Maratha Military Landscapes Join UNESCO: India has once again made its mark on the global heritage map. The Maratha Military Landscapes have officially been inscribed as the 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site from India โ a historic recognition that highlights the architectural and strategic brilliance of the Maratha Empire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride and joy over the announcement, calling it a testament to India’s rich and diverse cultural legacy.
What Are the Maratha Military Landscapes?
The Maratha Military Landscapes comprise a series of forts and military structures built between the 17th and 19th centuries across Maharashtra and surrounding regions. These fortifications showcase the indigenous hill-fort architecture, reflecting the Maratha Empireโs military genius, strategic acumen, and deep knowledge of the local terrain.
From the iconic Raigad Fort โ the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj โ to Sinhagad, Pratapgad, and Rajgad, these sites are not just architectural marvels but living monuments of resistance, courage, and tactical warfare. The UNESCO recognition celebrates how these forts demonstrate the Maratha’s unique military ideology, self-reliance, and use of the natural landscape for defense.
| ID | Name & Location | State Party | Coordinates | Property | Buffer Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1739-001 | Salher Fort | India | N20 43 21 E73 56 33 | 335.96 ha | 18,431.67 ha |
| 1739-002 | Shivneri Fort | India | N19 11 48 E73 51 30 | 78.97 ha | 7,345.84 ha |
| 1739-003 | Lohagad | India | N18 42 36 E73 28 36 | 26.6 ha | 14,382.72 ha |
| 1739-004 | Khanderi Fort | India | N18 42 14 E72 48 48 | 6.65 ha | 3,294.6 ha |
| 1739-005 | Raigad | India | N18 14 10 E73 26 40 | 340.77 ha | 26,228.86 ha |
| 1739-006 | Rajgad | India | N18 14 46 E73 40 57 | 269.26 ha | |
| 1739-007 | Pratapgad | India | N17 56 9 E73 34 43 | 79.3 ha | 12,789.51 ha |
| 1739-008 | Suvarnadurg | India | N17 48 59 E73 5 4 | 5.23 ha | 107.1 ha |
| 1739-009 | Panhala Fort | India | N16 48 40 E74 6 29 | 181.02 ha | 8,349.3 ha |
| 1739-010 | Vijaydurg | India | N16 33 39 E73 20 0 | 9.27 ha | 2,011.9 ha |
| 1739-011 | Sindhudurg | India | N16 2 33 E73 27 35 | 19.11 ha | 783.59 ha |
| 1739-012 | Gingee Fort | India | N12 15 2 E79 24 5 | 225.49 ha | 2,775.34 ha |
Prime Minister Modi’s Reaction
Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his happiness. He said:
“Delighted that the Maratha Military Landscapes have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a great tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajโs vision and the valour of the Marathas. A proud moment for every Indian!”
The recognition is not just a regional pride for Maharashtra but a national honor that strengthens Indiaโs global cultural identity.
Significance of the Recognition
This inclusion is significant for several reasons:
- It brings global attention to India’s historic military architecture.
- Boosts tourism and preservation efforts in the regions where these forts are located.
- Highlights Indiaโs indigenous knowledge systems in architecture, engineering, and sustainable construction.
- Reinforces the cultural contribution of the Maratha Empire, often underrepresented in global discourse.
A Boost for Heritage Tourism
With this new UNESCO status, tourism is expected to receive a major boost, particularly in Maharashtra. The government and local authorities will now have more support and funding for:
- Preservation and conservation efforts
- Better tourism infrastructure
- Guided tours, research programs, and cultural festivals
Conclusion
The addition of the Maratha Military Landscapes to UNESCOโs World Heritage List is not just a nod to Indiaโs past โ it is a celebration of valor, strategy, and vision. It revives national pride and invites the world to explore the story of a mighty empire that defended its land not with towering walls, but with clever engineering, courage, and deep connection to the terrain.
As India continues to safeguard its legacy, such global recognitions only strengthen the resolve to preserve, protect, and promote the soul of Bharat.
Proud to our india good but what is the benefits??