Maratha Military Landscapes of India: UNESCO World Heritage

MARATHA MILITARY LANDSCAPES OF INDIA ADDED TO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

1. What has been newly added to the UNESCO World Heritage List from India?

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th World Heritage property. This recognition highlights the military ingenuity and architectural excellence of the Maratha Empire.

2. What does the Maratha Military Landscapes nomination include?

The nomination comprises twelve forts that demonstrate the Maratha Empire’s strategic brilliance, architectural innovation, and adaptation to diverse terrains from the 17th to 19th centuries.

3. Which states are these forts located in?

Out of the twelve forts, eleven are located in Maharashtra and one — the renowned Gingee Fort — is situated in Tamil Nadu.

4. Which forts are included in this listing?

Maharashtra: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg.
Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort.

5. What makes these forts historically and architecturally important?

These forts exemplify the Maratha Empire’s military engineering and environmental integration. Designed across hilltops, coastal belts, and forest regions, they showcase advanced defense systems, sustainable architecture, and the ability to use natural landscapes for strategic advantage.

6. When was the proposal submitted to UNESCO?

The proposal for the Maratha Military Landscapes was submitted in January 2024. It underwent a rigorous 18-month evaluation process, including field visits and technical reviews conducted by UNESCO’s advisory bodies.

7. What themes do the Maratha forts collectively represent?

The forts collectively symbolize resilience, governance, self-sufficiency, and regional autonomy. They also highlight civil and military infrastructure systems such as granaries, water management, watchtowers, and communication networks.

8. How is this recognition significant for India?

The UNESCO inscription not only enhances India’s global heritage profile but also promotes cultural tourism and conservation initiatives. It is expected to attract greater international attention to Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu’s rich historical landscapes.

9. Are there other military landscapes in India already on the UNESCO list?

No, this is the first Indian World Heritage entry that focuses exclusively on military landscapes — making it a milestone in India’s cultural heritage conservation.

10. What role did technical bodies play in this decision?

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) played a vital role by conducting in-depth evaluations, technical studies, and site inspections before formally recommending the inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes in the UNESCO list.