Shivaji’s Forts (Maratha Military Landscape of India)

Source: IT

Context: A high-level delegation led by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs is in Paris to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 forts under ‘Maratha Military Landscape of India’.

About Shivaji’s Forts (Maratha Military Landscape of India):

• What is it?

• The Maratha Military Landscape refers to fortifications and strategic defense systems built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later Maratha rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries. These forts showcase advanced military architecture, strategic positioning, and adaptation to diverse terrains across India.

• These forts showcase advanced military architecture, strategic positioning, and adaptation to diverse terrains across India.

• Time Period:

• Began in the 1670s under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Continued through subsequent Maratha rulers and Peshwa rule till 1818 CE.

• Began in the 1670s under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

• Continued through subsequent Maratha rulers and Peshwa rule till 1818 CE.

• 12 Forts Nominated for UNESCO Status: Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi, and Gingee (Tamil Nadu).

• Unique Features of These Forts: Diverse Typology:

• Diverse Typology:

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

• Hill Forts: Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, Salher, Gingee.

• Hill-Forest Fort: Pratapgad.

• Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala.

• Coastal Fort: Vijaydurg.

• Island Forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg.

• Integration with Terrain: Built across the Sahyadri Mountains, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats.

• Military Innovations: Included multi-tiered defenses, secret escape routes, and rainwater harvesting systems.

• Symbol of Maratha Power: Represented Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare tactics and administrative strength.

• UNESCO Sites in Maharashtra

• Ajanta Caves (1983) – Cultural

• Ellora Caves (1983) – Cultural

• Elephanta Caves (1987) – Cultural

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (2004) – Cultural

• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) – Cultural

• Western Ghats (2012) – Natural

• The Maratha Military Landscape nomination, which was included in UNESCO’s Tentative List in 2021, is the sixth cultural heritage site proposed from Maharashtra.