India nominates 12 forts of Marathas for UNESCO World Heritage List

Subject: History

Section: Art and Culture

Context:

India has proposed the “Maratha Military Landscapes,” a collection of forts highlighting the strategic military prowess of Maratha governance, for UNESCO World Heritage List consideration in 2024-25.

About the Forts:

Included Forts: The nomination comprises 12 forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee in Tamil Nadu.
Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, these forts epitomize an exceptional fortification and military system envisioned by Maratha rulers.
The forts, spanning diverse landscapes like the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats, reflect Maratha military ideology and strategic dominance.

About UNESCO World Heritage Site

A World Heritage Site is a location recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional cultural or natural significance, managed by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
UNESCO, under the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, promotes the recognition and preservation of global heritage.
India boasts 38 World Heritage Sites, comprising 30 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties, and 1 mixed site, recognized for their outstanding value to humanity.