Important Heritage, Geological & Archaeological Sites in News

Several heritage, geological, and archaeological sites have been in the news due to new discoveries, UNESCO recognitions, conservation efforts, and tourism or infrastructure projects. For UPSC Prelims 2026, aspirants should focus on the location, historical significance, and unique features of such sites.

Important Heritage, Geological & Archaeological Sites in the News

Belum Caves

• Belum Caves in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, have been declared a Geo-Heritage Site.

About Belum Caves

• First discovered in 1884 by Robert Bruce Foote, later mapped in detail by H.D. Gebauer (1982–84).
• Formed in black limestone due to long-term underground water activity.
• It contains prominent stalactites and stalagmites, forming natural pillars and columns.
• Once inhabited by Buddhist and Jain monks, it contains a Shiva Lingam and Patalaganga spring.
• Maintains a constant internal temperature of 33°C throughout the year.
• Underground water is believed to be connected to a village well and influenced by the Penna River.
• Excavations revealed 4,500-year-old artefacts, indicating pre-Buddhist habitation.
• Includes named sections like Meditation Hall, Thousand Hoods, Airavatham, and Mayamandiram.

• Belum is the second-longest natural underground cave system in India.

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Geo-Heritage Sites

• Sites with rare and scientifically important geological, geomorphological, or paleontological features.
• Components: Include caves, rock sculptures, fossils, minerals, meteorites, and stratified sediments.
• Nodal Agency: Declared and maintained by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
• Purpose: Aimed at conservation, research, education, and geotourism promotion.
• Other Examples: Includes Lonar Crater (Maharashtra), St. Mary’s Island (Karnataka), and Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh).

Salkhan Fossil Park

• Salkhan Fossil Park qualifies as a geo-heritage site under IUCN’s 2020 guidelines for “Evolution of Life”.

• Also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, it is located in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
• Location: Near Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Kaimur Range (part of the Vindhya range).
• Hosts some of the oldest & best-preserved fossils in the world, dating back approx. 1.4 billion years.
• Fossils include Stromatolites, formed by Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), indicating early life on Earth.
• These microbial structures record the Great Oxidation Event, when oxygen 1^st began accumulating in Earth’s atmosphere.

Sirpur Archaeological Site *

• Govt is preparing Sirpur archaeological site for UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) nomination.

About Sirpur Archaeological Site

• Located on banks of Mahanadi River in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh; flourished between 5^th and 12^th centuries CE.
• 1^st discovered in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham, first Director-General of ASI.
• Historically known as Shripura or Sripura, Sirpur was the capital of Dakshina Kosala kingdom under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshis.
• It evolved into a major urban & religious centre supporting Buddhism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, & Jainism.
• The 7th-century Chinese traveller Xuanzang mentioned Sirpur in his memoirs.
• Key architectural highlights:
  • Lakshmana Temple: Considered one of India’s earliest surviving brick temples, dating to around 6^th century CE.
  • Surang Tila Complex: Large Panchayatana-style temple complex on a high terrace.
  • Ananda Prabhu Kuti: Buddhist Vihara known for its monolithic Buddha statue and the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu iconography.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree *

• Indian PM visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

About Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

• Princess Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist nun, carried the sapling to Sri Lanka around the 3^rd century BCE to propagate Buddhism.
  • Her arrival is celebrated through the Uduvapa Poya festival, designated as “Sanghamitta Day” on the full moon in December.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sanghamitta & Bhikkhuni Sangha

• Sanghamitta established the Bhikkhuni Sangha (Bhikkhuni Sasana or Meheini Sasana) in Sri Lanka as part of the Dhamma-Vinaya tradition begun by the Buddha in India.
• The Order declined after the Chola invasion of 1017 AD, a Hindu ruler from South India that disrupted Buddhist monastic life for several years.

Keezhadi (or Keeladi) Excavation

• Recent excavations at Keezhadi (or Keeladi) have revealed an advanced urban settlement, possibly dating back to the 5^th-8th century BCE.

• The findings show that literature and civilisation flourished in South India during the Sangam Age.

Key findings

• Presence of graffiti-marked pottery, terracotta hopscotch, an iron nail, black and red ware, red slipped ware and an earthen snake figurine.
• Trade: Evidence of carnelian beads & crystal quartz weights.
• Literature: Tamil-Brahmi Inscription on potsherds.
• Industry: Weaving industry (Spindle whorls, copper needles), dyeing industry, and glass industry.
• Precious Stones: Gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones.

Madku Island

• River island located on the Shivnath River in Mungeli district, Chhattisgarh.

• Revered as the meeting place of Vishnu and Shiva; also called Harihara-Kshetra and Kedar Dweep.
• Linked to Sage Mandukya, author of the Mandukya Upanishad, the name “Madku” comes from “Mandukya.”
• Excavations (2011) revealed 11th-century Kalachuri-period temples, sculptures, and inscriptions in Brahmi and Shankhalipi.
• Surrounding areas yielded Stone Age tools, sandstone temple fragments, and portrait sculptures of kings, donors, and acharyas.
• Home to a 9th-century Shivlinga and a Ganesh idol, tied to Mandukya’s meditation traditions.
• Featured in George E. Miller’s Prem Masih, which documents the island’s annual fair.
• Recognised as a state-protected archaeological site by the Chhattisgarh government.

Megalithic Artefacts in Kasargod

• 2,000-year-old megalithic relics were unearthed in Manimoola, Kasaragod, Kerala.

• These belong to the Megalithic Era (prehistoric period marked by stone monuments and burial practices).
• Pathaya Kallu is one such nearby stone believed to be a megalithic monument.

Artefacts and Structures Unearthed

• Pottery and Vessels: Blackware pot; four-legged jars; pots in various sizes; clay utensils resembling lids for large vessels.
• Iron Artefacts: Iron stove stand with three support stones; Penknife-like iron tools.
• Bone Fragments: Intact cremated remains suggest the presence of a sealed burial jar/urn; Fragments at the base of a massive clay jar.
  • Rare to find bone remains this intact, suggesting preservation in air-sealed containers.
• Rock-Cut Chamber: A significant structural feature of megalithic burial architecture.
  • Similar chambers are locally known as Pandava Guha, Peerangi Guha, Muniyara, Swamikundu & Kalpatthayam across Kasaragod.

Menhirs: Ancient Megalithic Monuments

• Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana were inscribed on UNESCO’s tentative list in 2025, set to become the state’s second World Heritage Site.

What is a Menhir?

• A menhir is a large upright standing stone, often tapered at the top.
• They are man-made, sculpted and placed by humans for ceremonial, religious, or astronomical purposes.
• The Grand Menhir Brise in France is the tallest known menhir, originally standing at 20.6 meters.
• In India, Menhirs are found in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, & Telangana.
• In South India, Menhirs are Known as Nilskal, Nintikal, Anekallu, Rakkasakal, and Garbinikal.

Mudumal Menhir Site

• Mudumal menhirs in Telangana date back 3,500 to 4,000 BP, making them the oldest in India, and are referenced in ancient Tamil literature as “Nadukal” (memorial stones).
• Alignments of menhirs suggest they were positioned to track the rising and setting sun during summer and winter solstices. It is described by UNESCO as a ‘megalithic astronomical observatory’.
• Scholars speculate their use in fertility rites, seasonal cycles, or as territorial markers.

About Megaliths

• Megaliths are large stone structures built in prehistory, often as burial sites or memorials. Indian megaliths are primarily dated to the Iron Age (1500 BC – 500 BC).
• Types of Megaliths:
  • Burial Megaliths: Dolmenoid cists (box-shaped tombs), cairn circles (stone-ringed graves), and capstones (mushroom-shaped burial chambers in Kerala).
  • Non-Burial Megaliths: Menhirs, stone circles, and other commemorative structures.

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Ancient Rock Art in Lankamalleswara WLS

• Three rock shelters from the Megalithic to early historic period were found near Bandigani Chella in Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary.

• One of the rock shelters contained prehistoric paintings made using red ochre, kaolin, animal fat and crushed bones.
• Found in Brahmi, Nagari, Telugu, and Shell Characters in Sanskrit, Prakrit & Telugu.
• Time Frame: Spanning from the 4^th to the 15^th century CE.

Ratnagiri Excavations in Odisha

• ASI has resumed excavations at Ratnagiri, Odisha, underscoring its historical significance as a key Buddhist centre linked to the spread of Buddhism across Asia during Emperor Ashoka’s reign.

Highlights of the Excavations

• Excavations at Ratnagiri (Odisha) uncovered a 3-4 ft Buddha head, a 5 ft palm sculpture, and a 5 ft long monolithic elephant, highlighting the site’s artistic and religious richness.
• Findings include votive stupas, inscribed relics, pottery, beads, and brick walls from an 8th-century Buddhist monastery complex.
• Evidence points to strong maritime links between ancient Kalinga and Southeast Asia.
• The Baliyatra festival continues to celebrate Odisha’s maritime connections with Bali and Java.
• Historically, Ratnagiri was a major Mahavihara under the Bhaumakara dynasty (8^th-11th CE), rivalling Nalanda, and part of Odisha’s Buddhist Diamond Triangle with Lalitgiri and Udayagiri.

Odisha’s Buddhist Legacy

• Ashokan Influence: Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War (261 BCE) and promoted its spread to Sri Lanka, Central, and Southeast Asia.
• Maritime Trade Links: Historical trade of spices, silk, and gold between Kalinga and Southeast Asia enhanced cultural exchanges.
• Hiuen Tsang’s Visit: The renowned Chinese monk likely visited Ratnagiri during his 638-639 AD travels.

Poompuhar *

• Poompuhar, an ancient port in Tamil Nadu, was a maritime hub during the Chola era.

• Known as Kaveripattinam, it is in Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu), at the mouth of the Kaveri River.
• Mentioned in Sangam Tamil literature and Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, it served as the port city and

  key trade hub of the Chola Empire, facilitating spicetrade with other Asian nations and Arabs.

• Shifted locations due to rising sea levels, finally re-established 3,000 years ago.
• Archaeological evidence of harbor structures, sea walls, and a possible bridge.
• Poompuhar (Puhar) enabled extensive maritime trade and naval dominance, strengthening Chola power and influence across Southeast Asia.

UNESCO’s Tentative List

• Seven new natural sites are now on UNESCO’s Tentative List for India, bringing the total number of Indian properties to 69 (49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed).
  • UNESCO’s Tentative List is an inventory of properties proposed by each country for potential nomination to the World Heritage List and serves as a mandatory step before final inscription.

Newly Added Sites

• The Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra are vast basaltic volcanic formations, representing one of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth.
• St. Mary’s Islands near Udupi in Karnataka feature spectacular, rare columnar basaltic lava formations and are recognised by the GSI as a unique geological heritage site of national importance.
• The Meghalayan caves in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, are limestone systems with speleothems.
• Naga Hill Ophiolite in Kiphire district, Nagaland, offers rare surface evidence of plate tectonic activity and continental collision.
• Erra Matti Dibbalu near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh features striking red dunes from the late Quaternary period that record sea-level changes, climate shifts, and coastal geomorphology.
• Tirumala Hills near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, home to the Silathoranam quartzite arch, show a geological feature over 1.5 billion years old.
• Varkala Cliffs in Kerala are composed of Mio-Pliocene laterite and sedimentary sequences near the Arabian Sea.

Iron Age in India

• Recent Tamil Nadu discoveries suggest iron metallurgy was established as early as 3300 BCE. Iron-related finds dated 3345–2953 BCE, with a burial urn sample at 1155 BCE. making it the earliest recorded evidence of iron technology globally.

• Initially, Iron Age was believed to have started around 700-600 BCE.
• Radiocarbon dating pushed the timeline back to 1800 BCE, with evidence of iron smelting in the Central Ganga Plain and Eastern Vindhyas.
• While the Harappans belonged to the Bronze Age, their successors belonged to the Iron Age.

Miscellaneous Sites in News

Sites	Particulars
Wallacean Hominid Artefacts	Potential artefacts of oldest known Wallacean hominids (~1.48 million years old) found in Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island. Significance: Extends the known timeline of human presence between Asia and Australia by nearly half a million years. Migration Impact: Revises earlier theories by showing that Wallacean islands were inhabited before 1 million years ago, indicating advanced deep-sea crossings from Asia and reshaping migration models. Hominids are members of the biological family Hominidae, the group of great apes and humans. This includes all modern humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and their extinct ancestors. Wallacea: A Biogeographical region in eastern Indonesia, between the Sunda Shelf (Asia) and Sahul Shelf (Australia), including islands like Sulawesi, Lombok, Flores, Timor, and Sumbawa.
Absence of Prehistoric Cave Paintings in the Levant	Prehistoric humans in Levant (modern Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria) did not produce cave paintings, unlike their European counterparts. The Upper Palaeolithic period (43,000-28,000 years ago) saw rich human activity, yet no decorated caves have been found in the region. Despite the absence of cave art, Levantine humans created figurines, beads, and symbolic objects. The Aurignacian culture in Europe, active during the same period, is known for its cave art, ivory figurines, and beads. Aurignacian Culture A European archaeological culture known for its early cave art, figurines, and symbolic objects during the Upper Paleolithic period. Timeframe & Geography: 43,000-28,000 years ago; primarily in Western Europe & parts of the Levant. Key Traits: Known for stone and ivory figurines, beads, and cave paintings.
Haji Pir Pass	Defence Minister highlighted missed opportunities to curb cross-border infiltration, especially at Haji Pir Pass in J&K (PoK) after 1965 India-Pakistan war. Battle of Haji Pir Pass was fought in August 1965 in the Kashmir sector. Indian Army captured Haji Pir Pass and ~1,920 sq km of territory. Gains returned to Pakistan under the Tashkent Declaration (Jan 1966) following the ceasefire. Haji Pir Pass Situated at an altitude of 8,661 feet, the pass serves as a critical route connecting Poonch and Uri, making it a pivotal point for military logistics and movement. Post-War Outcomes: Despite its capture & tactical advantage it offered, it was returned to Pakistan as part of Tashkent Agreement, reflecting the diplomatic compromises made to restore peace. Haji Pir was a prominent figure in the Kashmir region, known for his leadership and influence during the tumultuous periods of conflict.
Konkan Coast Geoglyphs	Prehistoric geoglyphs of the Konkan coast, nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, may date back 24,000 years, ranking among the world’s oldest rock art traditions. Geoglyphs are large designs or motifs created on the ground by arranging, removing, or contrasting natural materials such as stones, soil, or vegetation. They often hold cultural, ritualistic, or symbolic significance for the communities that created them. Key Discoveries Evidence from Koloshi caves excavations indicate them to be nearly 38,000 years. Evidence suggests they span from late Pleistocene to historical period. Panels depict extinct fauna such as rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses, suggesting a very ancient timeline. 9 Sites Identified: Kasheli, Barsu, Jambharun, Ukshi, Rundhye Tali, Devache Gothane, Devi Hasol, Kudopi (Maharashtra), and Phansaymal (Goa).
Neolithic habitation found in Assam’s Dima Hasao	Archaeologists found iron slag & furnace at Daojali Hading, suggesting early metalworking at the site. Daojali Hading is a Neolithic site within the Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest of Assam. Known for following artefacts: Mortars and pestles (suggest people were growing grain and preparing food), Jadeite stone (suggest trade links with East & Southeast Asia), Polished stone tools and pottery. Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest in Dima Hasao, Assam, is a biodiverse forest corridor in the Barail Hills, renowned for its ecological richness and conservation of natural heritage.
Rajon ki Baoli	Built in 1506 CE during the reign of Sikandar Lodi by Daulat Khan Lodi. “Rajon ki Baoli” means “Stepwell of the Masons,” named after the raj mistris (masons), not royal patrons. Situated in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Delhi, around 400m south of Adham Khan’s Tomb. Design: Four-tiered subterranean structure with only top tier visible above ground. Architecture Style: Indo-Islamic architecture is characterised by stone carvings, arched colonnades, and floral stucco medallions. Includes a mosque, a tomb, and a chhatri (pavilion) within the complex. Served as a traditional water reservoir, a resting spot for travellers, and a naturally cool summer retreat due to its underground design.
Krishnagiri Stone Inscription	13th-century stone inscription was discovered in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. First inscription mentioning a Buddhist monastery discovered in Tamil Nadu. It mentions a trader who endowed revenue to the Buddha Vihar in Kadaikoottur (Kadagathur,TN). Refers to “Buddha Devan” & depicts 2 Buddhist symbols, Chakra and Stupa. Anaimangalam Copper Plate Earliest reference to a Buddhist monastery in South India. Also called Leiden Plates, they are preserved at Leiden University in Netherlands. The bilingual charter has Sanskrit and Tamil plates. Records Rajaraja Chola I‘s grant of Anaimangalam village to Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam.
Pre-historic Tools in Mangar Bani	Prehistoric tools belonging to lower Palaeolithic age was found in the Mangar Bani Forest of the Aravali in Haryana. The tools we discovered were likely used for a range of tasks, from butchering animals and cutting trees to cleaning hides and polishing wood. These tools provide clues into the daily lives of hunter-gatherer populations during the Acheulian (Lower Palaeolithic) cultural phase. Acheulian cultural phase existed around 200,000 to 500,000 years ago. Mangar Bani Palaeolithic archaeological site and sacred grove hill forest on the Delhi-Haryana border. Indian subcontinent’s largest neolithic tool-making site, as old as 100,000 years Before the Present (BP). 1st-ever site discovered in the Aravalli range with cave paintings.
Neolithic Paintings in Ganagavathi	Neolithic paintings, cup-marked stones, & 17th century inscription were found in Gangavathi, Karnataka. The 17th-century Kannada inscription featured motifs of the sun, moon, bow, and arrow. The cave ceiling features multiple drawings made using red pigment, depicting human figures, symbols, and scenes of men and women standing hand-in-hand, a form of early human symbolic communication. Hire Benakal Hire Benakal is ~10 km from Gangavathi and showcases the region’s archaeological heritage. Largest Necropolis: Site features ~1,000 dolmens over 20 ha; largest in India. Listed in India’s UNESCO Tentative List.
Ancient Tea Horse Road	Also known as the “Chamadao“ in Chinese, it was a vast trade network connecting China to the Indian subcontinent through Tibet. Originated during the rule of the Tang Dynasty in China (618-907 CE) and became more structured during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE). Stretched across > 2,000 km, linking China, Tibet, Nepal, India, & Bangladesh. Key trade hubs included Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan province, Lhasa in Tibet, and multiple branching paths into Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It enabled tea-horse trade, facilitated the spread of Buddhism from India to China and Tibet, fostered rich cultural interactions, and today survives as a preserved heritage-tourism route (e.g., the Lijiang UNESCO site).