MARATHA MILITARY LANDSCAPES OF INDIA INSCRIBED AS INDIA’S 44TH UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

ANALYSIS

1. Context and Background

• Inscribed at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris.
• India’s nomination for the 2024–25 cycle successfully included.
• Becomes India’s 44th World Heritage Property.
• Recognized as a major milestone in showcasing India’s cultural and military heritage globally.

2. Historical Span

• Covers the period from the 17th to 19th centuries CE.
• Represents the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire.

3. Geographical Spread

The network consists of 12 forts across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu:Maharashtra

• Salher
• Shivneri
• Lohgad
• Khanderi
• Raigad
• Rajgad
• Pratapgad
• Suvarnadurg
• Panhala
• Vijaydurg
• Sindhudurg

Tamil Nadu

• Gingee Fort

4. Classification Based on 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

These forts demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of geography and strategic defence planning.

5. Protection and Management

Protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• Shivneri
• Lohgad
• Raigad
• Suvarnadurg
• Panhala
• Vijaydurg
• Sindhudurg
• Gingee

Protected by Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra:

• Salher
• Rajgad
• Khanderi
• Pratapgad

6. Inscription Process

• Proposal submitted in January 2024.
• Underwent an 18-month evaluation process.
• Included technical consultations and ICOMOS mission visit.
• 18 out of 20 State Parties supported the proposal.
• Inscribed under Criteria (iv) and (vi).

7. UNESCO Criteria Explained

• Criterion (iv): Outstanding example of architectural or technological ensemble illustrating significant stages in human history.
• Criterion (vi): Direct association with events or living traditions of outstanding universal significance.

8. Significance for India

• Strengthens India’s position as:
  • 6th globally in number of World Heritage Sites.
  • 2nd in Asia-Pacific region.
• India is a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).
• India has 62 sites in the Tentative List.
• Each State Party can nominate only one site per year.
• ASI is the nodal agency for World Heritage matters in India. [ Very Imp Line for UPSC & BPSC ]

9. Related Development

• In the 46th Session held in New Delhi, Moidams of Charaideo, Assam were inscribed. [ Very IMP line for UPSC , BPSC & UPPSC ] 

STATIC PART (FOR UPSC PREPARATION)

UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 1972

• Aims to protect Cultural, Natural and Mixed Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
• 196 countries have ratified the Convention.
• Inclusion requires prior entry in the Tentative List.

Advisory Bodies of UNESCO

• ICOMOS – Evaluates cultural properties.
• IUCN – Evaluates natural properties.

Updated - 11 Jul 2025 ; 10:38 PM | PIB

News Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB Delhi)