ICOMOS has pointed out several "weaknesses" in the dossier on the arguments put forward for its identification as an outstanding "university."

In a potential embarrassment for India, an agency of the UNESCO that evaluates nominated 'World Heritage Sites' globally, has recommended the "deferring" of awarding the coveted title to Nalanda University. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has pointed out several "weaknesses" in the submitted dossier, on the arguments put forward for its identification as an outstanding "university."

The International Council on Monuments and Sites has deferred the awarding of the World Heritage Site title on Nalanda Mahavihara pointing out several weaknesses in its submitted dossier.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites has deferred the awarding of the World Heritage Site title on Nalanda Mahavihara pointing out several weaknesses in its submitted dossier.

It, in fact, says that the 'state party' "needs to deepen its study of the (ancient site in Bihar)…in order to explicitly establish its importance…and authenticity." ICOMOS also seems to be uncomfortable with the project label, recommending it to be changed from the 'Excavated Remains of Nalanda Mahavihara' to 'The Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara.'

The Ministry of Culture has not given up hope yet. Spokesperson of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Dr RS Fonia, told Mail Today, "We will convince the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO during its final decision-making session at Istanbul (Turkey) around July 15. The 'Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO,' who is based in Paris, will travel to the venue and present our case."

"We are supplying suitable literature and films on the merits of Nalanda Mahavihara to the Permanent Representative, so that he/she can suitably advocate for its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," Dr Fonia added. The 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan' also got through in this manner, he said. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and that of Culture are closely coordinating on this issue.

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DOSSIER PROVIDES WEAK ARGUMENTS

The report has expressed its 'dissatisfaction' on several counts. It says the dossier provides a 'weak' argument on Nalanda's superiority as a 'university' in its comparative analysis with old varsities in Paris and Bologna, Italy.

It considers that "the condition of integrity of the nominated property has not been met."