Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India
1. Kutiyattam (2008) – Performing Arts – Kerala
○ An ancient form of Sanskrit theater traditionally performed in Kerala,
combining acting, dance, and music.
2. Tradition of Vedic Chanting (2008) – Oral Tradition – Nationwide
○ The oral tradition of chanting the Vedas, ancient sacred scriptures of India,
passed down through generations.
3. Ramlila (2008) – Performing Arts – Predominantly in Northern India
○ A dramatic enactment of the epic Ramayana, depicting the life of Lord Rama,
performed during the festival of Dussehra.
4. Ramman (2009) – Social Practices – Uttarakhand
○ A religious festival featuring ritual theater, songs, and dances, unique to the
Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
5. Chhau Dance (2010) – Performing Arts – West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha
○ A traditional dance form that blends martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling,
prevalent in eastern India.
6. Kalbelia (2010) – Performing Arts – Rajasthan
○ Traditional folk songs and dances of the Kalbelia community, known for their
snake-charming heritage.
7. Mudiyettu (2010) – Performing Arts – Kerala
○ A ritualistic dance drama depicting the mythological tale of the battle
between goddess Kali and the demon Darika.
8. Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh (2012) – Oral Tradition – Ladakh
○ The practice of reciting sacred Buddhist texts, integral to the monastic and
communal life of the Ladakhi people.
9. Sankirtana (2013) – Performing Arts – Manipur
○ A ritual performance art dedicated to the worship of Vishnu, combining
singing, drumming, and dancing.
10.Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil Making (2014) – Traditional Craft – Punjab
● The traditional technique of crafting brass and copper utensils, practiced by
the Thatheras community of Jandiala Guru.
11.Navroz (2016) – Social Practices – by Parsi Community Nationwide
● The Persian New Year celebrated by the Parsi community in India, marking
the arrival of spring.
12.Yoga (2016) – Traditional Practice – Nationwide
● An ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating in India,
promoting holistic well-being.
13.Kumbh Mela (2017) – Religious Practices – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and
Ujjain
● A mass Hindu pilgrimage where devotees gather to bathe in sacred rivers,
held every twelve years in rotation at four locations.
14.Durga Puja (2021) – Social Practices – West Bengal
● An annual festival in Kolkata celebrating the goddess Durga, featuring
elaborate rituals and artistic
displays.
15.Garba of Gujarat (2023) – Performing
Arts – Gujarat
● A traditional dance form
performed during the Navratri
festival, symbolising feminine
divinity and grace.
Click Here to Learn More about UNESCO WHS
UNESCO List of Tangible Heritage Sites
Cultural Sites
1. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
○ Ancient Buddhist university 5th-12th century); visited by Hiuen Tsang.
2. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
○ Site of Buddha’s enlightenment; built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century
BCE.
3. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (2016)
○ Modernist architecture; Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex.
4. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
○ Medieval Islamic city; blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture; Kalika Mata
Temple.
5. Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
○ Indus Valley Civilization site; known for water conservation and urban
planning.
6. Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
○ Walled city (1411); showcases Indo-Islamic architecture.
7. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
○ 11th-century stepwell; masterpiece of water management and intricate
carvings.
8. Churches and Convents of Goa 1986)
○ Portuguese colonial influence; includes Basilica of Bom Jesus (St. Francis
Xavier’s tomb).
9. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
○ Stupas from the 3rd century BCE; built by Ashoka; key site for Buddhist art
and architecture.
10.Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
● 10th-11th century Chandela temples; erotic sculptures and Nagara-style
architecture.
11.Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
○ Prehistoric rock art (30,000 years old); evidence of human evolution.
12.Ajanta Caves (1983)
● 2nd century BCE-6th century CE; Buddhist rock-cut caves with murals and
sculptures.
13.Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004)
○ Gothic Revival architecture; built in 1888 during British rule.
14.Elephanta Caves (1987)
○ 5th-8th century rock-cut temples; dedicated to Shiva; famous Trimurti
sculpture.
15.Ellora Caves (1983)
● 6th-10th century; multi-religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain) rock-cut
architecture; Kailasa Temple standout.
16.Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
○ 19th-20th century architecture; reflects Bombay’s colonial urban
development.
17.Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
● Vijayanagara Empire capital (14th-16th century); Dravidian architecture.
18.Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
● 7th-8th century Chalukya temples; fusion of Nagara and Dravidian styles.
19.Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023)
○ 12th-13th century Hoysala temples;
intricate stone carvings (Belur and
Halebidu).
20.Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple
(2021)
○ 13th-century Kakatiya temple;
earthquake-resistant architecture.
21.Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
○ 11th-12th century Chola dynasty;
includes Brihadeeswara Temple
(Tanjore).
22.Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
● 7th-8th century Pallava rockcut temples; Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.
23.Agra Fort (1983)
● Mughal fortress (16th century); built by Akbar.
24.Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
○ Akbar’s capital (1571-1585); includes Buland Darwaza.
25.Taj Mahal (1983)
○ Mughal mausoleum (1632-1653); built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal.
26.Santiniketan (2023)
● Founded by Rabindranath Tagore (1901); centre of Visva-Bharati University.
27.Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
○ 13th-century Kalinga architecture; was designed as a chariot for Surya.
28.Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
● 6 forts (Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, etc.); Rajput military architecture.
29.Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
● Planned city (1727); founded by Sawai Jai Singh II; grid layout.
30.The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
○ 18th-century astronomical observatory; built by Sawai Jai Singh II.
31.Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
○ Mughal tomb (1565); precursor to Taj Mahal.
32.Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
○ 13th-century minaret (72.5m); built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
33.Red Fort Complex (2007)
○ Mughal fort (1648); was built by Shah Jahan.
34.Moidams the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (2024)
○ Ahom dynasty (13th-19th century); unique burial mounds.
35.Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
● Colonial-era railways (, Nilgiri, Kalka-Shimla); engineering marvels.
Natural Sites
36.Kaziranga National Park (1985)
○ One-horned rhinoceros habitat (2/3rd of world population).
37.Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
○ Tiger and elephant reserve; part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity.
38.Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
○ High-altitude ecosystem; home to snow leopards.
39.Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
● Sacred Himalayan region with diverse flora.
40.Keoladeo National Park (1985)
○ Wetland bird sanctuary; migratory birds (Siberian cranes); Ramsar site.
41.Western Ghats (2012)
○ Biodiversity hotspot; older than the Himalayas.
42.Sundarbans National Park (1987)
○ Largest mangrove forest; Royal Bengal Tiger habitat.
Mixed (Cultural & Natural) Site
43.Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
○ Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak); mixed site (natural & cultural).
