Historic Chhattisgarh town known for its temples, Buddhist monasteries and 1,500-year-old cultural legacy takes a significant step onto the global heritage map.
Raipur, Oct. 22: Chhattisgarh’s ancient heritage town Sirpur has taken a significant step towards global recognition after the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape was included in UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage nomination.
Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Mahasamund district, Sirpur, historically known as Shripur, served as the capital of South Kosala between the 5th and 12th centuries CE. The town emerged as an important center of religion, culture, education and trade, witnessing the flourishing of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions.
The archaeological site is renowned for its rich collection of temples, monasteries, stupas and sculptures that reflect centuries of cultural exchange and religious harmony. Among its most famous monuments is the Lakshmana Temple, considered one of India’s finest surviving brick temples and a masterpiece of early Indian architecture.
Other notable heritage structures include the Gandheshwar Mahadev Temple, Anandaprabhu Kuti Vihara, Swastik Vihara, Teevardev Mahavihara, Surang Tila, and the ancient Ram Temple. Excavations carried out over the years have unearthed more than 2,000 artefacts, including metal sculptures, seals, coins, pottery and relics that shed light on the region’s prosperous past.
Historians note that Sirpur was a major centre of Mahayana Buddhism, with historical accounts, including those of Chinese traveller Xuanzang, describing a vibrant religious and intellectual tradition in the region.
The inclusion in UNESCO’s Tentative List is regarded as a major milestone for Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage. Experts believe it will strengthen conservation efforts, boost domestic and international tourism, and generate new economic opportunities for local communities through hospitality, transport, handicrafts and heritage-linked services.
While Sirpur has not yet attained full UNESCO World Heritage status, its entry into the Tentative List marks an important stage in that process and places one of Central India’s most remarkable archaeological treasures firmly on the global heritage map.