India has nominated the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024-25. This nomination consists of twelve unique components, each of which demonstrates the Maratha rule`s strategic military strength. The chosen forts, including Salher, Raigad, and Gingee, are spread throughout various geographies such as the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats, stated a media statement by the Ministry of Culture.
These forts, built between the 17th and 19th centuries, exhibit an outstanding fortification and military system designed by Maratha monarchs. The network of forts, with varied hierarchies and typological traits, blends in perfectly with the Indian Peninsula`s distinct topography and physiographic qualities.
According to the statement, only 12 of Maharashtra`s magnificent 390 forts have been selected for this nomination, eight of which are preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. The forts, which range from hill forts like Shivneri to island forts like Suvarnadurg, provide insight into the Marathas` diversified military architecture.
The Maratha Military Ideology dates back to the 17th century, during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and persisted through consecutive rulers until the Peshwa dynasty in 1818 CE. This mindset paved the way for the spectacular military landscapes that are currently seeking UNESCO designation.
The nomination meets the cultural criteria, specifically (iii), (iv), and (vi). It strives to be a one-of-a-kind testament to a cultural tradition, an extraordinary example of an architectural ensemble illustrating human history, and directly related to universally significant events, traditions, and beliefs, the union government said.
India now has 42 World Heritage sites of which Maharashtra already has six World Heritage Sites, including the renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
In Maharashtra, there are six World Heritage Sites, five cultural and one natural these are, Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) and Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is serial property in natural category (2012). The Maratha Military Landscapes of India included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021 is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List from Maharashtra, the statement read.
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, elated by the news, wrote in a social media post: “A very proud moment for Maharashtra! The Government of India has submitted a proposal to UNESCO to include the area of the Maratha military battlefield i.e. forts during the time of our idol Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the World Heritage List. This proposal has been submitted for the year 2024-25.”
महाराष्ट्रासाठी अत्यंत अभिमानाचा क्षण !
आपले आराध्यदैवत छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज यांच्या काळातील मराठा लष्करी रणभूमीचा परिसर अर्थात गडकिल्ल्यांना जागतिक वारसा यादीत समाविष्ट करण्यासाठीचा प्रस्ताव भारत सरकारने युनेस्कोला सादर केला आहे. 2024-25 या वर्षासाठी हा प्रस्ताव सादर करण्यात…
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 30, 2024
“It includes 12 forts namely Raigad, Shivneri, Torna, Lohgad, Salher, Khanderi, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg. For submitting this proposal Hon. Many thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modiji and Union Ministry of Culture,” the post further read.
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