In celebration of the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the UNESCO World Heritage designation for a series of 14 Maratha forts that grace the Western Ghats and the scenic Konkan coast.
The Western Ghats received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012, encompassing a vast green hilly expanse that stretches from South Gujarat to North Kerala, with significant portions located in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
These 14 forts, emblematic of "Maratha Military Architecture," have been included in UNESCO's tentative list since April 2021 and await formal recognition as World Heritage sites. The forts include:
The Arabian Sea coastline and the Western Ghats, extending into Marathwada, provided an ideal backdrop for guerrilla warfare tactics. During the Medieval Period, various foreign entities, including Arabs, Turks, Europeans, and Africans, ventured into the Konkan region.
Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya (self-rule) and resisted the formidable Mughal Empire's advances. The Marathas effectively utilized the hilly terrain, constructing forts on plains, hills, and along the long coastline, thwarting Mughal expansion. In 1674, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire, which, within 75 years of his death in 1680, encompassed one-third of the Indian Subcontinent.
The Marathas employed guerrilla warfare to achieve significant political and territorial gains, even resisting the British Empire for a time, evidenced by battles like Bhima-Koregaon. Eventually, the British, Portuguese, and French established control in various regions.
The UNESCO recognition of these Maratha forts would not only honor their historical significance but also boost tourism and promote conservation efforts, ultimately benefiting Maharashtra's local economy.
Q1. What are the Maratha forts that are being considered for UNESCO status?
Answer: The 14 Maratha forts include Raigad, Shivneri, Rajgad, Torna, Lohagad, Salher, Ankai-Tankai, Mulher, Rangana, Alibaug, Padmadurg, Khanderi, Sindhudurg, and Suvarnadurg.
Q2. Why are the Maratha forts historically significant?
Answer: The forts symbolize Maratha military architecture and played a crucial role in the resistance against the Mughal Empire, showcasing strategic use of guerrilla warfare tactics.
Q3. When did the Western Ghats receive UNESCO World Heritage status?
Answer: The Western Ghats were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012, recognizing its ecological and cultural importance.
Q4. What is the significance of Swarajya in Maratha history?
Answer: Swarajya, or self-rule, established by Shivaji Maharaj, represents the Marathas' quest for independence from Mughal domination and their commitment to regional governance.
Q5. How would UNESCO recognition benefit Maharashtra?
Answer: UNESCO recognition would enhance tourism, promote conservation efforts, and honor the historical significance of the forts, positively impacting Maharashtra's local economy.
Question 1: What year was the Western Ghats designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site?
A) 2010
B) 2012
C) 2015
D) 2018
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who founded the Maratha Empire?
A) Aurangzeb
B) Shivaji Maharaj
C) Akbar
D) Bajirao I
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which of the following forts is NOT located in Pune?
A) Raigad
B) Shivneri
C) Lohagad
D) Sindhudurg
Correct Answer: D
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