Twelve forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing the Maratha Empire's rich military and architectural heritage globally. The "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" shows 12 strategically built forts, showcasing the Marathas' advanced understanding of geography, defense systems and regional architecture from the 17th to the 19th century. 11 out of 12 forts- Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg are located in Maharashtra, while 12th fort Gingee Fort is in Tamil Nadu.
The Maratha Military Landscapes feature a variety of fort types, including hill forts like Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee, hill-forest forts like Pratapgad, hill-plateau forts like Panhala, coastal forts like Vijaydurg and Island Forts like Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg.
The Archaeological Survey of India's proposal for a monument in India received overwhelming support from 18 of the 20 State Parties, culminating in a unanimous decision by the World Heritage Committee. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis expressed their happiness and acknowledge the decision.
India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with an additional 62 sites on the Tentative List awaiting nomination. This decision follows Assam's Moidams of Charaideo and reflects India's strategy to project civilizational wealth through heritage diplomacy.
