Latest news with #MarathaMilitaryLandscapes
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
10-Year Elaborate Plan To Conserve Shivaji Forts Granted Heritage Tag
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Conservation of the 12 forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj, which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, will involve a comprehensive 10-year plan focusing on retaining historical characteristics, managing garbage, and deploying manpower. A senior official told PTI that conservation of areas of these forts, that attract a large number of visitors, will be prioritised in the complex exercise, which will involve various departments. The UNESCO has inscribed 'Maratha Military Landscapes', comprising Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, in the World Heritage List. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, underlined the complexities of conservation, considering the unique topography and historical characteristics of every fort. "Though the UNESCO tag has been allotted, there is a set of challenges we must overcome. We have prepared and submitted a 10-year plan to tackle these issues across all 12 forts," he said. He emphasised that each fort has unique characteristics, so a uniform approach won't be effective. "Conservation is a major task which will be executed after conducting a detailed study. We will start with areas that experience heavy footfall-this could include gates, fortifications, and other historical structures. In places where communities reside on the forts, we will work to give the locality a traditional and heritage-friendly look," the official added. Following this, efforts will focus on inaccessible areas, aiming to make them open and safe for visitors. The initiative will not be restricted to a single department, he said. "We will collaborate with district planning committees, the Public Works Department (PWD), the tourism department, and other government agencies to enhance visitor access and infrastructure," he said. Manpower and garbage management have also been identified as critical areas. "While there may not be entry tickets, district administrations can levy a nominal fee for waste management and security. Dedicated manpower will be deployed, and strict monitoring of plastic use will be enforced," the official said. He stressed the need to sensitise visitors about the historical and cultural significance of these forts. "Public awareness and responsible tourism are vital for preserving these heritage sites," he said. The official said the proposal submitted to the UNESCO extended beyond architectural significance. "It also strongly emphasised the philosophy of self-rule or 'Swarajya' envisioned in the 17th century for the welfare of the people. This holistic narrative was crucial in achieving the World Heritage recognition," he said. Director of Archaeology and Museums for the Government of Maharashtra, Tejas Garge, Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge and other officials played a key role in this project.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
TN's Gingee Fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
It is among the 11 forts built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries that have been clubbed together as the Maratha Military Landscapes, and declared as 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. Gingee Fort, or Senji Fort, the largest fort in Tamil Nadu, covering 2,700 acres and three hillocks in the Pakkamalai range in the Villupuram district, has been named a World Heritage Site by (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It is among the 11 forts built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries that have been clubbed together as the Maratha Military Landscapes, and declared as 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. The fort now joins the Great Living Chola Temples (the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Airavatesvara at Darasuram), the monuments at Mamallapuram, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the state. Tamil fort or Marathi fort... the debate continues While many have welcomed UNESCO's move to honour the historical site, some have pointed towards the logical fallacy in calling it a Maratha military landscape, especially since the fort predates the Marathas. The history The construction of the Gingee Fort is said to have begun by Ananta Kon of the Konar dynasty, who built the initial citadel around 1190 AD, followed by Krishna Kon, who fortified it further in 1240 AD. Enhancements were later made by the Nayaks from the Vijayanagara Empire, the Marathas, and the Mughals, among others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.75 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo From Indian to Thanga Meenkal... History on screen The fort has been featured in several Tamil films. The song Kappaleri Poyachu ( Indian , 1996) was shot at the fort, and so were the numbers Kokku Meena Thinguma ( Kovil , 2004) and Vaa Nanba ( Saatai , 2012). The fort was also prominently featured in the movie Thanga Meengal (2013).
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
12 ancient Maratha forts just became UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Here's what it means for culture, tourism and you
12 ancient Maratha forts just became UNESCO World Heritage Sites 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo 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. Also read | Airport alert: These everyday snacks are banned from carry-on bags on flights by TSA
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
UNESCO inscribes Maratha Military landscapes as India's 44th Heritage Site
India added another feather to its cultural cap as the Maratha Military Landscapes of India have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement was made on July 12 during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, marking a major milestone in recognising the Maratha Empire's military ingenuity and fortification architecture. This inclusion brings India's tally of UNESCO-recognised heritage sites to 44, spanning cultural, historical, and natural importance. A glimpse into Maratha military brilliance The newly listed site is not a single monument but a serial nomination, a network of 12 strategically located forts built by the Marathas between the 17th and 19th centuries. Eleven of these are located in Maharashtra: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg. The 12th fort, Gingee, is in Tamil Nadu, illustrating the regional reach of Maratha influence and military strategy. Read more: No more shoe checks: TSA updates airport screening rules; what flyers need to know These forts were more than just defensive structures, they were hubs of governance, military training, and community resilience. They represent an era where geography, architectural innovation, and military science merged to form a unique fortification system unlike any other in India. Interestingly, India's nomination had initially received a deferral recommendation in from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the UNESCO advisory body. ICOMOS had raised doubts about whether the Maratha forts met the criteria of Outstanding Universal Value, a key requirement for World Heritage inscription. However, during the July 2024 session, Greece, along with South Korea, Kazakhstan, Kenya, and Senegal, proposed an amendment countering the deferral. They recommended a two-phased nomination and argued that the forts fulfilled the necessary heritage criteria. The amendment highlighted the military, cultural, and governance systems embedded in the fort architecture and praised the forts as tangible expressions of Swarajya (self-rule) and cultural resilience. The amendment was accepted, and India's nomination was inscribed on the list — a diplomatic triumph for the Indian delegation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the news: 'Every Indian is elated with this recognition…. I call upon everyone to go visit these forts and learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire.' Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also lauded the decision, calling it a proud moment for India and especially for the state of Maharashtra. A cultural showcase in Paris India's delegation, led by Permanent Representative to UNESCO Vishal V. Sharma, played a key role in the inscription process. The team included representatives from the Archaeological Survey of India, the Union ministries of culture, external affairs, and environment, as well as experts from Maharashtra's archaeology department and DRONAH (Development and Research Organisation for Nature, Arts and Heritage). In an effort to promote the intangible cultural legacy of the Marathas, the Indian team distributed a range of symbolic items to delegates: a coffee-table book on the forts in multiple languages, a replica of Shivaji's royal seal ( Raj Mudra ), Himroo shawls, and even notebooks featuring artwork by schoolchildren living near the forts. A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji with a cannon and sword was also gifted to UNESCO member states ahead of the session. Read more: 6 unmissable stops that make Chandigarh to Shimla hill tour worthwhile According to Sharma, this initiative helped bridge the global knowledge gap about the Maratha military heritage, which is often overshadowed by the more ornate Mughal or Rajput forts in north India. The inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes marks a significant expansion of global recognition for India's diverse regional histories. While India's Mughal and Rajput forts have long received attention, this nomination showcases the military innovation and resilience of the Marathas, who used their native geography — hilltops, coastal outposts, and inland plateaus — to their advantage in designing almost impenetrable fortresses. With the global spotlight now on these forts, they are likely to see a rise in heritage tourism, offering both a cultural and economic boost to the regions they belong to.
The Print
5 days ago
- General
- The Print
Maratha Military Landscapes' UNESCO tag is a win. Conservation must catch up
But this recognition carries far more weight. It is a profound acknowledgment of indigenous military traditions and innovation that tuned the terrain into a tactical ally. This would be the first time when an inscription shines light on subaltern military heritage, celebrating the terrain-driven and decentralised warfare crafted by the Maratha generals—an extraordinary chapter of India's history that rarely finds mention on the global stage. With this latest addition, India now ranks sixth globally in terms of the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The journey to get this inscription was long and full of challenges. After two years of back and forth, the revised nomination was finally accepted last year and has since been hailed as a model for integrated military and ecological heritage. In the late hours of 11th July 2025, far away from the Sahyadri mountains, the World Heritage Committee, during its ongoing 47th session in Paris, added 12 formidable military forts of the great Maratha Empire onto the UNESCO World Heritage site list. Spread across diverse geographical and physiographical terrains of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, these military establishments—collectively termed as the Maratha Military Landscapes—have become India's 44th World Heritage Site. However, the responsibility does not end with the inscription. This will demand a stronger, strategic, and collaborative management plan for all the world heritage sites and for those in the tentative list. Conservation is a challenge for a developing country like India, where it's becoming increasingly difficult to manage the growing cityscape and historical and archaeological heritage. Outstanding universal value For every site UNESCO recognises as a World Heritage Site, its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is evaluated. It is central to the World Heritage convention as it highlights the global significance the site holds, not only in the present time but also in the future. It notes the uniqueness of each site while evaluating the state of preservation and capabilities of the stakeholders to uphold the inscription. However, the responsibility does not lie with the country where it is located. It becomes a global responsibility to ensure that the site's value is not lost. In the case of the 12 forts of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, the task to underline the OUV was undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India in collaboration with other stakeholders in the dossier. As per the statement, the military landscape developed between the 17th and 19th centuries CE. represented an extraordinary fortification and military system. The military system and the ideology reached their zenith during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by c.1670 CE and continued till 1818 CE. This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales, and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain, and physiographic characteristics, particularly distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan coast, the Deccan Plateau, and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian peninsula. According to the OUV, they represent the Maratha kingdom's envisioned military network in India. It is also stressed in the dossier that the significance not only lies in the architecture but also in the innovation of connecting them into a unified operational defence system through a strategic network that exploits the unique cultural landscape. They are also the largest concentration of forts integrated within a cultural landscape, globally. Along with the forts, the buffer zones constitute the most authentic, well-preserved, and representative sites of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India. The nomination boundary of the 12 forts includes all the key features that support their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area covers the main defensive structures that showcase the Marathas' unique military architecture. The buffer zone around each fort is carefully designed to reflect both the immediate surroundings of the fort and the larger landscape of related forts. This includes two additional layers of the Maratha defence systems built strategically around the main forts. These outer areas include smaller forts and outposts that supported the core structure. The buffer also considers old trade routes and natural features like hills, forests and terrain, which played a major role in the region's defence, culture and economy. These natural elements, along with the man-made check posts known as the Met area, formed part of the larger Maratha Military Landscapes of India. Protection and management In December 2024, Gwenaëlle Bourdin, the then Director of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Evaluation Unit (responsible for evaluating the OUV of nominated sites), submitted a short interim report on the evaluation carried out by an expert named Hwajong Lee (Republic of Korea). In the report, the panel considered that the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' might have the potential to meet the requirements for the Outstanding Universal Value, although this had not yet been demonstrated during the evaluation. From requesting an exhaustive description of each fort and of the nominated component parts, asking the State Party to justify its rationale behind selecting 12 forts out of the initial list of 390 forts, and 14 forts in the Tentative List, ICOMOS highlighted many concerns. However, the most important aspect highlighted by the ICOMOS was not its historicity or the description but the negative impact of interventions and developments taking place at a number of the sites from the list. These included steel towers and solar panels at Khanderi Fort, a ropeway and support structure at Raigad, modern structures, pipelines, and electric poles within several nominated areas. At Pratapgarh, new constructions have appeared in the buffer zones, while Panhala Fort has been impacted by communication towers, water tanks, and even a road cutting through the site. Similarly, National Highway 77, which runs through Gingee Fort, raises questions about its impact on the site's integrity. Thus, ICOMOS asked for the Site Management Plan for each nominated fort. In response, the State Party, provided enough material highlighting its competence in protecting the nominated components. It was noted that eight out of the 12 forts are centrally protected by ASI, and the rest are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, government of Maharashtra. For overseeing the management, the State Level Apex Advisory Committee is formed. But is it enough? Also read: Early Harappan burial discovery is changing how we understand Gujarat's past A boon or a threat? Similar to the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, the magnificent Hill forts of Rajasthan, which include Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer, were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013. They were the first serial nominations of India: a group of geographically dispersed but thematically connected sites spanning multiple states or regions. Such sites require a unified conservation framework and an integrated, collaborative management plan. This increases the role of stakeholders in constructing future strategies that emphasise coordinated governance, ecological sensitivity, and active community involvement. Such an integrated effort targets ensuring long-term protection of the sites. However, many forts of Rajasthan, especially Kumbhalgarh, are facing growing conservation concerns due to unchecked tourism, structural degradation, and poor conservation efforts. These forts are vulnerable to urban pressure, increasing footfall, which impacts their integrity. It is evident that with increased visibility on the global front, there will be a sharp rise in the footfall. Are the stakeholders prepared for the preservation challenges not only of the monument but also of the landscape that is integral to their significance? Now that the spotlight is on lesser-known chapters of history, the real challenge is in protecting them without overexposing. Until a management plan is put in place and concerns are taken care of, we must celebrate the recognition that the Maratha forts have awaited for centuries. Let's also remember that heritage is not just about marking national achievements on a global stage—it is meant to be protected, preserved, and passed on to future generations. Disha Ahluwalia is an archaeologist and junior research fellow at the Indian Council Of Historical Research. She tweets @ahluwaliadisha. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
