Context:

UNESCO has included Odisha’s ‘Diamond Triangle’, comprising the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, located in Jajpur and Cuttack districts, in India’s Tentative List for consideration as a World Heritage Site. These sites were major centers of Vajrayana Buddhism between the 5th and 13th centuries AD. These represent the rich history and architecture of Buddhism. The nomination was prepared and submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), India’s nodal agency for the World Heritage Convention, through India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO.

Background:

• • • The UNESCO Tentative List is an official inventory of heritage sites that a country intends to nominate for World Heritage inscription.
    • Inclusion in the Tentative List is mandatory, and a site must remain on it for at least one year before being considered by the World Heritage Committee.
    • India currently has around 70 sites on the Tentative List across cultural, natural, and mixed categories, including Ekamra Kshetra (Bhubaneswar) and Chilika Lake.

About the ‘Diamond Triangle’:

• • • The ‘Diamond Triangle’ represents one of the most significant Buddhist landscapes in eastern India:
      • Ratnagiri – Meaning “Hill of Precious Gems”, it is the largest Buddhist complex, spread over 18 acres, located on the Assia hill range along the Kelua River.
      • Udayagiri – Meaning “Hill of the Rising Sun”.
      • Lalitgiri – Meaning “Red Hill”.

Archaeological Significance:

• • • The sites contain remains of stupas, monasteries (viharas), relic caskets, sculptures, and statues of Lord Buddha and other Buddhist deities.
    • They are believed to have witnessed the propagation of all three major schools of Buddhism:
      • Hinayana
      • Mahayana
      • Vajrayana
    • This makes the region unique in reflecting the evolution of Buddhist philosophy and practice over several centuries.

Significance of the Inclusion:

• • • • Cultural Importance: Highlights Odisha’s role as a major centre of Buddhist learning and monastic life.
      • Global Recognition: Enhances international visibility of India’s Buddhist heritage beyond well-known sites such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath.
      • Tourism and Economy: Has the potential to boost heritage tourism, generate local employment, and promote regional development.
      • Conservation Push: Brings greater scrutiny, funding opportunities, and accountability for site preservation.
      • Soft Power: Strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy through its shared Buddhist heritage.

About UNESCO:

• • • • Established: 16 November 1945
      • Headquarters: Paris, France
      • Members: 194 countries
      • Purpose: To promote peace through cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication

Key Functions:

• • • • Protection of World Heritage Sites (1972 Convention)
      • Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
      • Promotion of quality education (SDG-4)
      • Support for scientific cooperation and freedom of expression

India and UNESCO:

• • • • Member since 1946
      • ASI serves as the nodal agency for World Heritage matters

Conclusion:

The inclusion of Odisha’s Diamond Triangle in UNESCO’s Tentative List marks an important milestone in India’s heritage conservation journey. By showcasing a rare confluence of all three Buddhist traditions, these sites possess strong potential for World Heritage inscription. With sustained institutional support and effective conservation efforts, the Diamond Triangle can emerge as a globally recognised symbol of India’s rich Buddhist legacy and cultural continuity.