Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Tiger Reserve

On 9th January 2026, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh announced that the Ratapani Tiger Reserve would be renamed after the renowned archaeologist Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar.

The decision honours Dr. Wakankar’s contribution to archaeology, heritage conservation, and astronomical geography.

Contributions of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar

Area	Contribution
Bhimbetka Discovery	Dr. Wakankar brought the prehistoric Bhimbetka cave paintings to global attention in 1957.
Location	Bhimbetka is located within the Ratapani Tiger Reserve.
Astronomical Geography	He identified the exact location near Dongla, close to Ujjain, where the Tropic of Cancer intersects the ancient Indian Prime Meridian.
Zero Shadow Day	During the summer solstice around 21 June, the sun appears directly overhead at noon at this site, causing no shadow formation.

Importance of the Renaming

Aspect	Significance
Cultural Recognition	Recognises the contribution of Dr. Wakankar to Indian archaeology and heritage studies.
Heritage Conservation	Highlights the global significance of the Bhimbetka rock shelters and cave paintings.
Scientific Importance	Draws attention to the astronomical significance of the Zero Shadow Day phenomenon.
Ecological Link	Connects wildlife conservation with archaeological and cultural heritage within the tiger reserve landscape.

PT Facts

Bhimbetka: Famous for prehistoric cave paintings and rock shelters.
Ratapani Tiger Reserve: Located in Madhya Pradesh.
Zero Shadow Day: Occurs when the sun is directly overhead and vertical objects cast no shadow at noon.
Tropic of Cancer: Passes through central India and has astronomical significance.

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