New Delhi/Paris, July 11, 2025:
In a significant cultural milestone, the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” has been officially inscribed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th entry. The announcement was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This recognition underscores the Maratha Empire’s exceptional military planning, architectural ingenuity, and enduring legacy across varied Indian terrains between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the global recognition, calling it a proud moment for India and a testament to its rich historical and cultural heritage.
An Architectural Legacy of Strategic Excellence
The Maratha Military Landscapes comprise a network of twelve forts spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These forts represent a sophisticated understanding of terrain-based defense strategy and indigenous architectural traditions tailored to suit diverse geographic features.
The inscribed forts include:
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Hill Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee
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Hill-Forest Fort: Pratapgad
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Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala
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Coastal Fort: Vijaydurg
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Island Forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg
These military outposts exhibit an integration of local materials, climate-responsive design, and defensive features that remain unparalleled in South Asian fort-building traditions.
Rigorous Evaluation and International Endorsement
India submitted its nomination for the 2024–25 cycle in January 2024. After an eighteen-month-long evaluation, including on-site inspections by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the World Heritage Committee approved the inscription on July 11, 2025. During the committee session, 18 of the 20 State Parties expressed support for India’s proposal, following which the decision was unanimously endorsed.
The nomination was recognized under UNESCO Criteria (iv) and (vi), acknowledging the forts as:
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Outstanding examples of military architecture that illustrate a significant stage in human history
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Symbols of the Maratha community’s cultural and historical identity through traditions and historical associations
The inscription process saw active involvement from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Government of Maharashtra, and other heritage conservation stakeholders.
Protection and Heritage Management
Out of the twelve inscribed sites:
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Eight forts – Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee – are already protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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Four forts – Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad – are maintained by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
Their classification based on topography highlights the Marathas’ strategic acumen in deploying fortification models across coastlines, islands, plateaus, forests, and hilltops.
Strengthening India’s Global Heritage Profile
India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the number of World Heritage Sites. With 62 more sites on its Tentative List, India is actively working to preserve, document, and propose more cultural and natural landmarks for UNESCO consideration.
This inscription follows the 2023 recognition of the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam, adding momentum to India’s heritage diplomacy and preservation efforts. India currently serves as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2021–2025), reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding global cultural legacies.
Conclusion: Honouring India’s Historic Valor
The recognition of the Maratha Military Landscapes by UNESCO is more than an accolade—it is a celebration of India’s historical resilience, architectural heritage, and cultural continuity. These forts not only symbolize the valor and administrative foresight of the Maratha Empire but also mark India’s growing stature in global heritage forums. The inscription reiterates the country’s deep-rooted civilizational ethos and the ongoing efforts to revive and conserve it for future generations.
It inspires renewed interest in India’s regional histories and their contributions to national identity.
This achievement also reinforces the importance of community participation and state-led preservation in safeguarding India’s monumental legacy.
Source: PIB
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