THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
London, January 23: As part of the “Jharkhand @25” international outreach programme in the United Kingdom, a state delegation led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren held discussions with Historic England, the UK’s public body responsible for heritage protection, to explore collaboration on the conservation, research, and global recognition of Jharkhand’s megalithic heritage.
Focus on Conservation of Living Megalithic Traditions
The engagement focused on sharing best practices in preserving prehistoric landscapes, with Jharkhand seeking to learn from the UK’s globally recognised heritage conservation models.
Jharkhand is among the few regions in the world where megalithic and monolithic traditions continue as living cultural practices, playing an active role in the social and spiritual life of tribal communities.
Aligned with UK–India Heritage Agreement 2025
The visit aligns with the UK–India Heritage Conservation Agreement 2025, under which Jharkhand has emerged as a key participating state and among the first in India to actively utilise the bilateral framework.
The collaboration aims to strengthen documentation, preservation, and global positioning of the state’s ancient megaliths and prehistoric landscapes.
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As part of the exchange, the Jharkhand delegation received a special invitation to visit Stonehenge and Avebury on January 24, 2026.
The visit will allow the delegation to gain first-hand exposure to scientific conservation techniques and interpretative models for prehistoric monuments, to adapt similar practices in Jharkhand.
On the occasion, the delegation presented a coffee table book titled “Sentinels of Time”, which documents Jharkhand’s megaliths, monoliths, and fossil landscapes, introducing international audiences to the state’s ancient and continuing civilisational legacy.
High-Level Participation
The meeting was attended by Claudia Kenyatta, Co-Chief Executive of Historic England, along with representatives from the Indian High Commission, British Deputy High Commission (Kolkata), English Heritage Trust, National Trust, and Natural England, reflecting a shared commitment to heritage cooperation.
Marking 25 years of statehood, Jharkhand continues to position its development journey in harmony with nature, culture, and community knowledge systems, taking its ancient heritage to the global stage while shaping a forward-looking future.
