The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” have been officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking India’s 44th entry into the prestigious list. The announcement was made on Friday, July 11 during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. This recognition is an honour to India’s rich cultural legacy, architectural brilliance and history.
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is a collection of 12 strategically located forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and 1 is in Tamil Nadu. The 12 forts included in this UNESCO World Heritage Site are:
In Maharashtra:
– Salher Fort
– Shivneri Fort
– Lohgad
– Khanderi Fort
– Raigad
– Rajgad
– Pratapgad
– Suvarnadurg
– Panhala Fort
– Vijaydurg
– Sindhudurg
In Tamil Nadu:
– Gingee Fort
These majestic forts exemplify the Maratha Empire’s military acumen and architectural brilliance between the 17th and 19th centuries. These forts demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of geography, Defence strategy, and regional adaptation.
UNESCO announcement
“Breaking! New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India,” the official page of UNESCO posted on X.
🔴 BREAKING!
New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India 🇮🇳.
➡️ https://t.co/seTyyVu3sT #47WHC pic.twitter.com/mEpa6RWLRx
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) July 11, 2025
“The property includes twelve major fortifications, mostly in Maharashtra State, with one in Tamil Nadu. These forts, such as Raigad, Shivneri, and Sindhudurg, were built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. Strategically located on coastal and mountainous terrain, they formed a complex defence system supporting Maratha military dominance, trade protection, and territorial control. This network played a key role in the Marathas’ rise as a major political and military force,” UNESCO mentioned on its website.
Every Indian is elated with this recognition: PM Modi
Reacting to UNESCO’s announcement on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Every Indian is elated with this recognition. These ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ include 12 majestic forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and 1 is in Tamil Nadu.
When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride and emphasis on social welfare. The great rulers inspire us with their refusal to bow to any injustice. I call upon everyone to go visit these forts and learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire.”
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacts
Maharashtra Chief Minister reacted to the news with an X post where he wrote in Marathi, “Victory to Bhavani, Victory to Shivaji. The valor of Swarajya, the impregnable shield of self-respect, and the saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery—twelve forts now listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.”
The recognition of the Maratha Military Landscapes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a tribute to India’s Maratha empire’s architectural and military prowess, but also highlights the efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Government of Maharashtra in preserving history.