Context:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced free entry to all its protected monuments on 18th April 2025 to mark the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day.

What is World Heritage Day?

• Overview:
  Celebrated annually, World Heritage Day aims to raise global awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and the urgent need for its preservation.
  It was first proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and officially recognized by UNESCO in 1983.

• Theme for 2025:
  The 2025 theme is "Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of ICOMOS Actions."

What are World Heritage Sites?

• Definition:
  World Heritage Sites (WHS) are landmarks or areas with outstanding universal value to humanity, recognized for protection under the World Heritage Convention, 1972. These sites can be classified as cultural, natural, or mixed.

• Key Details:

  • The World Heritage List is maintained by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, part of the broader World Heritage Programme.

  • Signatory nations, known as State Parties, are responsible for identifying, protecting, and preserving these sites.

  • India ratified the Convention in 1977.

• Global Figures (as of October 2024):
  There are approximately 1,223 World Heritage Sites across 196 countries, including 952 cultural, 231 natural, and 40 mixed sites.

• India's Status (as of April 2025):
  India boasts 43 World Heritage Sites — comprising 34 cultural, 7 natural, and 2 mixed properties — and 62 sites on its Tentative List.

Key Government Initiatives to Promote India’s Cultural Heritage

• Restoration of Antiquities:
  India has significantly ramped up efforts to repatriate cultural artifacts, retrieving 655 antiquities since 1976.
  In 2024, ancient literary works such as the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific Regional Register.

• Heritage Schemes and Corridor Projects:
  Launched in 2017, the Adopt a Heritage Programme allows public and private entities to contribute to the conservation of heritage sites through CSR funding.

• Digital Documentation:
  The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) has digitized over 12.3 lakh antiquities and 11,400 heritage sites.
  The ‘Indian Heritage in Digital Space’ initiative creates immersive, tech-driven heritage experiences, while ASI’s ‘Must See’ portal highlights around 100 iconic monuments with panoramic displays and detailed narratives.

• Global Cultural Leadership:
  India hosted the 46th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Delhi in July 2024, reinforcing its leadership in global cultural diplomacy.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• About ASI:
  The Archaeological Survey of India is the premier institution tasked with archaeological research, conservation, and protection of India's cultural heritage.

• Establishment:
  Founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, regarded as the Father of Indian Archaeology and its first Director-General.

• Core Functions:
  ASI's responsibilities include surveying, exploring, excavating, conserving, and maintaining ancient monuments, antiquities, and archaeological remains.

• Legal Framework:
  It operates under the Ministry of Culture and is governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.

• Scope of Work:
  ASI currently manages over 3,698 monuments and sites of national importance across the country.