1. The Inscription
At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This marks India’s 44th World Heritage Site.
2. The 12 Strategic Forts
The nomination is a “serial property” comprising 12 forts that showcase Maratha military ingenuity between the 17th and 19th centuries.
| Terrain Type | Fort Name(s) | Location |
| Hill Forts | Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee | MH / TN |
| Island Forts | Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg | Maharashtra |
| Coastal Fort | Vijaydurg | Maharashtra |
| Hill-Forest Fort | Pratapgad | Maharashtra |
| Hill-Plateau Fort | Panhala | Maharashtra |
- Note: 11 forts are in Maharashtra; Gingee Fort is in Tamil Nadu.
3. Selection Criteria
The sites were recognised under two cultural criteria:
- Criterion (iv): An outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble that illustrates a significant stage in human history.
- Criterion (vi): Directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, ideas, or beliefs of outstanding universal significance (specifically the concept of Swarajya or self-rule).
4. Historical Significance
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The ideology and architecture were pioneered by him in the 17th century (c. 1670 CE).
- Guerrilla Warfare: The forts were integrated into the landscape to support Ganimi Kava (guerrilla tactics) against the Mughals and European naval powers.
- Innovation: Features included hidden entrances (Sindhudurg), sophisticated water management, and curved, concealed gateways (Raigad).
5. India’s UNESCO Standing
- Global Rank: 6th (tied with others)
- Asia-Pacific Rank: 2nd (after China)
- Composition: 36 Cultural, 7 Natural, and 1 Mixed site (Khangchendzonga National Park).