Why is it in the news?

• Six historic sites in Madhya Pradesh have been added to UNESCO’s tentative list, signifying the first step towards potentially being inscribed on the World Heritage List, which acknowledges places of outstanding universal value to humanity.

The following are the sites:

• Gwalior Fort: Constructed in the 8th century AD by Raja Surya Sena, it encompasses significant structures like Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, and Sas Bahu temples.
• Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur: This underground water management system was built during Jahangir’s reign by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan. It employs the Persian qanat approach for water management.
• Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley: These sites feature rock art located in the hilly areas of Vindhyan, Satpura, and Kaimur ranges.
• Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur: This Lord Shiva temple was constructed during the 11th century under Raja Bhoj’s patronage. It is built in the Bhumija style, an evolved form of the Nagara style during the Paramara period.
• Gond Monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla: Architectural complexes built by Gond rulers, including structures like Moti Mahal, Raibhagat ki Kothi, and Begum Mahal, showcase the unique heritage of the region.
• The Historical Ensemble of Dhamnar: This site comprises 51 monolithic Buddhist caves dating back to the 5th-7th century CE, along with a Hindu temple complex known as Dharmarajeshwara temple.