Shivaji Maharaj’s Forts Just Made UNESCO History – You Won’t Believe Which Ones!
Shivaji Maharaj’s 12 forts, including Raigad, make UNESCO World Heritage List.
In a landmark moment for Maharashtra, 12 iconic forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, sparking widespread celebration across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the achievement as a “proud and glorious moment,” saluting the legacy of the Maratha king who established “Swarajya” (sovereign state).
Announced during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijay Durg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, alongside Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These forts, enduring for nearly four centuries, symbolize the valor and strategic brilliance of Shivaji Maharaj and his warriors.
Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal support, alongside contributions from the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of Culture, and state officials like Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Minister Ashish Shelar’s technical presentation to UNESCO’s Director General was instrumental in securing the nomination.
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Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called the recognition a matter of immense cultural pride, noting that the forts’ global visibility will now inspire greater respect for Maratha heritage. He urged citizens to recommit to preserving Maharashtra’s 350+ forts, including Raigad, the historic capital.
Mountaineers and fort enthusiasts, represented by the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), celebrated the decision, emphasizing its boost to conservation efforts. AMGM’s Hrishikesh Yadav highlighted how UNESCO’s strict preservation rules will now protect these structures, pivotal to Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare tactics. Scale models presented by AMGM showcased the forts’ architectural genius and rugged terrain, swaying the heritage panel.
This historic recognition not only elevates Maharashtra’s cultural legacy but also ensures the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj resonates worldwide.
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