In a proud moment for the nation, the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ have been added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. This announcement was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee as part of India's official nomination for the 2024–25 cycle. The declaration reflects a deep international appreciation for India’s rich historical architecture and military history.

With this inclusion, India now boasts 44 World Heritage properties, placing the Maratha military forts among the most significant heritage sites globally. This recognition not only highlights the architectural strength of these forts but also celebrates the Maratha Empire's legacy, regional identity, and the continuity of Indian culture through centuries.

The decision was met with overwhelming support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis all congratulated the people of India and lauded the incredible honour. Their messages acknowledged the resilience, intelligence, and historical significance of these ancient structures.

Out of the 390 forts located in Maharashtra, only 12 were chosen to represent the Maratha Military Landscapes. These 12 forts were considered exemplary in showcasing Maratha strategic thinking and construction excellence. The selection process saw detailed discussions and scrutiny during the committee meeting held in Paris, France, where 18 out of 20 State Parties stood in favour of India’s proposal. The conversation on the matter lasted 59 minutes, showing the depth of evaluation and interest the nomination sparked among the international delegates.

Following the widespread support, UNESCO, the World Heritage Centre, and the advisory bodies (ICOMOS, IUCN) expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the Indian team. The proposal had originally been sent for consideration in January 2024. Over the next eighteen months, it underwent a thorough review that included technical meetings and a site visit by the ICOMOS mission. These assessments helped confirm the site's eligibility. The final decision, celebrated on this historic evening at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, marks a glorious chapter in India’s efforts to preserve and project its invaluable heritage to the world.

Legacy of the Forts: Symbols of Strength, Strategy, and Spirit

The origin of the Maratha military ideology dates back to the 17th century, under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, specifically from 1670 CE. This martial legacy continued under various Maratha rulers and ultimately concluded with the end of the Peshwa rule in 1818 CE. These forts were far more than mere defensive structures; they were expressions of courage, tactical brilliance, and the strategic wisdom of a people deeply connected to their land.

Positioned across a variety of terrains—mountains, forests, plateaus, and coastlines—these forts were carefully crafted to resist invasions. Their architecture embodies a remarkable military genius, combining natural defense mechanisms with built structures. Today, these feats of engineering are no longer just local treasures; they have gained global recognition.

Spanning the 17th to 19th centuries CE, the twelve selected forts exemplify the Maratha Empire’s military strategy and architectural creativity. These forts are spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, and include:

• Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra

• Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu

These historic sites fall under the protection of different authorities. Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort are safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Meanwhile, Rajgad, Khanderi Fort, and Pratapgad are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.

Each fort’s unique geographical setting also determines its type:

• Hill forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee

• Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad

• Hill-plateau fort: Panhala

• Coastal fort: Vijaydurg

• Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg

These distinctions show the Maratha rulers’ deep understanding of terrain and defense. From strategically located hilltop outposts to heavily fortified island citadels, the layout of these forts is a lesson in how geography can be used to reinforce military strength. Together, they create a unified and intelligent military landscape, displaying regional adaptation and architectural innovation that are now etched into world history.

Global Recognition of Maratha Forts: From Tentative to Timeless

The recent inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes in the UNESCO World Heritage list is not just an achievement rooted in historical pride—it is also the result of strong administrative action and persistent efforts. The journey to this recognition had its share of challenges. Back in 2021, during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, the same proposal to get these forts included as permanent UNESCO World Heritage sites was rejected, and the forts were only added to the tentative list.

This setback occurred because ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), which is responsible for evaluating nominations on UNESCO’s behalf, had flagged a critical issue. It reported that the proposal lacked “concrete and credible evidence of how the military defense system of the 12 forts functioned in an integrated manner.” This evaluation made it clear that more detailed research and historical substantiation were needed.

That missing link has now been addressed with a stronger and revised submission. The new documentation provided a thorough explanation of the forts' strategic coordination and operational unity, resulting in their full recognition by UNESCO.

A collaborative effort was behind this success. The Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the concerned departments of the Maharashtra government came together to draft detailed reports, bringing global attention to the historical and cultural importance of the Maratha forts.

Interestingly, it was not a new idea. The first official initiative to seek this international honour was taken back in 2015 by Devendra Fadnavis, during his first term as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. That effort laid the foundation for what has now become a global success.

At the same time, regional politics have added another dimension to the narrative. “On the one hand, some regional parties are accusing the current state government of compromising Marathi identity, especially due to the promotion of Hindi in primary education. But the truth remains that it is the BJP government that has actively worked to preserve and globalize Marathi heritage.” This political debate continues, but the global recognition stands as undeniable proof of action over rhetoric.

The sentiment is powerfully captured in the statement: “Preserving history is not just about remembering the past — it is about giving future generations a sense of identity. And now, that identity has received a new honor on the global stage.” The recognition of these forts has provided a much-needed sense of pride and continuity to generations that are rediscovering their roots in an increasingly globalized world.

UNESCO Status and Global Standing: A Historic Step for Bharat

The Maratha Military Landscapes were selected for inclusion based on UNESCO’s criteria (iv) and (vi). These criteria acknowledge not only architectural and technological excellence but also the cultural and symbolic role such structures have played in important historical events and traditions. Under these categories, the forts have been recognized as outstanding representations of a living cultural tradition, a rare honour granted to only the most impactful heritage sites globally.

UNESCO’s mission is to protect and promote such Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs) found across its 196 member countries. Sites like the Maratha forts are chosen not just for their national importance but for the way they resonate across cultures and histories.

India, which is currently a member of the World Heritage Committee for the 2021–25 term, has taken this role seriously. The country has consistently pushed forward its rich legacy and historical depth on the global platform. This particular recognition is yet another example of New India’s commitment to elevating Bharat’s global cultural standing. It also reflects the devoted efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Maharashtra government in researching, preserving, and advocating for these treasures.

In 2023, the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam were also added to the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 46th session of the committee, which took place in New Delhi. With each successful addition, India continues to rise in global rankings.

India now proudly holds the 6th position in the world and stands 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Convention of 1972, which laid down the framework for such recognitions, has been ratified by 196 nations. For a site to receive final inclusion, it must first be part of the Tentative List, and India currently has 62 such sites awaiting consideration.

As per UNESCO norms, each country is allowed to nominate only one site per year, making the selection process extremely competitive. In India, the responsibility for overseeing and coordinating these efforts lies with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which acts as the central authority on all matters related to World Heritage under the Government of India.