Maratha Military Landscapes of India Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List

India’s official nomination for 2024-25, the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India,’ has been successfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This landmark achievement makes it India’s 44th property to receive this prestigious recognition.

Key Highlights of the Inscription:

• Historic Decision: The decision was made at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on July 11, 2025.
• International Support: The proposal garnered significant international support, with 18 out of 20 State Parties supporting India’s nomination during the Committee Meeting.
• Scope of the Landscapes: The inscription covers a network of 12 forts dating from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, showcasing the Maratha Empire’s strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity.
• Locations: The selected forts are primarily located across Maharashtra (Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg) and include Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
• Protection Status: These forts are protected by various agencies, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
• Fort Classification: The forts are categorized by their geographical features, encompassing hill forts, hill-forest forts, hill-plateau forts, coastal forts, and island forts.
• Nomination Criteria: The Maratha Military Landscape of India was nominated under UNESCO’s criteria (iv) and (vi), acknowledging their cultural, architectural, technological, and historical significance.

India’s World Heritage Standing:

• With this new inscription, India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia Pacific Region for the highest number of World Heritage Sites.
• India also has 62 sites on its Tentative List, indicating potential future nominations.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) serves as the nodal agency for all World Heritage-related matters in India.
• Previous Inscription: The Moidams of Charaideo, Assam, were the last Indian property to be inscribed at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee.

(Source: PIB)