UNESCO Adds Maratha Military Forts To World Heritage List, Marking India’s 44th Site

Maratha Military Forts Named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025

New Delhi, July 12 — In a proud moment for India, the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” have officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement was made during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris. This marks India’s 44th entry on the prestigious list and shines a spotlight on the country’s rich history and architectural legacy.

The recognition honors a group of twelve forts built by the Maratha Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. These forts demonstrate the Marathas’ brilliant military strategies and unique architectural style, showcasing their deep understanding of the land and how to use it for defense.

The proposal for this recognition was submitted for the 2024–25 cycle and went through a detailed 18-month review process. It included technical assessments and a site visit by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), one of UNESCO’s advisory bodies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis all congratulated the nation, calling this a proud moment that highlights India’s cultural and historical contributions to the world.

The 12 Forts That Made History

These forts are located across the Indian states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu and are spread out over various terrains—from hills and forests to coastlines and islands. Each fort represents a different kind of military structure, depending on the natural landscape it was built in:

Hill forts: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Salher, Rajgad, Gingee
Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad
Hill-plateau fort: Panhala
Coastal fort: Vijaydurg
Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg

Out of these, eight forts—including Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee—are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The remaining four—Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad—are maintained by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.

Why They Were Selected

UNESCO recognized the forts under criteria (iv) and (vi). These focus on architectural and technological importance, as well as their link to significant historical events and traditions. Together, the forts offer a deep insight into the Maratha Empire’s clever use of geography, regional resources, and defense techniques.

The proposal was widely supported—18 out of 20 member states voted in favor. The final discussion lasted just under an hour and received strong backing from UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and advisory bodies like ICOMOS and IUCN.

Strengthening India’s Heritage Status

This latest addition follows the inscription of the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam, which were added to the World Heritage List at last year’s session in New Delhi. With this recognition, India now ranks sixth in the world and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites.

India is also an active member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025) and continues to promote its cultural and natural treasures through the work of the ASI, which manages all World Heritage matters in the country. Currently, India has 62 sites on its Tentative List—these are potential candidates for future UNESCO recognition.

This global honor is not just a celebration of the Maratha Empire’s military and architectural excellence, but also a tribute to India’s long-standing and diverse cultural history.

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