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Maratha military forts make it to UNESCO heritage list
The landscapes include 12 forts built by the Maratha empire.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Sat, 12, Jul 2025
- 01:28 EDT
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(from left) Salher fort, Lohagad fort, Rajgad fort, Pratapgad fort, Panhala fort, Sindhudurg fort / UNESCO website
UNESCO added the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List on June 11, 2025. The landscapes comprise 12 forts demonstrating the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire.
The entry became India's 44th feature on the list. This global accolade celebrates India’s enduring cultural legacy, showcasing its diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity.
BREAKING!
— UNESCO ️ #Education #Sciences #Culture (@UNESCO) July 11, 2025
New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India .
️ https://t.co/seTyyVu3sT #47WHC pic.twitter.com/mEpa6RWLRx
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is a set of 12 forts built by the erstwhile kingdom. The 12 forts, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions in present-day Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu states of India, showcase the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rule. These components include Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohagad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi took to X in celebration of the decision and said, "Every Indian is elated with this recognition."
He also added, "I call upon everyone to go visit these forts and learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire."
Every Indian is elated with this recognition.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2025
These ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ include 12 majestic forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and 1 is in Tamil Nadu.
When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural… https://t.co/J7LEiOAZqy
At the Committee Meeting, 18 of the 20 State Parties endorsed India’s proposal to add the Maratha site on the list. The proposal was discussed for 59 minutes, and received favorable recommendations from 18 State Parties. All member states, UNESCO, the World Heritage Centre, and UNESCO’s Advisory Bodies (ICOMOS, IUCN) commended India’s delegation for this achievement.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the announcement as a "Historic! Proud! & Glorious moment!" and said, "Maharashtra Govt offers Salutations to our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!," on X.
Historic! Proud! & Glorious moment!
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 11, 2025
Maharashtra Govt offers Salutations to our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!!
Heartiest congratulations to all the citizens and ShivBhakts of Maharashtra...
12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj listed on UNESCO World Heritage List!
I… pic.twitter.com/dMYPQxIJSo
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