Maharashtra 12 Maratha Forts Inscribed On UNESCO World Heritage List
In a landmark decision for Maharashtra, 12 forts constituting the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The recognition came during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris on Friday, celebrating the extraordinary fortification and military systems envisioned by Maratha rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries.
This marks a first-of-its-kind serial nomination from India, recognizing a single site comprising 12 forts. Eleven of these historically significant structures are located within Maharashtra, while the twelfth is situated in Tamil Nadu, highlighting a widespread Maratha defence network. An official from a research and documentation organisation commissioned by the government, which prepared the dossier for UNESCO, emphasized the significance of the Maratha defence strategy and the concept of ‘Swarajya’ or self-rule, which profoundly influenced India’s struggle for independence.
The Deputy Secretary of the state’s culture and tourism department, who contributed to the project since February 2024, expressed immense satisfaction, noting that this honour will undoubtedly attract more tourists to these sites. Seven of the newly recognized forts fall under the Archaeological Survey of India’s Mumbai Circle, with the remaining four across Maharashtra being managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. The Superintending Archaeologist (Mumbai Circle) of the Archaeological Survey of India confirmed this distribution.
The Chief Minister celebrated this moment, tweeting about the immense joy and pride the recognition brings, underscoring the “outstanding universal value” now accorded to these forts. A well-known heritage conservationist also lauded the decision, highlighting the forts’ well-planned design and historical importance, while stressing the collective responsibility to preserve them according to World Heritage Site norms.
This inscription firmly places Maharashtra’s rich Shivaji and Maratha era forts on the international heritage map, boosting their cultural significance. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of citizens and authorities to maintain these invaluable sites, promoting sustainable tourism and cultural understanding.
