Latest news with #UNESCOWorldHeritageList
India.com
3 days ago
- General
- India.com
From Maharashtra To Tamil Nadu: Maratha Legacy Carries On As India's Historic Forts Gain Global Recognition
photoDetails english 2934226 At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India's official nomination for the 2024-25 cycle, 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They became India's 44th property to receive this recognition. This global recognition highlights India's rich and enduring cultural legacy, reflecting the country's deep-rooted traditions in architecture, regional diversity, and historical continuity. From ancient temples and monuments to colonial-era structures and indigenous design practices, India's architectural heritage tells the story of its evolving identity. Now the recognition of Maratha architecture shows the contribution of the region and era, its unique style, materials, and craftsmanship, creating a legacy that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire awe on the world stage. Updated:Jul 20, 2025, 08:45 AM IST Maratha Legacy Lives On 1 / 8 According to ANI, spanning from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, this extraordinary network of twelve forts demonstrates the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire. Ministry Of Culture 2 / 8 The proposal was sent for the consideration of the World Heritage Committee in January 2024, and after an eighteen-month-long process involving several technical meetings with the advisory bodies and a visit of ICOMOS's mission to review the sites, the Ministry of Culture stated. Selected Sites 3 / 8 The selected sites are spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They include: Suvarnadurg, Lohgad, Shivneri, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Vijaydurg, Pratapgad, Panhala, Sindhudurg, and Salher in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Forts Protected Under... 4 / 8 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protection to: Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee fort. Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra, protection to: Salher fort, Rajgad, and Khanderi fort, Pratapgarh. Location And Strategy 5 / 8 Located across a range of diverse terrains, from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds. The forts reflect a deep understanding of geography and strategic defence planning. Types Of Forts 6 / 8 Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are situated in hilly terrains and are therefore known as hill forts, as per ANI. Pratapgad, is within dense woods, and is classified as a hill-forest fort. Panhala, located on a plateaued hill, is a hill-plateau fort. Vijaydurg, positioned along the shoreline, is a notable coastal fort, while Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg, surrounded by the sea, are recognised as island forts. Maratha Military Landscape 7 / 8 The Maratha Military Landscape of India was nominated under criteria four and six of the list, recognising their exceptional testimony to a living cultural tradition, their architectural and technological significance, and their deep associations with historic events and traditions. The purpose of including these heritage sites in UNESCO's list is to preserve and promote shared heritage based on OUVs (Outstanding Universal Values). Credits 8 / 8 Information Source: ANI All Images: @DrSJaishankar/X
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
UAE: Sharjah's Khorfakkan mountain road to become the next big winter tourism destination!
Scenic mountain road to Khorfakkan set to offer cool winter views and natural beauty/ Image: Wikipedia TL;DR Sharjah is building a scenic mountain road reaching Khorfakkan's highest peak at 1,100 meters. The route offers cooler winter weather , natural views, and a relaxing travel experience. This road will open new tourism opportunities while helping local villages along the way. Sharjah is taking steps to bring more visitors to its mountain areas during the cooler months. The new road project announced by the ruler, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, will connect the city of Khorfakkan to its highest mountain peak, offering travelers an escape from the usual heat of the UAE. This isn't just about building a road. It's about creating a new kind of journey that blends nature, culture, and comfort, especially during winter, when the mountain climate is mild and inviting. The road will wind over hills and peaks, surrounded by trees, water channels, and small homes, making it a peaceful and scenic drive. Cooler Weather and Natural Beauty Make It Perfect for Winter Winter tourism means visitors look for places where the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are possible without the harsh sun or extreme heat. Khorfakkan's mountain peak stands at 1,100 meters, which means temperatures here are cooler than the coastal city below. The new road takes advantage of this by offering a travel route where people can enjoy fresh air, green scenery, and calm surroundings. Unlike crowded city spots or busy beaches, this mountain road promises a quieter experience. The trees and plantations planted along the way will add to the feeling of being in nature, making it ideal for winter visitors who want to relax or explore. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola More Than a Road: A Tourist Experience The plan is to turn a simple highway into a tourist-friendly route. The road will have water canals and hillside residences, making the journey visually appealing. It's designed to encourage visitors to stop, take in the views, and enjoy the environment. Besides tourists, the route will also serve the local villages scattered across the mountains. These communities often don't get much attention, but better road access could bring them new visitors and help their economies. Small businesses like cafes, craft shops, or guided tours could benefit from this. Ties to Sharjah's Larger Tourism and Heritage Plans This mountain road fits well with Sharjah's bigger vision for the region. Khorfakkan has been gaining recognition as a cultural and eco-tourism hub. For example, the nearby Faya Palaeolandscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List earlier this month, drawing attention to the area's unique natural and historical value. The new road will make it easier for tourists to reach these sites and enjoy what Khorfakkan offers beyond its coastlines. Walking trails are also being built in the city to encourage tourists to explore on foot. On top of this, other projects are planned nearby in Jabal Deem, including parks, farms, and rest stops, which will add to the overall tourist experience in the mountains. These developments are scheduled for completion by early 2026. Why This Could Be the Next Big Winter Destination in the UAE Most tourists visiting the UAE focus on cities, shopping, or beaches. But winter tourism in mountainous areas is still growing. Sharjah's new road could change that by offering: Cooler, comfortable weather: Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing during the winter months. Unique scenic views: Panoramic mountain and valley vistas you can't find in other parts of the country. A peaceful, natural setting: Away from crowded city attractions, with space to relax and explore. Local culture and villages: Opportunities to meet and support communities that are off the usual tourist paths. Easy access: The road connects existing tunnels and highways, making travel smoother. Together, these factors could make Khorfakkan's mountain road a must-visit spot for people looking for something different in the UAE during winter. FAQs 1. When will the mountain road open? The road's opening date hasn't been officially announced, but related projects in the area aim for completion by March 2026. 2. What can visitors expect from the climate on this route? At 1,100 meters elevation, the area has cooler, milder winters than the coast, ideal for outdoor visits and hiking. 3. Will the road benefit local residents? Yes, the road will improve access to remote villages, making daily life easier and supporting small businesses through increased tourism.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
From the Sahyadris to the sea: The 12 Maratha fortresses in UNESCO World Heritage List
Written by Kartika Jamdar Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week expressed joy at the inclusion of 'Maratha military landscapes of India' in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO described the inscription as including 12 major fortifications, 11 of which are in Maharashtra, and one in Tamil Nadu. 'These forts,…built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries [were] strategically located on coastal and mountainous terrain,… [and] formed a complex defence system supporting Maratha military dominance, trade protection, and territorial control,' UNESCO said. 🔴 BREAKING! New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India 🇮🇳. ➡️ #47WHC — UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) July 11, 2025 In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the Maratha Empire is associated with 'good governance, military strength, cultural pride and emphasis on social welfare', and the 'great [Maratha] rulers inspire us with their refusal to bow to any injustice'. 'I call upon everyone to go visit these forts and learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire,' Modi said. This is a list of the forts in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and their histories in short. Once the capital of the Maratha Empire because of its strategic location and colossal size, Raigad fort is located in the north Konkan region of Maharashtra. The fort is surrounded by deep valleys, and access is only through a steep pathway in front. The fort has special significance in Maratha history because it was here in 1674 CE, that Shivaji Maharaj was crowned and he took the title of Chhatrapati. Subsequently, the control of the fort passed to the Mughals (1689 CE), followed by the Ahmadnagar Sultanate (1707 CE), before returning to the Marathas (1727 CE approximately). The British eventually took control of the fort in 1818 CE. Within Raigad fort were located royal palaces, a royal mint, 300 stone houses, offices, a garrison for soldiers, a market, water reservoirs, and gardens. 2. PRATAPGAD Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, Pratapgad fort is situated in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. The fort is famous for its defensive architecture, which is regarded as a sign of strategic genius. The Upper Fort at Pratapgad served as an observation defence point with sturdy, towering walls. The Lower Fort, which was constructed along the slope of the hill, was crucial to defending the buildings inside the fort. 3. PANHALA Panhala Fort near Kolhapur was designed to be a self-sustaining settlement. Originally built in the 12th century CE by the Shilaharas, a feudatory dynasty of the Rashtrakutas who ultimately founded their independent kingdom, the fort was occupied by the Yadavas of the Deccan, the Bahmani sultanate, the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur, and finally the Marathas. Panhala is among the largest of the Maratha forts, with a perimeter of 14 kilometres. It was a formidable military fortress with robust walls, hidden passages, bastions, secret supplies of water, and underground granaries to cope with a prolonged siege. Panhala fort is the site of the famous Battle of Pawankhind of July 1660, which is remembered by the people of Maharashtra for the heroic stand of the great Maratha general Baji Prabhu Deshpande who, along with a handful of soldiers, engaged a large force of the Adil Shahi sultanate as Shivaji Maharaj escaped from the enemy. 4. SHIVNERI Shivneri Fort, located near Junnar in Pune district, is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The antiquity of the fort, triangular in shape and surrounded by cliffs, dates back to the 6th century CE, when it was built as a strategic military outpost. Shivneri was designed to withstand a prolonged siege. The seven-tier defences of the fort, intended to block enemy advances at multiple levels, are among its most striking aspects. The attackers would have to fight an uphill battle because each of the seven enormous gates served as a protective barrier. Within the fort were the Ganga-Jamuna springs, which flow even today, and water reservoirs like Badami Talav, which ensured a steady supply of water. 5. LOHAGAD Located near Lonavala at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet, the 'Iron Fort' was originally built by the Lohtamia dynasty in the 10th century CE, and subsequently passed into the possession of the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Yadavas, the Bahmanis, the Nizam Shahis, the Mughals, and eventually the Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj took the fort in 1648 but was forced to give it up to the Mughals in 1665. The Marathas recaptured the fort in 1670, after which it was used as a storehouse for the loot from the Surat campaign. Lohagad Fort is known for its four huge gates, namely the Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja. The 'Vinchukada', or 'Scorpion's Tail', is one of Lohagad's most striking features, a long, narrow, fortified spur that extends from the main fort. 6. SALHER Salher Fort is located in Satana taluka of Nashik district, near the village of Salher. It is a significant landmark of the Sahayadri mountain range, the highest fort in Maharashtra and one of the highest in the Western Ghats, located at a height 1,567 metres (5,141 feet). At different times in its history, Salher has been known as Gavalgarh and Sultangad. It is the site of the pivotal open-field Battle of Salher (1672 CE), in which the Maratha forces under Moropant Pingle, the first peshwa of the Maratha Empire, and Prataprao Gujar, the commander of the Maratha army, decisively defeated the Mughals led by Diler Khan, Ikhlas Khan, and Bahlol Khan. This was the first such battlefield victory of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj over the Mughals. 7. SINDHUDURG The fort stands on the island of Khurte in the Arabian Sea, off the Konkan coast. It was constructed in 1664-67 by Hiroji Indulkar, the chief military engineer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to provide a secure base for maritime operations against the Portuguese, the British, and the local Siddis. Sindhudurg is known for its skillfully camouflaged main entrance, which is very difficult to spot from the outside. Within the fort is a temple, one of the very few dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj himself. 8. SUVARNADURG The 'Golden Fortress' is another island fortress built by Shivaji Maharaj off Harnai port in Ratnagiri district. Suvarnadurg has a sister fortress on the mainland known as Kanakadurga; the two structures used to be connected by a tunnel, which is now unusable. Initially built by the Adil Shahi dynasty, Suvarnadurg was captured and rebuilt by Shivaji in 1660. As an important base of the Maratha navy, it was not only a fortress but also housed a shipbuilding yard. During Sambhaji's reign, when the commander of the fort tried to defect to the Siddis, Kanhoji Angre, then only 18 years old, stopped him and arrested the traitor. As a reward, Sambhaji made him the commander of Suvarnadurg. Kanhoji Angre would grow up to become the chief of the Maratha navy, and one of the most renowned admirals in Indian history. 9. VIJAYDURG One of the oldest of the Maratha forts, the 'Fort of Victory' on the Arabian Sea coast in present-day Sindhudurg district was originally built by the Shilahar dynasty in the late 12th century. It was then known as Gheria. The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1653, who renamed it after the Hindu solar year, which was then extant, 'Vijay'. Vijaydurg would later be the site of fierce naval battles with the British East India Company, which would finally conquer it in 1756 after several failed attempts. A striking feature of Vijaydurg is a hidden undersea tunnel, 200 metres long, connecting the fort with the mainland. At a short distance from the fort, up the Waghotan river, is the Rameshwar dockyard, which was used by the Maratha navy to build and repair its warships. 10. KHANDERI Khanderi, a small island off the coast of Alibaug, was fortified by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1679 to secure Maratha control over the coastal waters. After Shivaji Maharaj sent 300 soldiers and 300 labourers to build defences on the uninhabited island, the English, the Portuguese, and the Siddis, all contested his attempt at occupation. Shivaji's admiral Daulatkhan succeeded in reinforcing the island and establishing artillery positions despite English naval attacks and the efforts by the Siddis to stop him. In time, Khanderi would become a key maritime outpost, reflecting Shivaji's strategy to challenge foreign naval dominance and protect Maratha interests along the Konkan coast. 11. RAJGAD The 'King of Forts' was captured by the young Shivaji Maharaj in 1647, and served as his capital for 26 years before Raigad. This was where Rajaram I, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, was born, and where his first wife, Saibai, passed away. It was also the fort where Shivaji Maharaj planned many of his military campaigns and safeguarded the wealth from the Surat campaign of 1664. The fort houses many architectural marvels like the Padmavati Machi, which was the residence of Shivaji Maharaj, and had the Padmavati Temple. To the west stood the three-layered stronghold of Sanjivani Machi, a stunning example of military engineering that was intended to repel enemy invasions. 12. GINGEE/ JINJI (Tamil Nadu) Gingee Fort is located in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu and is considered one of the most formidable fortresses of peninsular India. Like many other forts, Gingee has served as the stronghold of several dynasties, such as the Vijayanagar Nayaks, the Bijapur Sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas, the French, and the English. Perched atop three rocky outcrops — Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg — the complex is made up of interconnected citadels fortified with ramparts and deep moats that create a nearly seamless triangle of defence. Noteworthy interior structures include the multi-storey Kalyana Mahal (marriage hall), granaries, prison cells, and a temple dedicated to the local deity Chenjiamman. It has reservoirs and natural springs, which were critical in sustaining the fort during prolonged sieges. The writer is an intern with The Indian Express
West Australian
6 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Rita Saffioti 10 Things: Government announces support to help deliver 1200 new apartments across Perth
1. A big thank you to all of the emergency personnel involved in the search for Carolina Wilga. Her survival after spending 11 nights in our freezing temperatures in WA's Wheatbelt region is quite remarkable. Her story will be one we will remember for many years. 2. Our Government is proposing changes to the public holiday calendar. Some of the proposals include aligning our public holidays with those over east and adding up to two extra public holidays. WA currently has the lowest number of public holidays in the nation and aligning with other States and Territories will support WA business. 3. Our Government has announced additional support for 15 new apartment developments to assist industry to deliver more than 1200 new apartments across Perth. This is yet another example of our commitment to boosting housing supply across the State by removing barriers that prevent major projects getting off the ground. 4. Speaking of a housing boost, preferred community housing providers have been chosen to deliver more than 400 new affordable and social homes across two major residential developments in East Fremantle and Subiaco. These projects also have support through the Albanese Government. These projects will continue to support affordable housing while and providing industry with a pipeline of construction work. 5. A significant outcome for the traditional owners and custodians via the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and its Circle of Elders with the ancient rock art of Murujuga, on WA's Burrup Peninsula, to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage List. 6. Big news for UFC fans as we gear up for the first ever Fight Night in Perth in September. As the only UFC Fight Night scheduled to take place in Australia this year we're expecting thousands of out-of-State visitors to WA, while also attracting a significant global broadcast audience. 7. What a fantastic week in sport. West Coast Fever continued their record form, securing a 12th victory in succession in front of a record Super Netball crowd on Sunday. I hope their form continues through the finals. 8. The Dockers kept their finals dream alive after a come from behind win over Hawthorn to jump back into the top eight. The side showed grit and determination, and I couldn't think of a better way to honour and bid farewell to the legend that is Michael Walters. 9. It was also great to see the Australian men's cricket team retain the Frank Worrell Trophy in a clean sweep against the West Indies. The bowling attack is in fine form ahead of the Ashes this summer. Look out for the first test starting here in Perth in November. 10. I hope everyone is enjoying the school holidays. I know keeping kids busy during holidays is always a lot of work! Great that families have so many activities to choose from including dino hunts and workshops at the WA Museum to Lightscape at Kings Park and a range of nature learning sessions run by Parks and Wildlife. Hope everyone is feeling refreshed.
Libya Observer
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
EU welcomes removal of Ghadames from UNESCO danger list
The European Union has welcomed UNESCO's decision to remove Libya's Old City of Ghadames from its list of World Heritage Sites in danger, describing it as a significant step reflecting Libya's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. EU Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, called the announcement 'great news' in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting it signaled Libya's dedication to safeguarding its historical legacy. Orlando highlighted the EU's contribution to the achievement through support for a solar lighting project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Libya), which aims to boost tourism and the local economy while preserving the city's unique architectural and historical character. He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to working with Libyan partners to protect the country's rich cultural heritage, describing it as both a shared legacy of humanity and a driver of sustainable growth. Ghadames, often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Desert,' is one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities in North Africa. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986, renowned for its distinctive architecture and urban planning that reflect Libya's deep cultural roots. Tags: Ghadames UNESCO
