India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site: A Historic Achievement

India’s Maratha Military Landscapes were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris. This is a historic achievement for India, marking the inclusion of its 44th UNESCO World Heritage Property.

The decision was taken on July 11, 2025, with 18 of 20 committee members supporting India’s nomination. This milestone has globally recognized India’s cultural heritage and highlighted the extraordinary significance of Maratha military architecture.

Understanding the Maratha Military Landscapes

The Maratha Military Landscapes include 12 major forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries, showcasing the military vision and architectural excellence of the Maratha Empire. These forts are situated across various geographical regions and functioned as part of an integrated defense system.

List of 12 UNESCO-Recognized Forts

11 Forts in Maharashtra:

Salher Fort (1671) – Hill fort in Nashik district

Shivneri Fort (1595) – Hill fort in Pune district (Birthplace of Shivaji)

Lohgad Fort (1648) – Hill fort in Pune district

Khanderi Fort (1679) – Island fort in Raigad district

Raigad Fort (1674) – Hill fort in Raigad district (Capital of Maratha Empire)

Rajgad Fort (1647) – Hill fort in Pune district

Pratapgad Fort (1656) – Hill-forest fort in Satara district

Suvarnadurg Fort (1696) – Island fort in Ratnagiri district

Panhala Fort (1659) – Plateau hill fort in Kolhapur district

Vijaydurg Fort (1653) – Coastal fort in Sindhudurg district

Sindhudurg Fort (1664) – Island fort in Sindhudurg district

1 Fort in Tamil Nadu:

Gingee Fort (1677) – Hill fort in Villupuram district

These forts span geographical regions like the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Konkan coast, Deccan plateau, and Eastern Ghats, representing the strategic military capability of the Maratha Empire.

Architectural and Strategic Significance

The Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed under UNESCO criteria (iv) and (vi), acknowledging them as testimony to a living cultural tradition and their association with historically significant events. The forts belong to distinct types:

Hill forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee

Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad

Plateau hill fort: Panhala

Coastal fort: Vijaydurg

Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg

Their Outstanding Universal Value lies in the way they demonstrate the Marathas’ ability to develop a sophisticated defense mechanism through challenging terrain, which helped them assert territorial control across a large part of India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Architect of the Maratha Empire

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) was one of India’s greatest military strategists. Born in the Shivneri Fort (now a UNESCO site), he carved out an independent Maratha state from fragmented Deccan kingdoms during the 17th century.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Born to Shahaji Bhonsle and Jijabai, Shivaji grew up with an intrinsic understanding of the strategic value of terrain and forts. At just 16 years old, he began his military career by capturing Torna Fort in 1646.

The Art of Guerrilla Warfare

Shivaji’s forces faced constraints:

Fewer troops and cavalry than the powerful Mughal and Sultanate armies

Dependence on European supplies like muskets and gunpowder

Dense and rugged mountainous terrain

In response, Shivaji developed the unique tactic of guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava):

Small, fast-moving, heavily armed units would ambush enemies and retreat

Perfect use of terrain for cover and concealment

Raiding enemy supply lines and isolating key resources

Extensive spy networks to gather intelligence

Strategic Value of Hill Forts

The geographical setting of the Maratha region — bounded by the Arabian Sea, Konkan plains, and Western Ghats — made large-scale conventional warfare difficult. Shivaji turned this to his advantage.

Benefits of Hill Fort Strategy

Superior defense with steep, narrow approaches

Acted as watchtowers or natural surveillance points

Self-sustaining infrastructure: granaries, armories, and reservoirs

Psychological deterrent: their formidable look demoralized enemies

Prominent forts won by Shivaji:

Torna Fort (1646) – First conquest at age 16

Rajgad Fort (1647) – Served as capital for 26 years

Pratapgad Fort (1656) – Famous for Afzal Khan’s defeat

Sinhagad Fort (1670) – Recaptured in a night raid led by Tanaji Malusare

Major Battles and Military Campaigns

Shivaji’s Famous Escape from Agra (1666)

Shivaji met Aurangzeb in Agra, felt insulted, and was placed under house arrest. He executed a daring escape by:

Pretending to be ill and distributing alms to Brahmins

Sending out large covered baskets daily from his house

Over time, guards stopped checking them

One day, Shivaji and his son Sambhaji hid in the baskets and left unnoticed

This story symbolized Shivaji’s unmatched intellect and daring leadership.

Shivaji’s Coronation and Administrative Reforms

Coronation in 1674

On June 6, 1674, Shivaji was anointed as Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort, signifying the foundation of Hindavi Swarajya — Hindu self-rule. It:

Legitimized Maratha power

Challenged Mughal dominance

Revived Hindu pride and civil governance

Key Administrative Reforms

Revenue: Ended Jagirdari; peasants paid revenue directly to the state through the Ryotwari system

Introduced land measurement and productivity-based assessment

Limited taxation to 40% of produce, abolished illegal levies

Military: Transitioned to a paid standing army

Encouraged infantry warfare over large cavalry

Introduced merit-based promotions

Strengthened Maratha navy

Anglo-Maratha Wars and Imperial Decline

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)

Cause: Dispute over Peshwa succession

Ended with Treaty of Salbai (1782)

Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)

Triggered by Treaty of Bassein (1802)

Ended with Treaty of Deogaon and reduced Maratha control

Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1819)

Final blow to Maratha sovereignty

Ended with Treaties of Poona, Gwalior, and Mandasor

Maratha Empire dissolved, paving the way for British Raj

Cultural Significance and UNESCO Recognition

Recognizing the Maratha Military Landscapes as a World Heritage Site celebrates:

Guerrilla military innovation

Preservation of regional and Hindu sovereignty

Architectural brilliance amidst challenging terrains

Symbolism of resistance to foreign powers

They were inscribed under Criteria (iv): architectural significance, and (vi): association with historical legends and leadership.

Conservation and Protection

Protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Gingee

Protected by Directorate of Archaeology & Museums, Maharashtra:

Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, Pratapgad

Ensures long-term safeguarding of these monuments.

Why this matters for your exam preparation

UPSC Prelims

Newly inscribed UNESCO sites (India now has 44)

Fort classification and architecture

Maratha Empire and guerrilla tactics

Key battles, treaties, and dates

UPSC Mains

GS Paper 1 – Regional empires, cultural heritage

GS Paper 2 – Governance, decentralized administration

GS Paper 3 – Heritage conservation as strategy

Essay topics:

“Cultural Identity in Indian Politics”

“Guerrilla Warfare: From Shivaji to Modern Times”

“India’s Heritage Diplomacy: The Role of UNESCO”

State PCS / Other Exams

Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu culture and history

Conservation policies and tourism potential

Regional governance and Shivaji’s administration

✔️ Key Takeaways:

12 forts from Shivneri to Gingee now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2025)

Showcases Shivaji’s military genius, guerrilla tactics, and legacy

First recognition of fort-based defense systems as an integrated network

Directly relevant to history, polity, culture, and current affairs

Symbolizes India’s cultural soft power on the global stage

To explore other UPSC-relevant current affairs, read:

Study smart with Atharva Examwise – your trusted partner in UPSC success!