“‘Maratha Army Landscapes', representing extraordinary fortification and navy system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, was on Friday inscribed on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Checklist,” UNESCO introduced in a submit on X. The forts, which span quite a lot of terrains—together with coastal areas, hills, plateaus, and islands—type a cohesive navy panorama that displays the strategic acumen and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire.
In accordance with the Press Data Bureau (PIB), the twelve forts characterize various kinds of geographical settings: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are hill forts; Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort; Panhala is a hill-plateau fort; Vijaydurg is a coastal fort; and Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg are labeled as island forts.
Which forts are becoming a member of the listing
The Maratha Army Landscapes embody twelve strategically positioned forts, every representing a singular mix of navy structure, regional adaptation, and historic significance throughout numerous terrains.
- Salher Fort in Maharashtra stands amid the Sahyadri mountain ranges and is famend for its historic fortifications and sweeping views. It displays the Marathas' navy resilience and geographical command.
- Shivneri Fort, close to Junnar in Maharashtra, is traditionally important because the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Positioned atop a hill, the fort's commanding structure and heritage worth make it an emblem of Maratha pleasure.
- Lohagad Fort, positioned close to Pune within the Western Ghats, is thought for its strong building and scenic vistas. Traditionally used for navy campaigns, it stays a well-liked website for each historical past fans and trekkers.
- Khanderi Fort, an island fort within the Arabian Sea, exemplifies maritime protection methods of the Maratha period. Its mix of historic significance and coastal surroundings makes it a notable a part of the navy panorama.
- Raigad Fort served because the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire. Nestled within the Sahyadris, it's celebrated for its strategic significance and imposing structure.
- Rajgad Fort, additionally within the Western Ghats, was one of many earliest capitals of the Maratha Empire. Its design and pure setting mirror the empire's defensive capabilities and cultural depth.
- Pratapgad Fort is remembered for the historic Battle of Pratapgad. Set within the wooded hills of the Western Ghats, it's an instance of how terrain and fortification had been merged in Maratha technique.
- Suvarnadurg Fort, off the Konkan coast, was an important naval base. Surrounded by sea, it shows the Maratha Empire's maritime engineering capabilities.
- Panhala Fort, set on a plateaued hill within the Sahyadri vary, is thought for its expansive views and important position in Maratha navy historical past.
- Vijaydurg Fort, positioned on the Konkan coast, is without doubt one of the best-preserved sea forts. Its positioning and structure spotlight the naval power of the Marathas.
- Sindhudurg Fort, one other island fort within the Arabian Sea, was constructed beneath the path of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It options distinctive building methods and performed a significant position in coastal protection.
- Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, the one fort within the listing exterior Maharashtra, is famous for its large stone buildings and strategic hilltop placement. It performed a significant position beneath numerous dynasties and is a uncommon instance of southern Indian navy structure included within the Maratha panorama nomination.
India's standing on the World Heritage Checklist
With this addition, India now ranks sixth globally and second within the Asia-Pacific area for the variety of World Heritage Websites. Final 12 months, the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam had been added to the listing on the forty sixth session held in New Delhi. In accordance with PIB, India additionally has 62 websites on the Tentative Checklist, a essential prerequisite for future nominations. Underneath the foundations of the World Heritage Conference, ratified by 196 nations since 1972, every nation might suggest just one website per 12 months for inscription. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the designated nodal company dealing with all issues associated to World Heritage nominations on behalf of the Authorities of India.
Different world inscriptions introduced
Different websites inscribed through the forty seventh session embody the Cambodian Memorial Websites: From centres of repression to locations of peace and reflection; Forest Analysis Institute Malaysia Forest Park in Selangor; and the prehistoric websites of the Khorramabad Valley within the Islamic Republic of Iran.
(With inputs from TOI)
