India has officially chosen the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” as its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for the years 2024-25, announced the Ministry of Culture on Monday. Comprising twelve centers of military power, including iconic structures like Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, and Raigad, this nomination stands as a testament to the strategic brilliance of Maratha rule, developed between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Extraordinary Fortification System: The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” feature a network of forts distributed across diverse geographical regions, showcasing an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers. From the Sahyadri mountain ranges to the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats, these landscapes and terrains depict the prowess and foresight of Maratha military architecture.
Diverse Components: The twelve components of this nomination include Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Each of these forts represents a unique aspect of Maratha military power, strategically located across various physiographic regions.
Integration of Landscape and Terrain: The Maratha Military Landscapes reflect an integration of landscape, terrain, and physiographic characteristics unique to the Indian Peninsula. The forts, numbering over 390 in Maharashtra, showcase a variety of hierarchies, scales, and typological features, contributing to the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the region.
Protected Heritage Sites: Out of the 12 forts selected under the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, eight are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, including Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort. The remaining four forts, Salher Fort, Rajgad, Khanderi Fort, and Pratapgarh, are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
In nominating “Maratha Military Landscapes of India,” India seeks international recognition for this historic ensemble, highlighting the architectural, strategic, and cultural significance of these forts in shaping the narrative of the Maratha rule.
