12 ancient Maratha forts just became UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Here's what it means for culture, tourism and you
UNESCO
has officially granted World Heritage status to a unique set of 12 historic Maratha forts spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These sites, together called the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, were recognised not just for their age or architecture, but for the military ingenuity they represent.
Built or fortified between the 17th and 19th centuries, each fort reflects a different strategy — some rise from hills, others cling to cliffs, while a few sit isolated in the sea.
This inscription was approved at UNESCO's 47th World Heritage Committee session in July 2025. With it, India now holds 44 World Heritage Sites, making it the sixth most-represented country in the world. Here's what makes these forts stand out — and why this listing matters beyond just heritage circles.
12 Maratha forts now UNESCO Heritage Sites
These 12 forts weren't picked at random. They represent a strategic military network designed to defend the Maratha Empire against the Mughals, the British, and other regional powers. The geography varies — from hills and coastlines to forests and islands — but the intention was the same: control terrain, monitor movement, and stay one step ahead.
Here are the newly listed World Heritage forts:
Hill Forts: Shivneri, Salher, Lohagad,
Raigad
, Rajgad, Gingee
Hill-Forest Fort:
Pratapgad
Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala
Coastal Fort:
Vijaydurg
Island Forts:
Khanderi
, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg
Each played a specific role in warfare.
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Shivneri was Shivaji's birthplace. Raigad was his capital. Pratapgad saw a defining battle in 1659. Suvarnadurg helped build one of India's first naval defences. It's not just stone and mortar. Its strategy is etched into geography.
Why UNESCO selected these forts
UNESCO doesn't just list sites because they're old or beautiful. There are clear criteria. In this case, the Maratha forts earned recognition for their innovative adaptation to terrain and integrated military planning.
Shivaji and later Maratha commanders didn't build massive walled cities. Instead, they developed flexible, rugged defences that used nature to their advantage. Hill forts like Rajgad made invasions slow and painful. Sea forts like Sindhudurg could only be approached at low tide. Some forts had multiple layers of walls, others had escape tunnels or rainwater storage.
In short, these weren't castles — they were machines for war.
And UNESCO acknowledged that this scattered system, when viewed as one network, was a rare example of military landscape design.
India's place in the world: 44 World Heritage Sites and counting
With this addition, India now has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — including cultural, natural, and mixed categories. This puts India in sixth place globally, behind countries like Italy and China, and second in the Asia-Pacific region.
The recognition came after years of work by India's Archaeological Survey (ASI), the Ministry of Culture, and state governments.
The nomination began in 2021, was accepted into UNESCO's Tentative List, and finally approved in July 2025 in Paris.
Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, the only fort outside Maharashtra in this list, reinforces the pan-Indian reach of Maratha influence. It's a reminder that Maratha history wasn't confined to just one region — it spanned hills, coasts, and cultures.
Local impact: What the UNESCO tag changes on the ground
A World Heritage tag doesn't just make a good headline. It usually means real change on the ground — both good and challenging.
Tourism
: Visitor numbers are expected to spike, especially at lesser-known forts like Salher or Suvarnadurg. That brings income, but also wear and tear.
Preservation
: The ASI and local bodies now have access to more resources — funds, expertise, and even international support — for restoration, signage, and site management.
Community pride
: Locals, especially in Maharashtra, have reacted with pride. These aren't just tourist sites. They're symbols of resistance, leadership, and homegrown ingenuity.
That said, protecting these sites will require real effort. Some are remote. Others are fragile. And none were originally built with modern tourism in mind.
Maratha forts beyond history: A legacy of resistance and imagination
You can stand at Raigad and see the valley spread out like a map. Or walk the steep steps of Pratapgad and feel the echo of hooves and swords. These aren't empty ruins. They're places that witnessed rebellion, statecraft, and sometimes loss.
Many school kids in Maharashtra grow up learning about the idea of Hindavi Swarajya — a people's self-rule — tied deeply to Shivaji's legacy. These forts weren't just defence structures. They were statements. Proof that a smaller power, if clever enough, could survive and thrive among empires.
UNESCO's recognition doesn't add that meaning — it just finally acknowledges it.
FAQs about the UNESCO listing of Maratha forts
1. What exactly is the Maratha Military Landscapes serial nomination?
It's a group listing of 12 forts recognised for their shared military design and strategy, viewed together as a single cultural landscape by UNESCO.
2. Why is Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu included?
Gingee was under Maratha control during Shivaji's southern campaigns. It fits the nomination because of its strategic design and historical relevance.
3. Are all these forts open to the public?
Most are, though some may have limited access or seasonal restrictions. Coastal forts like Khanderi and Suvarnadurg often depend on boat access and weather conditions.
4. Will this heritage status bring funding for repairs?
Yes. UNESCO sites usually receive more national and sometimes international conservation support, especially through India's ASI and cultural programs.
5. How does this affect local communities near the forts?
Positively, in many cases. Increased tourism brings business opportunities, from guides to homestays. However, locals must also help manage environmental impact.
6. What other Indian sites are on the
UNESCO World Heritage
list?
Some of the best-known include the Taj Mahal, Hampi, Kaziranga National Park, and the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The Maratha forts now join that league.
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