Jharkhand’s Megalithic Heritage to Gain Global Recognition: State Prepares for UNESCO World Heritage Listing

Ranchi, January 21, 2026: A high-level delegation from Jharkhand, led by Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar, is currently on a visit to the United Kingdom to promote and safeguard the state’s ancient megalithic, monolithic, and fossil heritage. The primary objective of the visit is to align Jharkhand’s heritage sites with international preservation standards and secure their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

During the UK visit, the Jharkhand delegation engaged with leading international institutions and expert groups, discussing comprehensive strategies for the conservation, restoration, and scientific management of the state’s megalithic and monolithic sites. The meetings emphasized developing a credible and sustainable proposal for UNESCO recognition while maintaining the deep cultural and living connections of these sites with local tribal communities.

Key discussions focused on scientific documentation, structural conservation, landscape management, community participation, and long-term preservation strategies in accordance with global best practices. The delegation also explored opportunities for international collaboration in archaeology, heritage management, engineering, and institutional capacity building. Based on these expert consultations, the Jharkhand government will draft a practical roadmap to strengthen the protection of its megalithic heritage on structural, cultural, and educational fronts.

Minister Sudivya Kumar stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the state government is fully committed to preserving, restoring, and sustainably managing Jharkhand’s invaluable megalithic-monolithic heritage. He emphasized that these sites are not only archaeological treasures but also a living cultural identity of the tribal communities. The government aims to undertake long-term, scientifically guided conservation efforts with active community involvement and international cooperation.

Highlighting the discussions at the Museum of London Archaeology, Kumar noted that the meetings were productive and significant in advancing global recognition for Jharkhand’s ancient heritage. “This initiative marks an important step toward showcasing Jharkhand’s megalithic heritage to the world,” he added.