Maratha Military Landscapes

 Maratha Military Landscapes : Recently, the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' received the prestigious recognition of being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking a significant milestone in honouring India’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

• About Maratha Military Landscapes : A serial cultural property comprising 12 forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries CE.

o Represents the military vision, architectural brilliance, and strategic planning of the Maratha Empire.

o Rooted in the military ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1670 CE, and continued until the end of the Peshwa rule in 1818 CE.

o Geographical Spread: The forts are spread across four major geographical zones: Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats

o The nomination comprises forts, including Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

• About UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Sites recognized by UNESCO for their “Outstanding Universal Value” to humanity.

o Aim: Preserve cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

o Categories of WHS: Cultural Heritage – Historical monuments, architectural works, urban landscapes.

ü Natural Heritage – Natural landscapes, ecosystems, biodiversity.

ü Mixed Heritage – Sites with both cultural and natural importance.

India ratified the Convention in 1977 and  has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 35 Cultural Sites, 7 Natural Sites and 1 Mixed Site (as of 2025