Maratha Military Landscapes of India – India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site
India achieved a historic milestone in July 2025 when the Maratha Military Landscapes of India were inscribed as the country’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the architectural ingenuity, strategic brilliance, and historical significance of the Maratha Empire’s military infrastructure across India.
🌍 Overview
Name: Maratha Military Landscapes of India
UNESCO Inscription: July 2025Session: 47th World Heritage Committee session
Location: 12 forts in Maharashtra (11 forts) and Tamil Nadu (1 fort: Gingee Fort)
Period: 17th to 19th century
This serial nomination recognizes forts that collectively illustrate the Maratha Empire’s military strategy, defense planning, and architectural diversity.
Forts Included in the Heritage Site
The 12 forts showcase a variety of strategic, architectural, and geographic considerations:
🔹 Maharashtra (11 Forts)
Raigad Fort – Former capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Pratapgad Fort – Site of Shivaji–Afzal Khan battle
Sindhudurg Fort – Coastal fortification
Torna Fort – Shivaji’s first fort capture
Rajgad Fort – Former capital of the Maratha Empire
Vijaydurg Fort – Coastal defense fort
Sanjaygad Fort – Hill fort with strategic importance
Padmadurg Fort – Naval fort
Panhala Fort – Historic Maratha fortification
Raigad – (Hill Fort Section)
Korlai Fort – Coastal fortification
🔹 Tamil Nadu (1 Fort)
Gingee Fort – Hill fort, known for its strong defensive structures
These forts collectively represent hill, coastal, and island fortifications, illustrating the Maratha military’s adaptability to diverse terrains.
🛡 Architectural and Military Significance
The Maratha forts demonstrate unique features of 17th–19th century military architecture:
Hill Forts: Built on elevated terrain for surveillance and defense
Coastal Forts: Guarding trade routes and naval approachesIsland Forts: Isolated and highly defensible against attacks
Design Features: Massive ramparts, hidden passages, watchtowers, strategic entry points
Materials: Locally available stone and mortar, integrated with natural terrain
These structures reflect the Maratha emphasis on fortification, strategic planning, and military logistics.
🏛 Historical Importance
The forts played a critical role in resisting Mughal expansion and establishing Maratha dominance.
They were centers of administration, defense, and military training.Key battles and events, including Shivaji’s conquests and naval defense strategies, are linked to these forts.
Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu shows the Marathas’ influence beyond Maharashtra, emphasizing their reach in southern India.
🌐 Global Recognition
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee acknowledged the forts for:
Outstanding Universal Value (OUV): Military and architectural excellence
Integrity and Authenticity: Well-preserved forts retaining historical features
Cultural Significance: Symbols of Maratha heritage and strategic innovation
India now has 44 World Heritage Sites, reflecting both cultural and natural heritage globally.
🗺 Strategic Locations and Diversity
Hill Forts: Torna, Rajgad, Raigad
Coastal Forts: Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, KorlaiIsland Forts: Padmadurg
Southern Expansion: Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu
This variety shows how the Marathas adapted their military architecture to terrain and defense needs.
Importance for India
Cultural Pride: Recognizes Maratha military heritage
Tourism Boost: Attracts domestic and international visitors
Academic Interest: Scholars study military architecture and strategy
Heritage Conservation: Encourages preservation of forts and historical sites
📝 Interesting Facts
Raigad Fort was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Pratapgad Fort is famous for the Shivaji–Afzal Khan encounter.
Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg Forts were critical in naval defense.
Gingee Fort is called the “Troy of the East” for its strategic fortifications.
Key Takeaways
Maratha Military Landscapes are a serial nomination, covering 12 forts.
Forts show hill, coastal, and island defense systems.Period: 17th–19th century Maratha Empire.
UNESCO recognized them for outstanding universal value.
This adds India’s 44th World Heritage Site, enhancing its global heritage status.
📝 MCQs for Exams
Q1. India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site is:
A) Konark Sun Temple
B) Maratha Military Landscapes
C) Kaziranga National Park
D) Hampi
Answer: B
Q2. How many forts are included in the Maratha Military Landscapes nomination?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 15
D) 8
Answer: B
Q3. Which fort in Tamil Nadu is part of Maratha Military Landscapes?
A) Gingee Fort
B) Vellore Fort
C) Dindigul Fort
D) Madurai Fort
Answer: A
Q4. Maratha forts illustrate:
A) Hill, coastal, and island fortifications
B) Only hill forts
C) Only coastal forts
D) Only palace complexes
Answer: A
Q5. Raigad Fort is famous because:
A) Naval base of Marathas
B) Capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
C) Largest hill fort in Tamil Nadu
D) Colonial fort built by British
Answer: B