Maratha Military Landscapes of India, Location, State, UPSC Notes, News

Q: What is the main purpose of the UNESCO?

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), as a specialised agency of the United Nations, has the task of contributing to the preservation of peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication.

Q: Which forts of Maratha Military Landscapes of India are added to UNESCO World Heritage List?

Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigaad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

Table of Contents☰

Maratha Military Landscapes of India Latest News

Recently, ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th property to receive this recognition.

About Maratha Military Landscapes of India

Spanning from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, this extraordinary network of twelve forts demonstrates the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire.
These 12 forts are spread across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
Among these forts Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort are protected under the Archaeological Survey of India and Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
- These are located across a range of diverse terrains—from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds.
- Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are situated in hilly terrains and are therefore known as hill forts.
- Pratapgad, nestled within dense woods, is classified as a hill-forest fort.
- Panhala, located on a plateaued hill, is a hill-plateau fort.
- Vijaydurg, positioned along the shoreline, is a notable coastal fort, while Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg, surrounded by the sea, are recognized as island forts.