New Delhi: On July 11, 2025, a historic moment unfolded for India as the Maratha Military Landscapes were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris. This prestigious recognition marks India’s 44th inclusion on the esteemed list, cementing its position as the 6th-ranked country globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the highest number of World Heritage Sites. The inscription celebrates the extraordinary strategic, architectural, and cultural legacy of the Maratha Empire, spotlighting 12 iconic forts that embody the military brilliance and regional ingenuity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his successors.
What Are the Maratha Military Landscapes?
The Maratha Military Landscapes represent a network of 12 strategically vital forts developed between the 17th and 19th centuries under the Maratha Empire. These forts, spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, are a testament to the military vision, architectural ingenuity, and terrain-smart strategies that defined the Maratha rulers’ approach to warfare and governance. The forts included in this UNESCO recognition are:
- Maharashtra: Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg.
- Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort.
These forts, located across diverse terrains from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds, showcase the Maratha Empire’s ability to adapt military infrastructure to varied landscapes, including the rugged Western Ghats, coastal regions, and islands. Each fort served as a strategic center for defense, resistance, and planning, embodying the Maratha ideal of Swarajya (self-rule).
Why Were the Maratha Military Landscapes Chosen?
The inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes on the UNESCO World Heritage List was based on their outstanding universal value, meeting two of UNESCO’s ten selection criteria: (iv) for representing exceptional examples of architectural or technological ensembles, and (vi) for their association with significant historical traditions and cultural practices. The forts demonstrate a deep understanding of geography, innovative fortification techniques, and strategic defense planning tailored to the Deccan’s challenging terrain.
The nomination process, initiated in January 2024, spanned 18 months and involved rigorous evaluations by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), one of UNESCO’s advisory bodies. This included on-site assessments and technical meetings to review the forts’ historical and architectural significance. The proposal garnered overwhelming support, with 18 out of 20 member states of the World Heritage Committee endorsing it during the 47th WHC session in Paris.
Historical Significance of the Maratha Military Landscapes
The Maratha Military Landscapes are deeply tied to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort, who laid the foundation for an independent Maratha state in the face of Mughal dominance and regional sultanates. Shivaji, the son of military commander Shahaji Bhonsle, was a visionary warrior-king who leveraged the Deccan’s forested and mountainous terrain to create a formidable empire rooted in the principle of Swarajya. His strategic brilliance is evident in key events from his life:
- 1650s: Shivaji clashed with the Adil Shahi Sultanate, expanding his control over the Pune region.
- 1664: He audaciously attacked and plundered Surat, a wealthy Mughal port.
- 1665: Confronted by a large Mughal army led by Raja Jai Singh, Shivaji surrendered at Purandar Fort but later regrouped.
- 1666: Taken to Aurangzeb’s court in Agra, he executed a daring escape by hiding in fruit baskets.
- 1669–1674: Shivaji resumed his campaigns, culminating in his grand coronation as Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort in 1674.
- By 1680: At the time of his death, Shivaji controlled over 300 forts across the Konkan coast, Western Ghats, and parts of Central India.
These forts were not merely defensive structures but served as hubs for planning, launching swift attacks, and retreating when needed. Unlike the flat, open terrains used by rulers in North India, the Marathas capitalized on the Deccan’s hills and forests as natural defenses. Forts like Shivneri, Rajgad, Sinhagad, and Torna were designed with narrow approaches to deter enemies while enabling Maratha forces to monitor and strike effectively.
Architectural and Strategic Brilliance
The Maratha Military Landscapes are a masterclass in architectural ingenuity and strategic foresight. Each fort was meticulously designed to leverage its geographical context:
- Hill Forts: Forts like Salher, Raigad, and Pratapgad were built on elevated terrains, providing natural defense and vantage points to monitor enemy movements. Pratapgad, located 22 km from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra’s highest hill station, exemplifies this approach.
- Coastal Forts: Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Suvarnadurg secured maritime routes and protected against naval threats.
- Island Forts: Khanderi Fort, strategically positioned off the coast, controlled key maritime access points.
- Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu: Known for its robust architecture, it extended the Maratha influence beyond Maharashtra.
Shivaji prioritized fortification over territorial expansion, either rebuilding existing forts or constructing new ones to secure supply routes and maintain territorial control. The forts’ designs, with narrow entry points and fortified walls, made them nearly impregnable, allowing the Marathas to withstand prolonged sieges and launch guerrilla-style attacks.
Cultural and Historical Legacy
The Maratha Military Landscapes are more than military strongholds; they are symbols of cultural pride, good governance, and social welfare championed by the Maratha Empire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a social media post, emphasized that the forts reflect the Maratha legacy of resisting injustice and fostering self-rule. He urged citizens to visit these sites to explore the rich history of the Maratha Empire.
The forts also embody the Maratha Empire’s architectural diversity and regional identity. Their recognition on the UNESCO list highlights India’s enduring cultural legacy and its ability to preserve living traditions. The forts’ strategic placement across mountains, coastlines, and islands underscores their adaptability to diverse landscapes, making them a unique example of military architecture globally.
Preservation and Management Efforts
The preservation of the Maratha Military Landscapes is a collaborative effort between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Forts such as Shivneri, Raigad, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee are under ASI’s care, while Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad are maintained by the Maharashtra Directorate. These agencies ensure the forts’ structural integrity and historical authenticity, safeguarding them for future generations.
The UNESCO inscription underscores India’s commitment to heritage conservation, aligning with its broader cultural diplomacy efforts. The recognition follows the 2023 inscription of the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam, signaling India’s growing influence in global heritage preservation. With 62 additional sites on India’s Tentative List, the country is poised for further nominations in the coming years.
Global Recognition and India’s Heritage Footprint
The inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes is a triumph for India’s cultural diplomacy. The forts’ inclusion under UNESCO criteria (iv) and (vi) highlights their architectural excellence and historical significance. The overwhelming support from 18 member states during the WHC session reflects global appreciation for India’s heritage.
India’s ranking as the 6th country globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for World Heritage Sites underscores its rich historical and cultural tapestry. The Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, described the recognition as a tribute to India’s regional architectural diversity and the legacy of resistance championed by Shivaji. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also congratulated the nation, emphasizing the forts’ role in showcasing India’s historical continuity.
Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved for the World
The inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site is a powerful acknowledgment of the Maratha Empire’s contributions to military strategy, architecture, and cultural heritage. These 12 forts, spanning Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, are not just relics of the past but living testaments to the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the resilience of the Maratha Empire. From the hilltop strongholds of Raigad and Pratapgad to the coastal bastions of Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg, these forts narrate a story of innovation, resistance, and cultural pride.
As India celebrates this milestone, the UNESCO recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving its regional heritage. The Maratha Military Landscapes invite visitors to explore their storied past, offering a glimpse into the strategic brilliance and architectural splendor that defined one of India’s most iconic empires. With this inscription, India strengthens its position as a global leader in heritage conservation, ensuring that the legacy of the Maratha Military Landscapes endures for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Maratha Military Landscapes of India?
The Maratha Military Landscapes are a network of 12 strategically significant forts developed by the Maratha Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. These forts, located in Maharashtra (Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg) and Tamil Nadu (Gingee Fort), showcase the military vision, architectural ingenuity, and terrain-smart strategies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. They served as centers for defense, planning, and resistance, embodying the Maratha ideal of Swarajya (self-rule).
2. Why were the Maratha Military Landscapes inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
The Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 11, 2025, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. They were recognized for their outstanding universal value under UNESCO criteria (iv) for exceptional architectural and technological ensembles and (vi) for their association with significant historical traditions and cultural practices. The forts demonstrate innovative fortification, strategic defense planning, and adaptation to diverse terrains like the Western Ghats and coastal regions.
3. Which forts are included in the Maratha Military Landscapes?
The UNESCO-recognized Maratha Military Landscapes comprise 12 forts:
In Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort.
These forts are spread across varied landscapes, including hilltops, coastal areas, and islands, reflecting the Maratha Empire’s strategic military prowess.
In Maharashtra: Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg.
4. Who manages the preservation of these forts?
The preservation of the Maratha Military Landscapes is a joint effort by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Forts such as Shivneri, Raigad, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee are managed by the ASI, while Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad are maintained by the Maharashtra Directorate. These agencies ensure the forts’ structural integrity and historical authenticity.
5. How does the UNESCO inscription impact India’s global heritage status?
The inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site strengthens India’s position as the 6th-ranked country globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites. This recognition highlights India’s cultural diplomacy and commitment to heritage conservation. With 62 additional sites on India’s Tentative List, the country is poised for further nominations, enhancing its global heritage footprint.
