
  • Ashokan Edict Sites
  • Chausath Yogini Temples
    have been added to India’s Tentative List recently.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)periodically protects and conserves the Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh pillars.
  • They are currently in a good state of conservation and preservation.

NECESSARY STATIC PART

• Erected during the reign of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE).
• Made of polished sandstone.
• Contain inscriptions (Edicts) promoting:
  • Dhamma
  • Moral governance
  • Non-violence
  • Welfare of subjects

• A group of related heritage properties submitted collectively under a common theme.

1. Inclusion in Tentative List
2. Preparation of Nomination Dossier
3. Evaluation by Advisory Bodies
4. Final decision by World Heritage Committee