UNESCO Recognises Maratha Military Landscapes as India's 44th World Heritage Site
India has achieved another milestone in heritage preservation as UNESCO inscribed the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' on its World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. This recognition marks India's 44th globally acknowledged heritage property, celebrating the architectural brilliance and strategic military vision of the Maratha Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries.
The historic decision has been welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who described it as a proud moment for the nation. The achievement underscores the dedicated efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Maharashtra government in preserving these invaluable historic treasures.
The nomination, submitted in January 2024, underwent a rigorous eighteen-month evaluation process that included technical consultations and a comprehensive site review by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). Following a 59-minute deliberation, 18 of the 20 State Parties endorsed India's proposal, with UNESCO and its advisory bodies congratulating India on this significant achievement.
The newly inscribed sites encompass twelve remarkable forts distributed across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. In Maharashtra, the recognised forts include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg. Tamil Nadu contributes the historic Gingee Fort to this prestigious list.
These fortifications, strategically positioned across diverse terrains including hilltops, plateaus, coastal areas, and island locations, showcase the Marathas' exceptional ability to adapt military architecture to varied geographical conditions. The forts demonstrate innovative engineering solutions and strategic military planning that enabled the Maratha Empire to establish and maintain control over vast territories.
Currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra, these forts serve as living testimonies to India's rich cultural heritage. Their inclusion on the World Heritage List was based on cultural criteria recognising their exceptional testimony to living traditions, architectural and technological significance, and profound historical associations.
This recognition further strengthens India's position as a global heritage powerhouse. The country currently ranks sixth worldwide and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites. With 62 sites on the Tentative List and active membership in the World Heritage Committee (2021-25), India continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding and promoting its diverse heritage on the international stage.
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Maratha Military Landscapes of India declared world heritage site

India's 44th World Heritage Site celebrates Maratha military architecture across 12 forts

Maratha Forts Join UNESCO World Heritage List

India's 44th World Heritage Site celebrates Maratha military architecture across 12 forts

July 12, 2025 | 14:34 IST