Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed his delight after the "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" received the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status, declaring it a moment of immense pride for all Indians. The United Nations' World Heritage Committee (WHC) made the decision during its 47th session in Paris.

This inscription marks India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. The "Maratha Military Landscapes" represent an exceptional fortification and military system developed by the Maratha rulers. These landscapes, dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, showcase a unique blend of military innovation, ecological adaptation, and architectural excellence shaped by the rugged Sahyadri Mountains and the indomitable spirit of the Maratha polity.

The "Maratha Military Landscapes" consist of twelve forts, strategically located across diverse geographical and physiographic regions. These include Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These forts exemplify the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rule, demonstrating extraordinary military engineering, strategic geographic adaptation, and indigenous construction techniques. Eight of these forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Archaeological Survey of India also shared their pride on X, noting that the forts represent extraordinary examples of military engineering, strategic geographic adaptation, and indigenous construction techniques.

Vishal V Sharma, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, stated that the recognition honors the rich cultural heritage of the Marathas and its outstanding universal value to the international community. He dedicated the inscription to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose legacy continues through these landscapes and the Marathas' contributions to the well-being of the people.

Other leaders have also lauded this achievement. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the inclusion as a "proud and glorious moment" for the state. The Culture Ministry stated that this global accolade celebrates India's enduring cultural legacy, showcasing its diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity.

The nomination for the UNESCO tag was for the 2024-25 cycle. The "Maratha Military Landscapes" were included in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2021 and is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List from Maharashtra.