‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ Inscribed as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site

Date of Inscription: 15 July 2025
Session: 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee
Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris

📰 Why in News?

At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), UNESCO inscribed ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ as a World Heritage Site under the 2024–25 nomination cycle, making it India’s 44th World Heritage Site. This follows the 2024 inscription of the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam.

🏰 About the Maratha Military Landscape

• The property comprises 12 major fortifications constructed or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries.

• These forts are spread across coastal, hill, plateau, forest, and island terrains, showcasing diverse military architecture adapted to various geographical conditions.

• The forts represent the Marathas’ military, political, and architectural legacy, highlighting their ability to establish control over trade routes, defend territories, and innovate fort design based on topography.

🗺️ List of the 12 Forts

📍 Maharashtra

1. Salher – Hill Fort

2. Shivneri – Hill Fort

3. Lohgad – Hill Fort

4. Raigad – Hill Fort

5. Rajgad – Hill Fort

6. Pratapgad – Hill-Forest Fort

7. Panhala – Hill-Plateau Fort

8. Vijaydurg – Coastal Fort

9. Khanderi – Island Fort

10. Suvarnadurg – Island Fort

11. Sindhudurg – Island Fort

📍 Tamil Nadu

12. Gingee Fort – Hill Fort

🛡️ Protection Status

• 8 forts (Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Gingee) are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

• 4 forts (Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, Pratapgad) are under the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.

🏆 UNESCO World Heritage Site Criteria

• The site was inscribed under Criteria (iv) and (vi):

  • (iv): An outstanding example of a type of building or architectural ensemble.

  • (vi): Directly associated with traditions, ideas, beliefs, or historical events of universal significance.

• These criteria recognize the technological, architectural, and cultural significance of the Maratha fortifications, and their link to historic events that shaped Indian history.

🌍 UNESCO World Heritage Selection Process: Key Facts

• Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is essential for inscription.

• Sites must meet at least one of ten selection criteria (six cultural, four natural – now unified since 2005).

• Each year, countries (States Parties) can nominate only one site from their Tentative List.

• India joined the World Heritage Convention in 1977 and currently has:

  • 44 Inscribed Sites

  • 62 Sites on the Tentative List

  • Ranks 6th globally and 2nd in Asia-Pacific for the highest number of World Heritage Sites.

• Evaluation is carried out by advisory bodies like:

  • ICOMOS – International Council on Monuments and Sites (cultural properties)

  • IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature (natural properties)

  • ICCROM – Provides expert conservation advice and training

• India is currently a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).

🧾 Quick Facts for Prelims