‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ get Unesco tag; 44th honour for India; forts highlight strategic strength

NEW DELHI: The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ have been added to the Unesco World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th site to receive the global recognition. The announcement was made on Friday during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. The entry, nominated for the 2024–25 cycle, highlights the military planning and fort architecture developed by the Maratha rulers between the 17th and 19th centuries. The 12 forts span across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, showing the regional spread and strategic depth of the Maratha military system. The listed sites include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg forts in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the decision and congratulated citizens on the achievement. With this addition, India now has 44 world heritage sites recognised for their cultural, historical, or natural significance.