Why the inclusion of Maratha military forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List matters
Maratha Military Landscapes
of India' was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris. This marks the 44th Indian entry to the prestigious list.
"'
Maratha
Military Landscapes', representing extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, was on Friday inscribed on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage List," UNESCO announced in a post on X. The forts, which span a variety of terrains—including coastal regions, hills, plateaus, and islands—form a cohesive military landscape that reflects the strategic acumen and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the twelve forts represent different types of geographical settings: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are hill forts; Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort; Panhala is a hill-plateau fort; Vijaydurg is a coastal fort; and Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and
Sindhudurg
are classified as island forts.
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Which forts are joining the list
The Maratha Military Landscapes include twelve strategically positioned forts, each representing a unique blend of military architecture, regional adaptation, and historical significance across diverse terrains.
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Salher Fort
in Maharashtra stands amid the Sahyadri mountain ranges and is renowned for its historic fortifications and sweeping views. It reflects the Marathas' military resilience and geographical command.
Shivneri Fort, near Junnar in Maharashtra, is historically significant as the birthplace of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
. Positioned atop a hill, the fort's commanding architecture and heritage value make it a symbol of Maratha pride.
Lohagad Fort, located near Pune in the Western Ghats, is known for its robust construction and scenic vistas. Historically used for military campaigns, it remains a popular site for both history enthusiasts and trekkers.
Khanderi Fort, an island fort in the Arabian Sea, exemplifies maritime defense strategies of the Maratha era. Its blend of historical significance and coastal scenery makes it a notable part of the military landscape.
Raigad Fort served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire. Nestled in the Sahyadris, it is celebrated for its strategic importance and imposing architecture.
Rajgad Fort, also in the Western Ghats, was one of the earliest capitals of the Maratha Empire. Its design and natural setting reflect the empire's defensive capabilities and cultural depth.
Pratapgad Fort is remembered for the historic Battle of Pratapgad. Set in the wooded hills of the Western Ghats, it is an example of how terrain and fortification were merged in Maratha strategy.
Suvarnadurg Fort, off the Konkan coast, was a crucial naval base. Surrounded by sea, it displays the Maratha Empire's maritime engineering capabilities.
Panhala Fort, set on a plateaued hill in the Sahyadri range, is known for its expansive views and significant role in Maratha military history.
Vijaydurg Fort, located on the Konkan coast, is one of the best-preserved sea forts. Its positioning and architecture highlight the naval strength of the Marathas.
Sindhudurg Fort, another island fort in the Arabian Sea, was built under the direction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It features unique construction techniques and played a major role in coastal defense.
Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, the only fort in the list outside Maharashtra, is noted for its massive stone structures and strategic hilltop placement. It played a vital role under various dynasties and is a rare example of southern Indian military architecture included in the Maratha landscape nomination.
India's standing on the World Heritage List
With this addition, India now ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites. Last year, the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam were added to the list at the 46th session held in New Delhi.
According to PIB, India also has 62 sites on the Tentative List, a necessary prerequisite for future nominations. Under the rules of the World Heritage Convention, ratified by 196 nations since 1972, each country may propose only one site per year for inscription.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the designated nodal agency handling all matters related to World Heritage nominations on behalf of the Government of India.
Other global inscriptions announced
Other sites inscribed during the 47th session include the Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection; Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park in Selangor; and the prehistoric sites of the Khorramabad Valley in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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