Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the addition of the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ to the UNESCO World Heritage List, celebrating it as India’s 44th site to earn the global honour.
India is currently serving on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2021–25 term.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Every Indian is elated with this recognition. These ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ include 12 majestic forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and 1 is in Tamil Nadu.”
Emphasising the legacy of the Maratha Empire, he added, “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.”
The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens to visit the forts and engage with the Maratha Empire’s rich history.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the development as a proud moment for both the state and the nation, thanking Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his support.
Taking to X, he posted, “Indeed, it’s an amazing moment for Maharashtra and India! Thank you Sir for all your efforts and support to make this possible!”
The World Heritage Committee designated the site during its 47th session in Paris, France.
The recognition, however, highlights India’s diverse and vibrant cultural legacy.
The 12 forts inscribed span across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These include:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects Shivneri, Suvarnadurg, Lohgad, Raigad, Sindhudurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Gingee Fort, while Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums maintains Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad.
UNESCO included the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ under criteria (iv) and (vi), recognising their reflection of significant cultural traditions and connection to notable historical events.
Meanwhile, these forts showcase the architectural and military ingenuity of the Marathas and highlight their governance systems, making them sites of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), a core standard for World Heritage status.
Their inclusion, however, affirms the global importance of preserving shared cultural legacies, celebrated today by 196 countries.
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