In a noteworthy initiative, India has put forth the ‘Maratha Military Landscape’ for consideration in the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2024-25. India nominates 12 forts of Marathas for UNESCO Heritage List. This includes twelve remarkable forts in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu, all of which are emblematic of the Maratha rulers’ exceptional military architecture. The Indian Ministry of Culture made this significant announcement on January 29, 2024, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding and globally promoting India’s abundant historical treasures.
Forts: A Testament to Maratha Ingenuity
The nominated forts, including hill forts like Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee, a hill-forest fort Pratapgad, a hill-plateau fort Panhala, a coastal fort Vijaydurg, and island forts Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg, are a testament to the Marathas’ innovative approach to military architecture. Each fort, unique in its design and purpose, is a result of integrating the distinctive landscape, terrain, and physiographic characteristics of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, the Deccan Plateau, and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula.
The birth of the Maratha Military ideology can be traced back to the 17th Century, during the reign of the esteemed Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, around 1670 CE. This powerful ideology continued to guide subsequent rulers, enduring until the end of the Peshwa rule in 1818 CE.
Salher Fort: Nestled in the Sahyadri mountains, Salher Fort stands tall as a testament to the Maratha Empire’s strength, known for the significant Maratha victory at the Battle of Salher.
Shivneri Fort: This ancient military fortification, located near Junnar in the Pune district, is the birthplace of the revered Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Lohgad: Known for its strategic location and historical significance, Lohgad is a hill fort that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Khanderi Fort: Constructed in the 16th century, Khanderi Fort served as a strategic stronghold for the Maratha Empire, majestically located off the coast of Alibaug.
Raigad: Once known as “Rairi Fort,” Raigad was the proud capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Rajgad: As the first capital of the Maratha Empire, Rajgad Fort is renowned for its extensive fortifications and historical significance.
Pratapgad: This hill fort in Maharashtra played a pivotal role in the Battle of Pratapgad, marking a turning point for the Maratha Empire.
Suvarnadurg: An island fort in the Arabian Sea, Suvarnadurg was a strategic naval fort under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Panhala Fort: A majestic hill fort in Kolhapur, Panhala Fort stands on the edge of the Sahyadri mountain range, boasting a rich history spanning over eight centuries.
Vijaydurg: Built in the 12th century in Sindhudurg District, Vijaydurg Fort was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century.
Sindhudurg: A sea fort in Maharashtra, Sindhudurg was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is admired for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Gingee Fort: Known as the “Troy of the East” by the British, Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is one of the surviving forts in the state, standing as a symbol of resilience.
Guardians of the Forts
Out of more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, twelve have been chosen for this nomination. Eight of these, including Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort, are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The remaining four – Salher Fort, Rajgad, Khanderi Fort, and Pratapgarh – are under the protection of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra.
Impact of the Nomination
The nomination of the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ is based on its exceptional representation of a cultural tradition or civilization, serving as a remarkable example of a specific type of architecture, technology, or landscape that reflects a significant period in human history. It is directly linked to events, living traditions, ideas, beliefs, and artistic and literary works of universal significance. This nomination, if successful, will add to the existing 42 World Heritage sites in the country, including six in Maharashtra.
