**Ashoka Pillars in Bihar: UNESCO Tentative List Inclusion**
The Ashoka pillars located in Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh, Bihar, are recognized as part of a significant collection of ancient sites listed on UNESCO’s Tentative List for India. This inclusion falls under the designation ‘Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes,’ as confirmed by the government in a recent statement to Parliament.
In a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat clarified that while these two Ashoka pillars have not yet been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, they are indeed part of the Tentative List. This list serves as an inventory of properties that each State Party considers for future nomination, according to UNESCO’s guidelines.
Shekhawat addressed a question regarding the status of two Ashoka pillars in West Champaran, stating, “No, Sir. The Ashokan pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in West Champaran have not yet been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, these two pillar edicts have been included in the Tentative List of UNESCO under the title ‘Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes.’”
The Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for the protection and conservation of these pillars, which are currently in a good state of preservation. The serial nomination encompasses various states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi, as noted on the UNESCO website. This nomination was submitted by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO in February 2025.
To be considered for future inscription on the World Heritage List, properties must first be added to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s Tentative List. Recently, a set of six properties, including the Ashokan Edict Sites and Chausath Yogini Temples across multiple states, were added to India’s tentative list, as reported by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO.
Additionally, when asked about the possibility of establishing a museum in the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha constituency to house these pillars, Shekhawat indicated that there are currently no plans for such a development.
In summary, the Ashoka pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh are significant historical artifacts that are being considered for UNESCO recognition, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and the ongoing efforts to preserve it.
**FAQ**
**Q: Are the Ashoka pillars in Bihar included in the UNESCO World Heritage List?**
A: No, the Ashoka pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh are not yet included in the UNESCO World Heritage List but are part of the Tentative List for future consideration.
