India’s Maratha Military Landscapes Join UNESCO World Heritage List

The 'Maratha Military Landscapes', showcasing the remarkable fortifications and strategic military system developed by the Maratha rulers, was officially added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List on Friday, July 11, 2025, according to a post by the UN body on X.

Announced on Friday, July 11, 2025, via a post on X, the inclusion celebrates the sophisticated network of forts and military architecture developed by the Maratha rulers. The decision was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee currently taking place in Paris. UNESCO shared the news with the message: "New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India." The  the Ministry of Culture had nominated them for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle. 

According to an official statement from the Culture Ministry, the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' showcase an incredible fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha kings, showcasing India's diverse history. The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', which developed between 17th and 19th centuries, "represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers," the statement said.

The 12 Sites

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India comprise twelve significant forts that represent the military brilliance and strategic foresight of the Maratha Empire. Selected from over 390 forts in Maharashtra, these include Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohagad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These sites are spread across diverse geographic and physiographic zones, reflecting the Marathas' ability to adapt their fort architecture to varied terrains.

Of the twelve selected forts, eight are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India: Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee. The remaining four—Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad—are safeguarded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. Each fort demonstrates a unique typology: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are hill forts; Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort; Panhala is a hill-plateau fort; Vijaydurg is a coastal fort; and Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg are island forts.

(With inputs from various reports)