India’s Mighty Fortresses: Maratha Military Landscapes Eye UNESCO Spotlight

India's ancient Maratha Military Landscapes are poised for international acclaim as they wait for the final go-ahead to be added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 47th World Heritage Committee session in Paris considers this esteemed nomination, generating excitement among historians, heritage buffs, and the Maratha community.

 

Top Points

Historic Nomination:

The Maratha Military Landscapes, a series of 12 iconic forts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, are India's official nomination for UNESCO's 2024-25 World Heritage List.

 

Strategic Relevance:

These forts such as Shivneri, Raigad, Lohgad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Khanderi, Sindhudurg, Salher, and Gingee are the proofs of Maratha kings' advanced military engineering and strategic genius, especially that of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 

UNESCO Standards:

The nomination is submitted in the cultural category, emphasizing the forts as remarkable examples of military architecture and evidence of a particular cultural heritage.

 

National Pride:
If selected, this will be Maharashtra's seventh World Heritage site and India's 43rd, further cementing the country's rich heritage in world heritage.

 

Expert Recommendations:

Conservationists and historians are overjoyed with the nomination, citing the role of Maratha forts in Indian history and the innovative use of natural topography for defensive purposes.

 

Community Celebration:

The announcement has led to celebrations in Maharashtra, with the Maratha community interpreting this as a gesture towards their heritage and resilience. What's Next? The UNESCO committee's decision is near. It will be among the world's most valued heritage if it is approved, and it will be preserved and recognized globally for centuries to come. 

 

Source: NDTV, Free Press Journal