Madhya Pradesh has announced that the newly notified Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be named after archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar. The decision links wildlife conservation with the legacy of the scholar who discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters, one of India’s most important prehistoric sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Announcement and Significance
The naming was announced at the Dr Wakankar Award Ceremony and National Seminar in Bhopal. Ratapani lies near the Bhimbetka caves and reflects the state’s effort to honour a figure closely associated with the region’s archaeological identity. The move also places cultural heritage at the centre of conservation policy.
Who Was Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
- Dr Wakankar was a noted archaeologist, artist and scholar of Indian rock art.
- He discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters in 1957.
- Bhimbetka contains some of the world’s oldest cave paintings.
- He was widely respected for his work in archaeology and heritage research.
About Ratapani Tiger Reserve
- Ratapani was notified as Madhya Pradesh’s eighth tiger reserve and India’s 57th tiger reserve in December 2024.
- It covers over 1,271 sq km.
- The reserve supports around 90 tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears and rich flora.
- It is located close to Bhopal and is expected to support eco-tourism and conservation.
Broader Heritage and Conservation Context
The naming of the reserve marks the link between biodiversity protection and preservation of India’s ancient cultural landscape. It also recognises the role of Dr Wakankar in bringing global attention to Bhimbetka and Madhya Pradesh’s prehistoric heritage. The announcement adds symbolic value to a reserve already important for tiger conservation and archaeological significance.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026