India's Maratha Military Landscapes Added To UNESCO World Heritage List

UNESCO has added the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ to the World Heritage List, recognising an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers.

The UN body announced the inscription in a post on X. The decision was taken during the ongoing 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, being held in Paris.

“New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India,” UENSCO said.

Twelve forts across two states

The nomination for the UNESCO tag was submitted for the 2024-25 cycle. The nomination includes 12 components distributed across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

The Maharashtra components are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg and Sindhudurg. Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is the remaining component.

Indian officials had earlier said that the components, spread across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of Maratha rule.

The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ was developed between the 17th and 19th centuries. Its inscription brings the fortification network and military system associated with the Maratha rulers onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Source: The Hindu