NEWS

• In a landmark decision, UNESCO has inscribed the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ into the World Heritage List on 7 July 2025.
• The announcement was made by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• This is India’s 44th World Heritage Site, inscribed during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.

HIGHLIGHTS

What Is Included?

• A total of 12 forts (11 in Maharashtra, 1 in Tamil Nadu) from the 17th–19th centuries are included.
• Forts:
  • Maharashtra: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg
  • Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort

Strategic Classification of Forts

• Hill Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee
• Hill-Forest Fort: Pratapgad
• Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala
• Coastal Fort: Vijaydurg
• Island Forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg

Protection Status

• ASI Protected (8 forts): Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Gingee
• Maharashtra Govt Protected (4 forts): Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, Pratapgad

Why It Matters

• Nominated under Cultural Criteria (iii, iv, vi):
  • (iii): Exceptional testimony to Maratha military tradition
  • (iv): Outstanding architectural/military ensemble
  • (vi): Associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji and Maratha legacy
• Reflects geostrategic military planning across Sahyadris, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, Eastern Ghats.

India’s UNESCO World Heritage Stats

• Total Sites: 44 (34 Cultural, 9 Natural, 1 Mixed)
• Maharashtra now has 6 Cultural World Heritage Sites, including:
  • Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta Caves, CSMT, Gothic Art Deco Ensemble, and now Maratha Forts.

Historical Background

• Built during Chhatrapati Shivaji’s reign (1670 CE) till Peshwa rule (1818 CE).
• Showcases Maratha innovation in fortification and military landscape integration.