Maharashtra forms panels to safeguard ancient forts

  • January 19, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Maharashtra forms panels to safeguard ancient forts

Sub: History

Sec:  Art and Architecture

Context:

  • The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has announced the formation of district-level committees to protect ancient forts in Maharashtra from encroachment.
  • By January 31, the committees are required to prepare a comprehensive list of all encroachments and submit it to the government.

Objective:

  • The primary objective of these committees is to remove existing encroachments on forts and prevent future encroachments and ensure the proper preservation of these forts.
  • The committees will operate at the district level and will address concerns regarding the structural integrity of forts and also ensure the enforcement of law and order at these historical sites.

Significance of the move:

  • Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally-protected forts, under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 62 State-protected forts, managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
  • These forts are a vital part of the State’s cultural legacy and require robust measures to ensure their conservation and preservation.

Some Important forts in Maharashtra:

Raigad Fort
  • Raigad Fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation took place here in 1674.
  • The fort has several structures like the Rajwada (palace), temples, and a vast entrance gate.
Sinhagad Fort
  • Sinhagad Fort is famous for the battle fought in 1670 between the Maratha forces led by Tanaji Malusare and the Mughal army.
Shivneri Fort
  • This fort is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sindhudurg Fort
  • This fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1664 to protect the Konkan coastline from foreign invasions.
History Maharashtra forms panels to safeguard ancient forts