At the 47th World Heritage Committee (WHC) session, a proud moment unfolded for India as the Maratha Military Landscapes were officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024–25 cycle. India has achieved its 44th inclusion on this esteemed list, underscoring the worldwide importance of its extensive historical and architectural heritage.
What are the Maratha military landscapes of India?
The listing of Maratha military landscapes of India recognises 12 strategically important forts that played a crucial role in shaping the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These include:
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In Maharashtra, it includes Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg
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In Tamil Nadu, it includes only Gingee Fort
Sindhudurg Fort
Source: PIB
These forts were more than just defensive structures; they were centres of planning, resistance, and strategic brilliance, especially designed for warfare in the rugged Western Ghats terrain.
The Ministry of Culture described this UNESCO recognition as a tribute to India’s cultural depth, its regional architectural diversity, and the legacy of resistance and statecraft championed by Shivaji.
Also Read: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Learn about his Early Life, Death and Legacy
Who Was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1630. Shivaji Bhosale, son of military commander Shahaji Bhonsle, who served under various Deccan Sultanates, was destined from an early age to become one of India's most celebrated warrior-kings. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was deeply influenced by the geography, politics, and power struggles of the time. While many rulers in the Deccan became subordinates to the Mughals, Shivaji envisioned an independent Maratha state rooted in self-rule (swarajya).
Raigad Fort
Source: PIB
From an early age, Shivaji took on powerful sultanates like Bijapur and gradually built a formidable force, challenging both Mughal dominance and the existing political order.
Major Events from Shivaji’s Life:
| Year(s) | Event |
| 1650s | Shivaji came into conflict with the Adil Shahi Sultanate and expanded his control in the Pune region. |
| 1664 | Attacked and plundered Surat, one of the wealthiest ports under Mughal control. |
| 1665 | Confronted a large Mughal army led by Raja Jai Singh; surrendered at Purandar Fort. |
| 1666 | Taken to Aurangzeb’s court in Agra; escaped by hiding in fruit baskets as part of a clever escape plan. |
| 1669–1674 | He regrouped his forces, resumed military campaigns, and declared himself Chhatrapati in a grand coronation at Raigad Fort. |
| By 1680 | At the time of his death, Shivaji had control over 300+ forts across the Konkan coast, Western Ghats, and parts of Central India. |
The Strategic Power of Hill Forts
Due to many conflicts with Mughals and others, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj closely understood the terrain. This hill fort became their military landscape for their strongholds, and these hills provided them both defence and also an elevated position to monitor the movement of the enemy. As in North India, every king uses flat areas, but for the Marathas, the forested and mountainous regions of the Deccan are used as natural defences against the enemy. Many forts, like Shivneri, Rajgad, Sinhagad, and Torna, were just designed narrow, which makes it difficult for approaches for the enemy to enter, and for the Marathas, it will be easier to attack their enemy.
Pratapgad Fort
Source: PIB
Shivaji was always in favour of fortification over expansion; he either rebuilt or constructed new forts at key locations of Maratha military landscapes to secure supply routes and maintain control over his growing territory. These forts acted as bases from which swift attacks could be launched and where his forces could retreat and regroup when needed.
Protection and Preservation Efforts
Some forts, like Shivneri, Raigad, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee, fall under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), while others, such as Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad, are maintained by the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Their strategic placement across mountains, coastlines, and islands highlights how military infrastructure was adapted to varied landscapes.
Suvarnadurg Fort
Source: PIB
Global Support and Recognition
India’s proposal was backed by 18 out of 20 member states during the committee meeting. The review and approval process spanned 18 months, including on-site evaluations by ICOMOS, one of UNESCO’s advisory bodies.
The Maratha forts were accepted under criteria (iv) and (vi), which pertain to:
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Representing exceptional examples of architectural or technological ensembles
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Associating with important historical traditions and cultural practices
Gingee Fort
Source: PIB
India’s Growing Global Heritage Footprint
This inscription is not just a win for Maharashtra or South India, but for India’s cultural diplomacy. It signals the country's commitment to protecting and sharing its heritage with the world.
Notably, in 2023, the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam were also added to the World Heritage List, highlighting the momentum India is building in global heritage recognition.
With this, India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the number of World Heritage Sites. Moreover, 62 more sites are already on India’s Tentative List, which is the first step towards future World Heritage nominations.
Conclusion
In the 47th World Heritage Committee (WHC) session, the inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India comes on the UNESCO World Heritage list of India as the 44th. This represents the powerful acknowledgement of India’s historic achievements in military strategy, architecture, and cultural significance. As the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in India increases, it will serve as a reminder of India’s regional heritage and how important it is for India’s culture and heritage.
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