Why In The News?

• India has nominated the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024-25. The sites showcase the strategic military capabilities of the Maratha empire between the 17th and 19th centuries.

About Maratha Military Landscapes of India:

=> Out of over 390 forts in Maharashtra, only 12 representative forts have been chosen as part of the nomination for Maratha Military Landscapes of India World Heritage site.

=> They were developed under Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj from 1670 CE, continuing through subsequent rulers until 1818.

=> Eight of these 12 forts – including major ones like Shivneri, Raigad, Panhala and Sindhudurg – are protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

=> The other four forts of Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi and Pratapgarh are conserved by the Maharashtra government’s directorate of archaeology and museums.

=> The selected 12 forts showcase the diverse nature of Maratha military architecture across landscapes – with hill forts, coastal forts, plateau forts, hill-forest forts and island forts represented.

=> Specifically, Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad and Gingee are hill forts; Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort; Panhala is a fort on a hill plateau; Vijaydurg is a coastal fort; and Khanderi, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg are island forts.

Significance and Uniqueness:

=> The sites display exceptional testimony to the Maratha defense tradition and empire.

=> They illustrate a significant stage of military fortress building in Indian history.

=> The sites also directly represent the military ideas, beliefs and traditions of the Maratha empire.

=> Their natural integration with the landscape was a key strategic advantage.

Criteria for Inscription:

=> The nomination cites three criteria – exhibiting unique cultural tradition, outstanding military architectural ensembles, and direct Maratha military heritage.

=> India currently has 42 World Heritage sites.

Broader Context:

=> The Maratha empire was influential in shaping the history, culture and identity of western India.

=> Inscribing these sites can stimulate preservation efforts and cultural tourism.

=> Maharashtra already has six World Heritage sites like the Ajanta and Ellora caves.

=> The Maratha military landscapes were added to India’s tentative list in 2021.

=> Their inscription as the state’s sixth cultural site reinforces Maharashtra’s identity.