Can UK Expertise Save Jharkhand's Megaliths? Minister Explores Conservation & UNESCO Status

Ranchi: A delegation led by state art, culture, tourism and youth affairs minister Sudivya Kumar on Wednesday took the first major step towards exploring ways to conserve Jharkhand’s rich repository of megaliths during a visit to the United Kingdom.Kumar held meetings with experts from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), University College London, and consulting firms to discuss conservation and restoration of the heritage sites. The state govt is also keen on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for the state’s megalithic sites.“The central focus of today’s meetings was the conservation, restoration, scientific management, and global recognition of Jharkhand’s ancient megalithic and monolithic heritage,” the govt said in a statement.The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including scientific documentation of megalithic sites, structural conservation, landscape management, community participation, and the formulation of long-term conservation strategies aligned with international best practices.“Special emphasis was placed on developing a robust and credible framework for preparing Jharkhand’s megalithic heritage for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List, while ensuring that these culturally significant structures — deeply connected to indigenous communities — are preserved in a sensitive and inclusive manner,” the statement read.Officials said the engagements helped identify potential areas of collaboration to leverage international expertise in archaeology, heritage conservation, engineering, and advisory services, while strengthening institutional capacity within the state.“Based on the insights and recommendations received, the govt will develop a clear, practical, and phased roadmap to strengthen conservation of its megalithic heritage at structural, cultural, and educational levels,” the communiqué said.The minister said, “These international dialogues represent a decisive step towards scientifically safeguarding Jharkhand’s rich heritage. The govt is committed to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of the state’s invaluable megalithic heritage.”