Shivneri, Raigad Among 12 Maratha Forts Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Big news for India and Maharashtra! In July 2025, UNESCO added 12 famous Maratha forts to its World Heritage List. These forts were part of the Maratha Military Landscapes, which were built during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later Maratha rulers. This is a proud moment for all Indians.

📜 What is the Maratha Military Landscape?

The Maratha Military Landscape includes forts and strong buildings that were built for protection and war. These forts were made between the 1600s and 1800s. They are famous for their smart designs, strength, and location in hilly and coastal areas. These forts show how clever and brave the Maratha rulers were.

🏰 List of 12 Maratha Forts That Got UNESCO Tag

• Shivneri Fort
• Raigad Fort
• Rajgad Fort
• Pratapgad Fort
• Lohgad Fort
• Salher Fort
• Khanderi Fort
• Suvarnadurg Fort
• Panhala Fort
• Vijaydurg Fort
• Sindhudurg Fort
• Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu)

📍 Why This Is a Proud Moment for India

This is India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage site. It proves that India's culture, architecture, and history are important to the world. These forts are a part of Maharashtra’s identity and show the power of the Maratha Empire. Now the world will know more about our great past.

🌍 What Government and UNESCO Said

The Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis shared their happiness about this news. The announcement was made in Paris during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. India’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, said this is a proud day for all Marathi people.

🛕 Special Things About These Forts

These forts were not just for war — they were also smart and eco-friendly. Some had rainwater tanks, secret tunnels, and storage rooms. They were built on mountains and by the sea, which made them hard to attack. Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu was also added to show how big the Maratha Empire had spread.

🧪 How Were These Forts Selected?

Out of more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, only 12 were selected. They were chosen because of their unique design, strong history, and condition. The process took 18 months and included visits by UNESCO teams.

🔍 People Also Ask

• Which forts got the UNESCO tag in 2025?
  12 forts including Shivneri, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee Fort.
• Why is Shivneri Fort important?
  It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• What is the meaning of World Heritage Site?
  It means the place is very important for history and protected by UNESCO.
• How many World Heritage Sites does India have now?
  India now has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

📝 Conclusion

The addition of Shivneri, Raigad, and other forts to the UNESCO World Heritage List is a huge honor. These forts show the strength, planning, and courage of the Maratha Empire. It’s a proud moment for Maharashtra, and for the whole of India.

Let’s celebrate our history and share it with the world! Read more such updates on UrbanPune.in.