In a proud moment for the nation, UNESCO has inscribed the Maratha Military Landscapes of India into the prestigious World Heritage List during its 47th session held in Paris. With this, India has secured its 44th World Heritage Site, reinforcing its status as a global repository of diverse cultural and historical treasures.
The inscription recognizes a network of twelve formidable forts built by the Maratha Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. These forts, spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, are celebrated for their exceptional military architecture, strategic design, and deep cultural significance.
A Glimpse into the Forts
The twelve inscribed forts are:
- Raigad Fort – The capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, perched high in the Sahyadri ranges.
Shivneri Fort – Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, known for its fortified hilltop location.
Salher Fort – The highest fort in Maharashtra, and site of the historic Maratha victory over the Mughals.
Lohgad Fort – A strategic hill fort guarding trade routes, famed for its monsoon beauty.
Rajgad Fort – The first capital of Shivaji, marked by complex architecture and strong natural defenses.
Pratapgad Fort – Associated with the iconic battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, set amidst dense forests.
Panhala Fort – Known for the legendary escape of Shivaji and its strategic hill-plateau positioning.
Vijaydurg Fort – A coastal stronghold nicknamed “Eastern Gibraltar” for its impregnable defences.
Suvarnadurg Fort – A coastal fort that secured key maritime routes.
Khanderi Fort – An island fort crucial for naval dominance near Mumbai.
Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu) – The only fort outside Maharashtra, known for its tri-fort structure and historical ties to Maratha expansion in the south.
These forts are categorized based on their geography and strategic design. While Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are classic hill forts, Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort. Panhala, located on a plateau, is considered a hill-plateau fort. Vijaydurg is a prominent coastal fort, whereas Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, and Khanderi are island forts fortified against sea-based attacks.
Heritage Protection and Conservation
Out of the twelve, eight forts—Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee—are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The remaining four—Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad—fall under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the highest number of World Heritage Sites. Currently, the country has 62 sites on the UNESCO Tentative List, which is a prerequisite for future nominations.
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India are more than relics of the past—they are living symbols of strategic vision, architectural brilliance, and regional pride. This global acknowledgment aims to preserve and promote these marvels for generations to come, while reinforcing India’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy.