Pune: 12 Maratha Forts Nominated for UNESCO Status, Including Shivneri
Mumbai, 2nd May 2025: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has formally recommended 12 forts across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The nomination, submitted to UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, includes 11 forts from Maharashtra-Shivneri, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, and Khanderi-alongside Tamil Nadu’s Gingee Fort. These sites, integral to the Maratha Empire’s military and cultural legacy, were proposed following advocacy by Shirur MP Dr. Amol Kolhe, who urged the central government to secure global recognition for their historical significance.
Dr. Kolhe’s persistent efforts led Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to direct the ASI to prepare a detailed report titled “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.” The dossier emphasises the forts’ architectural and strategic importance during the Maratha era, particularly under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These forts, which served as administrative hubs and military strongholds, symbolise the Maratha Empire’s resistance against Mughal and colonial forces.
The nominated forts, scattered across Maharashtra’s Sahyadri ranges and Konkan coast, reflect Shivaji Maharaj’s innovative military strategies, blending natural topography with defensive architecture. Shivneri, his birthplace, and Raigad, the empire’s capital, are central to the nomination. Tamil Nadu’s Gingee Fort, a key Maratha stronghold during conflicts with the Mughals, further underscores the empire’s pan-Indian influence.
If approved, UNESCO status would elevate these forts to global prominence, preserving their legacy and boosting tourism. The ASI and Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology currently manage the sites. Dr. Kolhe highlighted that this recognition would honour Shivaji Maharaj’s vision while showcasing India’s military heritage on the world stage.
The proposal now awaits UNESCO’s evaluation. A successful nomination would mark a milestone in conserving India’s historical landscapes and amplifying its cultural narrative internationally.
