Described as ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’, the newly recognised World Heritage Sites include the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievement stating, “Every Indian is elated with this recognition.” He noted that the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ embody “extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers,” and that these 12 majestic forts represent India’s 44th inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
प्रत्येक भारतीय या सन्मानाने आनंदित झाला आहे.
या ‘मराठा मिलिटरी लँडस्केप्स’ मध्ये 12 भव्य किल्ल्यांचा समावेष असून, ज्यापैकी 11 महाराष्ट्रात तर १ तामिळनाडू मध्ये आहे.जेव्हा आपण गौरवशाली मराठा साम्राज्याबद्दल बोलतो, तेव्हा आपण त्याचा संबंध सुशासन, लष्करी ताकद, सांस्कृतिक अभिमान… https://t.co/J7LEiOAZqy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2025
“When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride and emphasis on social welfare. The great rulers inspire us with their refusal to bow to any injustice,” Modi wrote on X. He encouraged citizens to visit the sites and delve into the rich history of the Maratha Empire.
India’s Ministry of Culture described the inclusion as a testament to the country’s enduring heritage and architectural brilliance, affirming the forts’ place in the global spotlight.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, hailed the decision as a “proud and glorious moment” for the state. Taking to social media platform X, he stated, “Maharashtra Govt offers Salutations to our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!! Heartiest congratulations to all the citizens and ShivBhakts of Maharashtra.”
Also read | A look at some of grandest forts of the mighty Maratha king
He added: “I am extremely happy to share that 12 forts of our greatest King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.” Fadnavis underscored the historical importance of the forts, saying Shivaji Maharaj built them for “Swarajya” – a sovereign state.
Fadnavis also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the successful nomination. “First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The support he gave and the active participation of the Central Government were of great value,” he said.
He credited several individuals and bodies for their contributions, including the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of Culture, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Minister Ashish Shelar, who met the Director General of UNESCO and gave a technical presentation.
Others present during the process included Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, India’s Ambassador to UNESCO Vishal Sharma, and Hemant Dalvi from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called the development one of “immense historical and cultural significance”, noting that the recognition would provide global visibility to the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha warriors. “These forts… bear witness to the valour, sacrifice and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha warriors,” he said.
Pawar also lauded the Department of Cultural Affairs for their detailed preparation of the nomination and urged the public to commit to the protection and conservation of all forts across the state.
Also read | Railways to launch heritage train tour tracing life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The decision was also warmly welcomed by Maharashtra’s mountaineering community. The Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), a leading body of mountaineers and heritage enthusiasts, said the listing would significantly aid in the conservation of the forts.
“The most important aspect of the inclusion in the list is that now the (UNESCO-prescribed) rules which govern the upkeep of such sites will apply to these forts. It will help in conservation efforts,” said Hrishikesh Yadav, executive president of AMGM.
Yadav noted that the organisation had presented scale models of the forts to the heritage panel to showcase their strategic design, architectural distinctiveness, and the rugged terrain they occupy — all crucial aspects of Shivaji Maharaj’s guerilla warfare tactics.
Estimates suggest Maharashtra is home to more than 350 forts, and 11 of the most iconic ones, including Raigad — Shivaji’s capital in north Konkan — are now part of the global heritage list.
(With inputs from PTI)
