Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Champaner is of archaeological significance to the country, being the former capital of Gujarat Vice-President of Heritage Trust, a Vadodara-based organisation, architect Karan Grover, said this in a statement.

Other sites selected from India are Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan, Metropolitan Building, Calcutta, Saint Anne Church, Goa and Basgo Gompa, Ladakh.

The World Monuments Fund was founded in 1965 to prevent the destruction of important artistic and architectural treasures throughout the world.

This year's list includes 9 sites in Africa, 21 in Asia and the Pacific, 8 in the Middle East, 13 in Western Europe, 24 in Eastern Europe, 10 in North America and 15 in South America and the Caribbean, Grover added.

He said the list is determined by an expert nine-member panel from among nominations sent in from the world over.

Grover said the selection of Champaner has now opened the doors for financial assistance from foreign countries to preserve the monument. He said that Champaner could be developed as a tourist centre in Gujarat if it is properly protected and developmental activities are initiated.