Latest news with #WHC
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
S. Korea calls on UNESCO to step in if Japan reneges on pledge over forced labor site
South Korea on Tuesday called on UNESCO's heritage oversight body to step in if Japan continues to backtrack on its promise to honor wartime forced labor victims from its UNESCO World Heritage-listed industrial sites. South Korean Ambassador to UNESCO Bak Sang-mee made the call during a session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, about a week after Seoul's attempt to place the industrial sites on this year's WHC agenda was blocked by a rare vote among member states, including both South Korea and Japan. Seoul sought to bring attention to Japan's lukewarm efforts in implementing WHC recommendations on presenting the full history of the Meiji industrial revolution sites, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2015. One of the sites is Hashima Island, where many Koreans were taken to toil during World War II, when Korea was under Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. "The case of the site of Japan's Meiji industrial revolution is notable for the committee's consistent request through four consecutive decisions for the development of an interpretation strategy that allows for an understanding of the full history of each site," Bak said. "However, nearly a decade later, its implementation remains insufficient and continues to raise concerns." Japan has established a museum in Tokyo featuring exhibits on related history, but the move has drawn criticism from Seoul for failing to present the full historical context as promised. Bak said South Korea will continue to support the full implementation of the WHC decisions on the sites, including through bilateral consultations with Japan. "We sincerely hope that Japan will engage in this process in a constructive and responsible manner," she said. Still, Bak said the WHC should engage if Japan continues to fail to follow through on the WHC decisions. "Should the shortcomings in the interpretive strategies at the Tokyo Industrial Heritage Information Center remain unaddressed despite such (bilateral) efforts, the committee should maintain its engagement in this matter as part of its ongoing responsibility," she said. Japan submitted follow-up progress reports to UNESCO outlining its implementation efforts. But each has prompted the committee to urge Tokyo to do more to present the whole history, echoing South Korea's position that Japan's actions fall short of its original commitment. The WHC had reviewed the sites every two to three years since their UNESCO designation. However, the issue was not included on this year's agenda, as Japan's most recent report, submitted in 2024, was an "update" to a previous implementation report, not a formal version that would automatically trigger a review. (Yonhap)
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why are the Maratha Military Landscapes relevant for the UPSC exam?
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC history, art and culture current affairs knowledge nugget on the Maratha military landscapes. (Relevance: UNESCO World Heritage sites are a crucial part of the UPSC syllabus. Additionally, the Maratha Empire is an important topic. In the past, UPSC has asked various questions related to the Maratha Empire. For example, in the Prelims exam of the Combined Geo-Scientist 2025, a question was asked on this topic. Therefore, it is essential to cover this topic from both the history and art & culture perspectives.) At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), India's official nomination for the 2024-25 cycle, the Maratha Military Landscapes, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this context, let's know about the Maratha Military Landscapes and Chhatrapati Shivaji. 1. The Maratha Military Landscapes include 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji, including forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijay Durg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. 2. The decision to include them was taken on Friday (July 11) during the 47th session of the WHC held in Paris. This is India's 44th property to receive the recognition. 3. Regarding the latest addition to the World Heritage List, the Culture Ministry said it reflects India's enduring cultural legacy and highlights the country's diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity. 1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) carved out an independent Maratha kingdom from various Deccan states in the 17th century. He was born to a general who served different Deccan Sultans throughout his life. 2. Shivaji was keen on expanding his father's fiefdom of modern-day Pune into an independent Maratha state. During that time several Sultanates like Bijapur, Golkonda and Ahmadnagar and the Mughals were competing for the control of the Deccan. 3. With the rise of Mughal power, these Sultanates would become tributaries to the Mughal Empire with the rulers and ruling clans being given positions in the Mughal court. However, they continued to quarrel among themselves. 4. Shivaji's conflict with the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur began when he was only 16. He would spend the rest of his life fighting various opponents. This is how he went on to lay the foundation for the Maratha Empire. This empire stretched across large parts of the Indian subcontinent and rule till the 19th Century. 5. His first direct encounter with the Mughals was during Aurangzeb's Deccan campaigns of the 1650s. As Aurangzeb went North to fight for the Mughal throne, Shivaji was able to seize further territory. 6. In 1664 he attacked the port of Surat (now in Gujarat) and plundered one of the richest and busiest commercial towns of Mughal India while the local governor hid in a nearby fort. 7. Aurangzeb noticed that the legend of Shivaji and the physical sphere of his influence was growing. So he sent a 100,000-strong, well-equipped army under Raja Jai Singh I to subdue him in 1665. After putting up a valiant fight, Shivaji was besieged in the Purandar hill fort. 8. He was taken to Aurangzeb's court in Agra in 1666. He presented Aurangzeb with various gifts, but he felt slighted at the treatment he received in return, and made his displeasure clear in open court. Aurangzeb put him under house arrest in Agra. Far away from home and help, Shivaji realised he needed to escape to save himself and his territories. The story of Shivaji's subsequent escape is now part of common lore. 9. The popularly told story involves an elaborate plan, under which he began daily distribution of alms to brahmans. The alms would be sent from his home in Agra in large, covered baskets. 10. After some time, the Mughal guards became lax about checking the contents of the baskets that daily left his house. One day, Shivaji slipped into one of the baskets, and put his young son, Sambhaji, in another basket. It was in these covered baskets that Shivaji and his son left Agra, right under the noses of the Mughals. 11. Aurangzeb chose not to start an immediate conflict with Shivaji again. Instead, he offered Shivaji the title of Raja and guaranteed his authority in the Maratha lands as long as he acknowledged the supremacy of the Mughals and maintained truce. 12. By 1669, Shivaji had regrouped and raised an effective army. Using his old guerilla tactics, he would swiftly descend into static Mughal and Bijapuri strongholds, looting and pillaging the shocked Mughals. In 1674, he crowned himself Chhatrapati, officially creating an independent Maratha kingdom. 13. At the time of his death, he held around 300 forts over an area that stretched across the Konkan coast, from Surat to near Goa, and was overlooked by the strategic Western Ghats. 1. Crucial to Maratha military strategy were hill forts. Unlike the plains of Northern India, suited to conventional battle with large standing armies, the terrain of the Maratha country was different. With the Arabian Sea on one side, the Konkan plains in the centre and the Western Ghats overlooking the plains, in the 17th century much of the region was covered in thick jungles. 2. The Maratha icon was born and raised in the hill fort of Shivneri (around 100 km from Pune), given to Shivaji's grandfather by the Sultan of Ahmadnagar in lieu of his services as a military commander. Shivneri is a typical hill fort found in the Western Ghats – a small but strong fortification, atop a hill overlooking the surrounding terrain. 3. Growing up in the hills and valleys around Pune, Shivaji understood the salience of hill forts in controlling the land. Over his storied life, he captured multiple such forts, including Torna (when he was only 16), Rajgadh, Sinhagadh and Purandar. 4. Early in his life, Shivaji realised that the key to holding power in the Deccan (or for that matter, many places in India in that era) was to capture and hold important forts. Thus, his strategies would be centred around taking control of forts in strategic locations, often on hilltops. He also repaired and built new forts as his sphere of control increased. 5. Warfare in such terrain is qualitatively different, with large conventional armies prone to getting bogged down. Thus, as Shivaji began to consolidate and expand his influence in the region, his strategies evolved to be significantly different from the common military doctrine of the time. 6. Marathas forces would strike quickly and retreat to the many hill forts of the region. These forts were designed such that the approach to them was tricky, often treacherous, to large groups of men. Consequently, these were perfect defensive positions where either the bigger armies would not bother to attack or would have to sacrifice their strength in numbers if they did choose to attack. Hill forts also were constructed such that they were perfect vantage points to keep a lookout for any threat. Consider the following statements with reference to the Maratha Military Landscapes: 1. It includes 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 2. All forts part of Maratha military landscapes are located in Maharashtra. 3. It is India's 43rd property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. How many of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (Sources: Knowledge Nugget: How is 'Chhaava' or Sambhaji Maharaj important for UPSC Exam?, Knowledge nugget of the day: Chhatrapati Shivaji) ALSO READ: How Shivaji became the voice of multiple social causes by Adrija Roychowdhury Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Wasn't easy to get Maratha Landscapes inscribed, so victory sweeter: India's envoy to UNESCO
A voluminous dossier, a dedicated coffee-table book, and a spirited campaign helped India navigate challenges, including a "deferral" recommendation, to earn the inscription of the ' Maratha Military Landscapes ' on the UNESCO World Heritage List . On Friday, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) at its 47th session held in Paris, inscribed India's serial nomination consisting of 12 forts, representing extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, on the coveted list. While the journey from the nomination to the inscription wasn't easy for Team India, sustained efforts led to a crowning triumph at UNESCO. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, delivered the statement on New Delhi's behalf after the inscription was announced. "This is a historic day, not only for India, but especially for Marathi people all over the world. The rich cultural heritage of the Marathas has been honoured by the recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value by the international community," he said. Live Events In a telephonic interview with PTI shortly after delivering the remarks at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, Sharma shared India's success story and what it took to earn the prestigious recognition. "It was excellent teamwork, but it was not very easy to get the Maratha Military Landscapes inscribed," he recalled. "I thank the government of Maharashtra, the Indian Culture Ministry, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and the Ministry of External Affairs. We had to do coordination with 20 different countries, and it's an excellent example of teamwork," Sharma told PTI over the phone. Sharma said the Indian nomination had received a "deferral recommendation" by the advisory body, ICOMOS. A deferral recommendation means the advisory body does not want it to be inscribed. The Paris-based International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is one of the key advisory bodies to UNESCO, and its experts visit the nominated sites. He said Team India "pointed out the mistakes, factual errors from the advisory body's side". "It's a technical argument, like you fight it in a court... So, on a video conference with members of 20 countries, we explained to them the technicalities and why it deserves to be on the World Heritage List. We presented our case... and we won the case, so that's why the victory is even sweeter," Sharma said. The proposal was sent to the WHC in January 2024, and the inscription comes after a "rigorous 18-month-long process" involving several technical meetings with the advisory bodies and a visit by the ICOMOS mission to review the sites, the culture ministry said in a statement on Friday. The nomination for the UNESCO tag was for the 2024-25 cycle. The ' Maratha Military Landscapes' was developed between the 17th and 19th centuries. The 12 components of the inscribed property are - Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These components, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule, the Indian officials had earlier said. There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, out of which only 12 forts were selected under the Maratha Military Landscapes of India; of these, eight forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the ministry earlier said. Sharma said the advisory body was "primarily concerned" as to what the criteria for selection were, and why not more forts. "Then we had to justify that there was a hierarchy of system, primary, secondary and tertiary forts. And, these 12 were the main ones, and then we explained to various other Member States," he said. The Indian envoy to UNESCO also said, "There isn't much awareness" about the forts in western and southern parts of India vis-a-vis those in Rajasthan. "So, we took this opportunity to promote Maharashtra and Maharashtra tourism also", among the international community. And, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's royal seal 'Raj Mudra' was circulated to explain to them the philosophy of the Marathas --- the well-being of the people, he added. Also, a coffee-table book titled 'Maratha Military Landscapes' was commissioned by the government of Maharashtra and circulated to them, Sharma said. From one perspective, it was a "challenge, and we got an opportunity to talk about our cultural sites", forts beyond Rajasthan, he added. Asked about the size of the nomination dossier, Sharma described it as "massive", adding, "it's a nomination of a lifetime, I must tell you." "Any such dossier runs into 1,000-1,500 pages, and ours is a substantial one, it's like a PhD thesis," he emphasised. After the nomination was sent, "I had given a 61-point action plan to the government of Maharashtra, and one of those was hosting a painting competition for school children in villages, to build awareness, and it was held. The other was the coffee-table book". On other countries' properties being recognised by UNESCO, Sharma said, when one sees the "global diversity" being recognised, it makes you feel very happy." "This is the epitome of culture acting as a unifying force. You feel happy if your property is inscribed, you feel happy if some other country's property is inscribed," he said.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Why the inclusion of Maratha military forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List matters
India's cultural heritage received significant global recognition as the ' Maratha Military Landscapes of India' was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris. This marks the 44th Indian entry to the prestigious list. "' Maratha Military Landscapes', representing extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, was on Friday inscribed on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage List," UNESCO announced in a post on X. The forts, which span a variety of terrains—including coastal regions, hills, plateaus, and islands—form a cohesive military landscape that reflects the strategic acumen and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the twelve forts represent different types of geographical settings: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are hill forts; Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort; Panhala is a hill-plateau fort; Vijaydurg is a coastal fort; and Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg are classified as island forts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Which forts are joining the list The Maratha Military Landscapes include twelve strategically positioned forts, each representing a unique blend of military architecture, regional adaptation, and historical significance across diverse terrains. Live Events Salher Fort in Maharashtra stands amid the Sahyadri mountain ranges and is renowned for its historic fortifications and sweeping views. It reflects the Marathas' military resilience and geographical command. Shivneri Fort, near Junnar in Maharashtra, is historically significant as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . Positioned atop a hill, the fort's commanding architecture and heritage value make it a symbol of Maratha pride. Lohagad Fort, located near Pune in the Western Ghats, is known for its robust construction and scenic vistas. Historically used for military campaigns, it remains a popular site for both history enthusiasts and trekkers. Khanderi Fort, an island fort in the Arabian Sea, exemplifies maritime defense strategies of the Maratha era. Its blend of historical significance and coastal scenery makes it a notable part of the military landscape. Raigad Fort served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire. Nestled in the Sahyadris, it is celebrated for its strategic importance and imposing architecture. Rajgad Fort, also in the Western Ghats, was one of the earliest capitals of the Maratha Empire. Its design and natural setting reflect the empire's defensive capabilities and cultural depth. Pratapgad Fort is remembered for the historic Battle of Pratapgad. Set in the wooded hills of the Western Ghats, it is an example of how terrain and fortification were merged in Maratha strategy. Suvarnadurg Fort, off the Konkan coast, was a crucial naval base. Surrounded by sea, it displays the Maratha Empire's maritime engineering capabilities. Panhala Fort, set on a plateaued hill in the Sahyadri range, is known for its expansive views and significant role in Maratha military history. Vijaydurg Fort, located on the Konkan coast, is one of the best-preserved sea forts. Its positioning and architecture highlight the naval strength of the Marathas. Sindhudurg Fort, another island fort in the Arabian Sea, was built under the direction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It features unique construction techniques and played a major role in coastal defense. Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, the only fort in the list outside Maharashtra, is noted for its massive stone structures and strategic hilltop placement. It played a vital role under various dynasties and is a rare example of southern Indian military architecture included in the Maratha landscape nomination. India's standing on the World Heritage List With this addition, India now ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites. Last year, the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam were added to the list at the 46th session held in New Delhi. According to PIB, India also has 62 sites on the Tentative List, a necessary prerequisite for future nominations. Under the rules of the World Heritage Convention, ratified by 196 nations since 1972, each country may propose only one site per year for inscription. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the designated nodal agency handling all matters related to World Heritage nominations on behalf of the Government of India. Other global inscriptions announced Other sites inscribed during the 47th session include the Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection; Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park in Selangor; and the prehistoric sites of the Khorramabad Valley in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Fadnavis, mountaineers hail inclusion of Shivaji Maharaj's forts in UNESCO World Heritage List
The inclusion of 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List has been welcomed by all quarters, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis calling it a "proud and glorious moment" for the state. The decision was taken during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris. 'Maratha Military Landscapes' in the UNESCO World Heritage List comprises the forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijay Durg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. "Maharashtra Govt offers Salutations to our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!! Heartiest congratulations to all the citizens and ShivBhakts of Maharashtra," Mr. Fadnavis said in a post on X. "I am extremely happy to share that 12 forts of our greatest King, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List," he said. Shivaji Maharaj built these forts for "Swarajya" (sovereign state), Mr. Fadnavis added. Many people contributed to the efforts to include them in the UNESCO list, the Chief Minister said. "First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The support he gave and the active participation of the Central Government were of great value. The Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture helped a lot in this. I personally contacted various ambassadors. My colleagues, DCM Eknath Shinde ji and DCM Ajitdada Pawar also supported me from time to time. Minister Ashish Shelar personally went and met the Director General of UNESCO. He made a technical presentation there," Mr. Fadnavis said. "ACS Vikas Kharge from my office, as well as India's Ambassador to UNESCO Vishal Sharma and Hemant Dalvi from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, were present," he added. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the development was a matter of immense historical and cultural significance and pride for the state. These forts, which include the Ginjee fort in Tamil Nadu, bear witness to the valour, sacrifice and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha warriors, and now their legacy would gain global visibility and respect, Mr. Pawar said. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his active support in the successful nomination and extended congratulations to the people of Maharashtra. Mr. Pawar also appreciated the efforts of the state's Department of Cultural Affairs in meticulously preparing the proposal and said the recognition highlights Maharashtra's historical and architectural glory. He also urged the people of Maharashtra to take a renewed pledge for the protection and conservation of all forts across the state. Maharashtra's mountaineers said the inclusion of these forts in the UNESCO World Heritage List will boost efforts to conserve these structures, which played a key role in Shivaji Maharaj's guerilla warfare tactics. The Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), an umbrella body of mountaineers and fort-lovers, welcomed the World Heritage Committee's decision to include 12 forts representing 'Maratha Military Landscapes' in the coveted list. "The most important aspect of the inclusion in the list is that now the (UNESCO-prescribed) rules which govern the upkeep of such sites will apply to these forts. It will help in conservation efforts," Hrishikesh Yadav, executive president of the association, told PTI. Mr. Yadav said the AMGM had presented scale models of the forts during a meeting of the heritage panel, which helped them understand the historical significance of these structures, the surrounding challenging terrain and their architecture. According to some estimates, there are over 350 forts in Maharashtra, of which 11 prominent ones, including Raigad, the capital of Shivaji Maharaj in north Konkan, made it to the list. These forts have weathered the elements for nearly four centuries and the attempts to curtail access during colonial times.
