From Raigad to Gingee: The 12 Maratha Forts that won UNESCO recognition

UNESCO officially inscribed the Maratha Military Landscapes of India on its prestigious World Heritage List. This milestone celebrates not just forts, but a legendary legacy of strategy, strength, and sovereignty. Unlike typical single-site listings, it's a serial nomination, which includes a curated collection of 12 formidable forts built by the Marathas between the 17th and 19th centuries. Eleven are spread across Maharashtra, whereas Gingee Fort stands tall in Tamil Nadu. Together, they showcase the vast territorial span, architectural brilliance, and strategic mastery that defined the Maratha Empire.
With this inclusion, India’s total count of UNESCO World Heritage sites now stands at 44, spanning cultural, historical, and natural wonders.
Maratha forts were not just military strongholds. They served as the dynamic hubs of governance, defense, and ingenuity. Built to blend seamlessly with the subcontinent’s varied landscapes, such as coastlines, hills, islands, or dense forests, these structures were as strategic as they were awe-inspiring. Each fort stood as a testament to Maratha adaptability, resilience, and vision.
So, here's a closer look at the 12 forts now etched into world heritage:

Perched high in the Sahyadri ranges, this fort serves as a reminder of the epic Battle of Salher where the Marathas triumphed over the Mughals. Its elevation offers strategic views and historic echoes. It’s also a popular trekking destination for those seeking a brush with history and altitude.

Tucked near Junnar, Shivneri Fort holds a special place in history as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its solid bastions and well-planned water reservoirs hint at the early roots of Maratha military strategy. Reaching the fort means climbing a winding path lined with ancient guard towers—each step steeped in legacy. At its heart lies the temple of Shivai Devi, the goddess who inspired Shivaji’s name and spirit.

Located near Pune, Lohagad is a favorite among trekkers today, but it once guarded trade routes through the Western Ghats with its imposing gates and iron-clad history.
Its famous "Vinchu Kata" (scorpion tail) structure adds to its defensive advantage. The fort’s robust walls and commanding height allowed control over the nearby Bhaja and Karla caves.

An island fort in the Arabian Sea, Khanderi (along with its twin, Underi) played a key role in Maratha naval defense. Its lighthouse still operates today, guiding ships along the busy Mumbai coastline. The fort's design included underground freshwater reservoirs to support soldiers stationed offshore.

Once the capital of Shivaji Maharaj’s empire, Raigad is where the king was crowned. Accessible only by steep pathways and a ropeway today, it remains a symbol of Maratha resilience. The fort houses Shivaji’s samadhi (memorial) and the ruins of his royal palace. Its strategic location allowed 360-degree views of enemy movement in the Sahyadris.

Spread across the misty slopes of the Sahyadris, Rajgad was Shivaji’s very first capital—and it’s easy to see why. Its triple-layered defense system made it a nightmare for enemies and a dream for strategists. At its peak sits Balekilla, the citadel, perched so high and secure it was nearly untouchable. Beyond its military might, Rajgad also treated its defenders to sweeping views and served as the command center for several of Shivaji’s boldest campaigns.

This fort saw the dramatic face-off between Shivaji and Afzal Khan in 1659. Surrounded by dense forests, Pratapgad stands as a symbol of tactical brilliance. A towering statue of Shivaji now greets visitors at the top. The fort’s clever design allowed defenders to ambush enemies on narrow approach paths.

Off the Konkan coast, this island fort showcases the naval engineering of the Marathas. It was part of the coastal defense ring designed to control maritime routes. Built with black basalt rock, it was nearly impossible to breach during high tides. The surrounding reef added a natural layer of protection against invaders.

One of the grandest forts in the Deccan, Panhala was a key player in the power struggles of its time, especially during the reigns of Shivaji and the formidable Queen Tarabai. Spread across a vast area, the fort boasts an urban-style layout, more like a fortified city than a simple stronghold. Features like the Andhar Bavdi (a secret well) and Dharma Kothi (a massive grain store) speak volumes about its self-reliant design. Over the years, it also became a safe haven during multiple sieges, standing strong through storms of history.

Strategically positioned on the Konkan coastline, Vijaydurg was called the “Eastern Gibraltar.” This coastal fortress is a masterclass in Maratha naval engineering. Its sea-facing defenses and hidden underwater trench showcase cutting-edge tactics for the time. It even had its own shipbuilding dock, where Maratha vessels were crafted. Most fascinating of all? A 200-meter-long underwater wall designed to trap unsuspecting enemy ships before they could strike.

Built by Shivaji on an island off Malvan, this fort is famous for its cleverly concealed entrance and robust design. It functioned as a maritime bastion and training ground for sailors. The fort includes a temple dedicated to Shivaji, the only one of its kind. Its thick walls and multiple bastions made it an impenetrable sea fortress.

Often dubbed the “Troy of the East,” Gingee Fort features granitic hills, citadels, and temples. Its inclusion highlights the southern extent of Maratha influence and control. It is spread across three hillocks, each with its own defensive walls and gateways. The fort changed hands many times, under Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, Marathas, Mughals, and the British.