India’s cultural pride reached new heights as the Maratha Military Landscapes of India were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. This global recognition marks India’s 44th World Heritage site.
Historical Significance and Strategic Brilliance
Spanning the 17th to 19th centuries CE, these twelve forts represent the Maratha Empire’s unmatched military foresight and architectural innovation. They are spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, showcasing fortification designs adapted to coastal, hill, island, and forest terrains.
Forts Recognised Under the Heritage Tag
- Maharashtra: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg
- Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort
Diverse Typologies of Forts
The selected forts exhibit a variety of fortification strategies:
- Hill forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee
- Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad
- Hill-plateau fort: Panhala
- Coastal fort: Vijaydurg
- Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg
Preservation and Recognition
Some of these forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), while others are under the Government of Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. The proposal was initiated in January 2024 and received strong support from 18 of 20 state parties at UNESCO.
UNESCO Criteria for Selection
The Maratha Military Landscapes were nominated under UNESCO criteria (iv) and (vi), acknowledging:
- Architectural and technological excellence
- Connection with significant historical traditions
- Representation of living cultural heritage
Global Impact and Cultural Diplomacy
This recognition aligns with India’s growing commitment to showcasing Bharat’s ancient knowledge and heritage on global platforms. With 62 sites in the Tentative List and 44 officially recognised properties, India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the most World Heritage sites.
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