On Monday, it was announced that India would be nominating the Maratha Military Landscape for the UNESCO World Heritage List of 2024-2025. If you’ve wondered to yourself what it is, here is the answer. It comprises 12 forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and one is in Tamil Nadu. The landscape developed between the 17th and the 19th Century and the ideology is said to have emerged during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The 12 Forts Of The Maratha Military Landscape
These forts have been selected under the 3, 4 and 6 criteria. These specify that the nominated site should be a testimony to an exceptional cultural tradition or civilisation which might still exist or have disappeared. One of the criteria also specifies that the site has to be an exemplary architectural or technological marvel. It also has to be directly related to living traditions, ideas, beliefs and artistic works.
Eight of the 12 forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey Of India and the other four are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
1. Gingee Fort, Tamil Nadu
The only fort which is located in Tamil Nadu, this particular fort is protected by the Archaeological Survey Of India.
2. Khanderi Fort, Khanderi Island
Protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Maharashtra, this fort is located on an island along the coast of Maharashtra.
3. Lohagad Fort, Pune
Lohagad is one of the six hill forts of the Maratha Military Landscape. The network of forts which comprise the landscape are of distinct features to provide fortification par excellence.
4. Panhala Fort, Kolhapur
This fort is distinctive in that it is the only hill-plateau fort. The diversity of the forts showcases the military skills of the Maratha empire.
5. Pratapgad Fort, Pune
The only forest-hill fort in the network, it is protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Maharashtra.
6. Raigad Fort, Raigad
Another hill fort in the network of forts, its preservation is overseen by the Archaeological Survey Of India.
7. Rajgad Fort, Pune
The protection of this fort is the responsibility of the Directorate Of Archaeology and Museums of Maharashtra and it is a kind of hill fort.
8. Salher Fort, Nashik
Another hill fort in Maharashtra, it is protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
9. Shivneri Fort, Pune
This hill fort is a popular tourist attraction in Pune and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
10. Sindhudurg Fort, Malvan
One of the three island forts in the network, the Sindhudurg is also protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
11. Suvarnadurg Fort, Dapoli
Located in Dapoli, it is an island fort which is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
12. Vijaydurg Fort, Vijaydurg
This is the only coastal fort in the network and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Also Read: What’s Unique About Karnataka’s Shravanabelagola & Lakkundi, Proposed UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Have you ever been to any of these forts? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images
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