The "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" have officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking India's 44th property to receive this prestigious recognition. This decision, made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, has been met with elation across the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride and joy, stating that "Every Indian is elated with this recognition". In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted the significance of the Maratha Empire, associating it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and an emphasis on social welfare. He further added that the great Maratha rulers inspire with their refusal to bow to any injustice and urged citizens to visit these forts to learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire. The Prime Minister also shared cherished memories from his 2014 visit to Raigad Fort, including a photograph where he paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The "Maratha Military Landscapes" represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers. Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, the 12 forts included in the inscription demonstrate the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire. These forts are distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcasing the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule.
The 12 components of the Maratha Military Landscapes are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These forts exemplify the Maratha's sophisticated military planning across diverse terrains, including hilltops, dense forests, plateaus, coastal islands, and the Arabian Sea.
The nomination of the Maratha Military Landscapes was for the 2024-25 cycle. The inscription followed a rigorous eighteen-month process that included multiple technical evaluations and an on-site mission by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). ICOMOS initially recommended deferring the nomination, arguing that the twelve "anchor forts" were insufficient to represent the vast Maratha defense system. However, India mounted a successful diplomatic response, with more than a dozen member states rallying behind the bid.
The recognition of the Maratha Military Landscapes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to India's rich cultural legacy, architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity. It also highlights the unique fusion of military innovation, ecological adaptation, and architectural excellence shaped by the rugged landscapes and the indomitable spirit of the Maratha polity. The inclusion of these sites on the UNESCO list aims to preserve and promote shared heritage based on their Outstanding Universal Value.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also lauded the historic milestone, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his visionary leadership in preserving and celebrating India's glorious past. He stated that this recognition is a testament to India's rich civilizational legacy, indigenous military engineering, and architectural brilliance. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed his delight at the inscription.
With this addition, India now has 44 World Heritage Sites recognized for their cultural, historical, or natural significance, further solidifying its place on the world stage as a nation with a rich and diverse heritage.
