Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Ratapani Reserve Honors Archaeologist Wakankar
The Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India, has been named after Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, a famous archaeologist.
Dr. Wakankar is known for discovering the Bhimbetka rock shelters, which have very old rock paintings.
The reserve is home to many animals like tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
The decision was announced by the Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, during an award ceremony.
This naming honors Dr. Wakankar's work and helps protect both nature and cultural treasures.
The reserve is the eighth in Madhya Pradesh and the 57th in India.
The ceremony also celebrated another archaeologist, Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal, who won an award for his work in studying cave art.
Dr. Wakankar's discoveries include over 4,000 rock paintings across India, Europe, and America, and he also researched the Ghaggar-Hakra river system.
Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh named after archaeologist Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar.
Dr. Wakankar is renowned for discovering the Bhimbetka rock shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The reserve spans 1,271 sq km and is home to around 90 tigers, along with other wildlife.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav during an award ceremony in Bhopal.
Dr. Wakankar discovered over 4,000 rock paintings across India, Europe, and America, and researched the Ghaggar-Hakra river system.
- Who
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, Professor Yashodhar Mathpal
- What
- Naming of Ratapani Tiger Reserve after Dr. Wakankar and award ceremony
- When
- Announced on Friday, January 10, 2024
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Why
- To honor Dr. Wakankar's contributions to archaeology and wildlife conservation
Proponents of Naming
Potential Critics
Cultural Significance
Proponents of Naming
The naming honors Dr. Wakankar's significant contributions to archaeology and promotes cultural heritage.
Potential Critics
Some may argue that naming a tiger reserve after an archaeologist dilutes its focus on wildlife conservation.
- Reserve Name
- Ratapani Tiger Reserve
- Named After
- Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
- Location
- Madhya Pradesh, India
- Area
- 1,271 sq km
- Tiger Population
- Around 90
- Notified As Tiger Reserve
- December 2024
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Award Ceremony Location
- Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre, Bhopal
- Discoveries by Wakankar
- Over 4,000 rock paintings in India, Europe, and America
- Award Recipient
- Professor Yashodhar Mathpal
