UNESCO adds India's 'Maratha Military Landscapes' to World Heritage List

In a historic move, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) on Friday inscribed the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' of India onto the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition honors the exceptional military architecture and fortification strategies developed by the Maratha rulers.

The decision was made during the 47th session of the WHC, currently taking place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from July 6 to 16, 2025.

According to UNESCO, the newly inscribed site includes 12 key components of Maratha military architecture:

Salher Fort

Shivneri Fort

Lohgad

Khanderi Fort

Raigad

Rajgad

Pratapgad

Suvarnadurg

Panhala Fort

Vijaydurg

Sindhudurg (all in Maharashtra), and

Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

These forts are located across varied geographical terrains and exemplify indigenous engineering, strategic defense planning, and geographic adaptation unique to the Maratha military tradition.

UNESCO praised these sites as “extraordinary examples of military engineering and cultural heritage,” noting their role in shaping the subcontinent's political history. The recognition of these sites now brings India’s tally of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to 44.

About the World Heritage Committee:

The WHC is composed of representatives from 21 nations elected from the 195 States Parties to the Convention for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage. The committee is tasked with inscribing, monitoring, and preserving world heritage sites globally.

This inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes stands as a tribute to India’s rich cultural legacy and showcases its historic excellence in architecture and military innovation.