India 44th World Heritage Site – Maratha Military Landscapes of India
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: PIB
Context: At the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India was inscribed as India’s 44th World Heritage Site, marking a historic recognition of India’s fortified legacy.
About India 44th World Heritage Site – Maratha Military Landscapes of India:
• What is it? A network of 12 strategic forts built between the 17th–19th centuries CE showcasing the military ingenuity of the Maratha Empire—known for their adaptability, architecture, and command over diverse terrains.
• A network of 12 strategic forts built between the 17th–19th centuries CE showcasing the military ingenuity of the Maratha Empire—known for their adaptability, architecture, and command over diverse terrains.
• Locations Covered:
• Maharashtra (11 forts): Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg Tamil Nadu (1 fort): Gingee Fort
• Maharashtra (11 forts): Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg
• Tamil Nadu (1 fort): Gingee Fort
• Historical Context:
• Developed during the rise of the Maratha Empire, these forts formed a defensive belt using natural landscapes for protection. Reflected Shivaji Maharaj’s military vision and emphasis on self-reliant fort defence systems.
• Developed during the rise of the Maratha Empire, these forts formed a defensive belt using natural landscapes for protection.
• Reflected Shivaji Maharaj’s military vision and emphasis on self-reliant fort defence systems.
• Unique Features:
• Hill Forts: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Salher, Gingee – integrated with rugged hill terrain. Island Forts: Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg – surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Plateau and Forest Forts: Panhala (plateau), Pratapgad (hill-forest). Forts display adaptive design, built with local materials and regional architecture. Recognized under UNESCO Criteria (iv) & (vi) – for architectural, military, and cultural continuity.
• Hill Forts: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Salher, Gingee – integrated with rugged hill terrain.
• Island Forts: Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg – surrounded by the Arabian Sea.
• Plateau and Forest Forts: Panhala (plateau), Pratapgad (hill-forest).
• Forts display adaptive design, built with local materials and regional architecture.
• Recognized under UNESCO Criteria (iv) & (vi) – for architectural, military, and cultural continuity.
About UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:
• What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? A site inscribed for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in terms of cultural, natural, or mixed heritage, governed by the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
• A site inscribed for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in terms of cultural, natural, or mixed heritage, governed by the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
• India’s Global Ranking:
• India has 44 World Heritage Sites (as of July 2025). Ranks 6th globally, 2nd in Asia-Pacific, just behind China. 62 sites currently on India’s Tentative List.
• India has 44 World Heritage Sites (as of July 2025).
• Ranks 6th globally, 2nd in Asia-Pacific, just behind China.
• 62 sites currently on India’s Tentative List.
• Governing Agencies:
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency for heritage management and proposals. India is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency for heritage management and proposals.
• India is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).