India, China in talks over joint UNESCO nominations for Xuanzang’s work

Why in news

India and China are discussing joint UNESCO nominations for Xuanzang’s 'The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions' to streamline heritage safeguarding.

Background

The BRICS Culture Working Group met in Varanasi to discuss collaborative nominations under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Memory of the World Programme. The specific proposal involves the records of Xuanzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled through medieval India.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyUNESCO World Heritage Convention: A multilateral treaty to identify and protect sites of outstanding universal value.
• BodyMemory of the World Programme: A UNESCO initiative to preserve documentary heritage and archives.
• PostXuanzang: A Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the Tang Dynasty (7th century).
• FactBRICS Culture Working Group: A forum for member nations to coordinate cultural heritage preservation and joint nominations.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how collaborative cultural heritage management between BRICS nations can serve as a tool for soft power and regional stability.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Diplomatic leverage: Utilizing shared Buddhist heritage to mitigate bilateral tensions between India and China
• Institutional efficiency: Reducing administrative duplication by leveraging collective heritage status for UNESCO recognition
• Cultural preservation: Balancing national narratives with the preservation of trans-border historical records

Keywords: Soft Power · Cultural Diplomacy · Heritage Conservation · Trans-border History · Multilateralism

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