Maratha Military Landscapes Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

At the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, India’s nomination titled “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” was inscribed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

This inclusion reflects India’s sustained commitment to conserving and promoting its diverse and historic cultural heritage.

India’s Position on the Global Heritage Map:

India now has 43 World Heritage Sites (as of July 2025), making it 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of total sites.
Italy has the highest number globally (60 sites), followed by China (59 sites).
62 Indian sites remain on UNESCO’s Tentative List for future nomination.
As per UNESCO rules, only one site per country per year can be officially nominated for consideration.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency responsible for all World Heritage matters in India.

Recent Developments and Committee Role:

In 2023, the Moidams of Charaideo (Assam) were recognized at the 46th session hosted in New Delhi.
India is a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025), which plays a key role in selecting and monitoring World Heritage Sites.
The Committee was created under the World Heritage Convention of 1972 and includes 21 elected State Parties that:
- Evaluate nominations,
- Monitor site conservation, and
- Allocate financial assistance through the World Heritage Fund.

About the Maratha Military Landscapes:

The military landscapes represent a network of 12 hill and coastal forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries CE, starting with the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1670 CE) and continuing until 1818.
These forts reflect the military vision, regional resilience, and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire.

Location of Forts:

Maharashtra (11 forts): Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg.
Tamil Nadu (1 fort): Gingee Fort.

Protection and Management Status:

Protected by ASI: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Gingee.
Protected by Maharashtra Government: Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, Pratapgad.

Classification of Forts by Terrain:

Hill Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee.
Hill-Forest Fort: Pratapgad.
Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala.
Coastal Fort: Vijaydurg.
Island Forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg.

Criteria and Cultural Value:

Recognized under UNESCO Cultural Criteria (iv) and (vi):

- Criterion (iv): Demonstrates an architectural or technological ensemble that represents a key stage in history.
- Criterion (vi): Associated with important traditions, historic events, or artistic achievements.

These forts exhibit Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), especially in:

- Military architecture
- Adaptation to varied geography
- Guerrilla warfare strategies used effectively against the Mughals and European colonial forces.

Strategic and Historical Significance:

The Maratha forts are not merely defensive structures; they are symbols of political autonomy, regional identity, and tactical excellence.
The strategic use of difficult terrains such as hills, islands, forests, and coastal belts enabled the Maratha army to build a robust defense network against larger imperial powers.
The inclusion in the World Heritage List brings global recognition to India’s unique military engineering heritage and strengthens the case for regional history in global narratives.

UNESCO Overview:

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a UN agency founded in 1945, with headquarters in Paris.
It promotes peace, security, and development through international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication.
It has 194 member states, including India, one of the founding members.

World Heritage Criteria System:

Sites are inscribed based on ten criteria:

- Cultural Sites: Criteria (i) to (vi)
- Natural Sites: Criteria (vii) to (x)

The Maratha Military Landscapes fall under the Cultural category, meeting two specific criteria:

- Criterion (iv): Historical and architectural value.
- Criterion (vi): Cultural traditions and symbolism.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes in the UNESCO World Heritage List marks a proud moment for India.
It not only brings international recognition to the strategic genius of the Maratha Empire but also adds another layer to India’s diverse and deeply rooted civilizational heritage.

At the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, India’s nomination titled “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” was inscribed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

This inclusion reflects India’s sustained commitment to conserving and promoting its diverse and historic cultural heritage.

India’s Position on the Global Heritage Map:

India now has 43 World Heritage Sites (as of July 2025), making it 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of total sites.

Italy has the highest number globally (60 sites), followed by China (59 sites).

62 Indian sites remain on UNESCO’s Tentative List for future nomination.

As per UNESCO rules, only one site per country per year can be officially nominated for consideration.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency responsible for all World Heritage matters in India.

Recent Developments and Committee Role:

In 2023, the Moidams of Charaideo (Assam) were recognized at the 46th session hosted in New Delhi.

India is a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025), which plays a key role in selecting and monitoring World Heritage Sites.

The Committee was created under the World Heritage Convention of 1972 and includes 21 elected State Parties that:

Evaluate nominations,

Monitor site conservation, and

Allocate financial assistance through the World Heritage Fund.

About the Maratha Military Landscapes:

The military landscapes represent a network of 12 hill and coastal forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries CE, starting with the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1670 CE) and continuing until 1818.

These forts reflect the military vision, regional resilience, and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire.

Location of Forts:

Maharashtra (11 forts): Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg.

Tamil Nadu (1 fort): Gingee Fort.

Protection and Management Status:

Protected by ASI: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Gingee.

Protected by Maharashtra Government: Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, Pratapgad.

Classification of Forts by Terrain:

Hill Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee.

Hill-Forest Fort: Pratapgad.

Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala.

Coastal Fort: Vijaydurg.

Island Forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg.

Criteria and Cultural Value:

Recognized under UNESCO Cultural Criteria (iv) and (vi):

Criterion (iv): Demonstrates an architectural or technological ensemble that represents a key stage in history.

Criterion (vi): Associated with important traditions, historic events, or artistic achievements.

These forts exhibit Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), especially in:

Military architecture

Adaptation to varied geography

Guerrilla warfare strategies used effectively against the Mughals and European colonial forces.

Strategic and Historical Significance:

The Maratha forts are not merely defensive structures; they are symbols of political autonomy, regional identity, and tactical excellence.

The strategic use of difficult terrains such as hills, islands, forests, and coastal belts enabled the Maratha army to build a robust defense network against larger imperial powers.

The inclusion in the World Heritage List brings global recognition to India’s unique military engineering heritage and strengthens the case for regional history in global narratives.

UNESCO Overview:

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a UN agency founded in 1945, with headquarters in Paris.

It promotes peace, security, and development through international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication.

It has 194 member states, including India, one of the founding members.

World Heritage Criteria System:

Sites are inscribed based on ten criteria:

Cultural Sites: Criteria (i) to (vi)

Natural Sites: Criteria (vii) to (x)

The Maratha Military Landscapes fall under the Cultural category, meeting two specific criteria:

Criterion (iv): Historical and architectural value.

Criterion (vi): Cultural traditions and symbolism.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes in the UNESCO World Heritage List marks a proud moment for India.

It not only brings international recognition to the strategic genius of the Maratha Empire but also adds another layer to India’s diverse and deeply rooted civilizational heritage.