In a proud moment for India, the "Maratha Military Landscapes", a network of 12 strategically built forts, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It becomes the country’s 44th site to receive this global recognition. Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, these forts reflect the Maratha empire’s architectural mastery under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The list includes iconic sites like, Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Despite initial opposition from ICOMOS, India’s case won strong support at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, led by ambassador Vishal V Sharma.

The recognition honours not just the Maratha strategic acumen, but also their vision of "Swarajya", a philosophy of self-rule that later inspired India’s independence movement. The Prime Minister of India, Culture Minister, and other leaders from Maharashtra hailed the achievement, calling it a celebration of India’s cultural legacy.

The inscription is also a diplomatic triumph, as member countries like Greece and Mexico championed India’s cause. Conservation efforts will now be key, with a maintenance report due by December 2026.

With inputs from PIB