**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Culture's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 214 regarding the preservation and conservation of historical heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh, specifically the Khajuraho temple group, Vijyaraghavgarh fort, and Pandav caves and Pandav falls.
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated that the Khajuraho temple group is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is subject to regular maintenance and conservation efforts based on need and resource availability. The ASI considers the Khajuraho temple group well-preserved and maintained.
The Vijyaraghavgarh fort, Pandav caves, and Pandav falls are not under the protection of the ASI and, therefore, their conservation falls under the purview of Madhya Pradesh state agencies.
Key Entities Referenced
Khajuraho Temple Group: A historical heritage site in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Vijyaraghavgarh Fort: A fort in Katni district, Madhya Pradesh, not under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Pandav Caves: Caves located in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh, not under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Pandav Falls: Waterfalls located in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh, not under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India where the mentioned historical sites are located.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The Indian government agency responsible for the preservation and conservation of centrally protected monuments.
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for culture.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Minister of Culture and Tourism
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.214
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF KHAJURAHO TEMPLE GROUP
214. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is cognisant of the urgent repair, maintenance and
conservation needs of historical heritage of Khajuraho temple group in
Khajuraho, Vijyaraghavgarh fort in district Katni, and Pandav caves and Pandav
falls in district Panna of Madhya Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the efforts made/being made for preservation
and conservation of these sites; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) Khajuraho temple group in Khajuraho is a centrally protected monument/site
under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), However the
Vijyaraghavgarh fort in district Katni, Pandav caves and Pandav falls in district
Panna are not under the protection of ASI.
(b) The conservation and preservation of Khajuraho temple group in Khajuraho is a
to regular process and is taken up as per the requirement and availability of
(c) resources. These group of temples are well preserved and maintained by ASI.
The conservation of the Vijyaraghavgarh fort, Pandav Caves and Pandav falls are
not under ASI. They are to be conserved by state of MP agencies.
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