Maratha Military Landscapes of India (New UNESCO Site)
As of July 2025, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, increasing the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India to 41.
✅ Important Facts: Maratha Military Landscapes of India (New UNESCO Site)
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Inscribed: 2024-25 cycle (officially added in 2025)
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Category: Cultural
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UNESCO Criteria: (ii), (iii), (iv)
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States Involved: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat
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Comprises: Forts like Raigad, Shivneri, Salher, Sindhudurg, Gingee, etc.
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Significance:
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Showcases Maratha military architecture from the 17th–19th centuries.
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Use of strategic hilltops, coastal locations.
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Emphasizes guerrilla warfare planning under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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🇮🇳 Total UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India (as of 2025)
Category | Number |
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Cultural Sites | 33 |
Natural Sites | 7 |
Mixed Sites | 1 |
Total | 41 |
📌 Practice MCQs – UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Q1. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in India as of 2025?
A. 38
B. 39
C. 41
D. 40
✅ Answer: C. 41
Q2. The "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" was added to the UNESCO list in which year?
A. 2023
B. 2024
C. 2025
D. 2022
✅ Answer: C. 2025
Q3. Which of the following sites is NOT part of the Maratha Military Landscapes?
A. Raigad Fort
B. Gwalior Fort
C. Shivneri Fort
D. Sindhudurg Fort
✅ Answer: B. Gwalior Fort
Q4. Under which category has the Maratha Military Landscapes been inscribed?
A. Natural
B. Mixed
C. Cultural
D. Intangible
✅ Answer: C. Cultural
Q5. The Maratha forts reflect which type of military strategy?
A. Trench warfare
B. Guerrilla warfare
C. Naval invasion
D. Colonial defense
✅ Answer: B. Guerrilla warfare
Q6. Who is most associated with the military planning of these Maratha forts?
A. Baji Rao II
B. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
C. Balaji Vishwanath
D. Sambhaji
✅ Answer: B. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is India’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site?
👉 Maratha Military Landscapes of India, inscribed in 2025.
Q.2 Which Indian state has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
👉 Maharashtra – includes Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Western Ghats (part), and now several Maratha forts.
Q.3 What are the UNESCO criteria used to designate World Heritage Sites?
👉 There are 10 criteria; cultural sites use I–VI, natural sites use VII–X.
Q.4 What is the only mixed site in India?
👉 Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim)