Maratha Military Landscapes of India

Why in news?

‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th property to receive this recognition.

remarkable decision taken at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, France.

What are the Maratha Military Landscapes?

The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ is a network of 12 forts and fortifications that represent the extraordinary military system and strategy of the Maratha rulers in the 17th-19th centuries.

Spread across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the selected sites, include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

While Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort are protected under the Archaeological Survey of India whereas Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.

Located across a range of diverse terrains—from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds – these forts reflect a sophisticated understanding of geography and strategic defense planning. Together, they form a cohesive military landscape that highlights the innovation and regional adaptation of fortification traditions in India.

Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are situated in hilly terrains and are therefore known as hill forts. Pratapgad, nestled within dense woods, is classified as a hill-forest fort. Panhala, located on a plateaued hill, is a hill-plateau fort. Vijaydurg, positioned along the shoreline, is a notable coastal fort, while Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg, surrounded by the sea, are recognized as island forts.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India:

Cultural sites 

• Agra Fort(1983)
• Ajanta Caves(1983)
• Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar(2016)
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi(1989)
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park(2004)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)(2004)
• Churches and Convents of Goa(1986)
• Dholavira: A Harappan City(2021)
• Elephanta Caves(1987)
• Ellora Caves(1983)
• Fatehpur Sikri(1986)
• Great Living Chola Temples(1987, 2004)
• Group of Monuments at Hampi(1986)
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram(1984)
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal(1987)
• Hill Forts of Rajasthan(2013)
• Historic City of Ahmadabad(2017)
• Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi(1993)
• Jaipur City, Rajasthan(2019)
• Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana(2021)
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments(1986)
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya(2002)
• Maratha Military Landscapes of India(2025)
• Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty(2024)
• Mountain Railways of India(1999, 2005, 2008)
• Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi(1993)
• Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat(2014)
• Red Fort Complex(2007)
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka(2003)
• Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas(2023)
• Santiniketan(2023)
• Sun Temple, Konârak(1984)
• Taj Mahal(1983)
• The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement(2016)
• The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur(2010)
• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai(2018)

Natural sites

• Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area(2014)
• Kaziranga National Park(1985)
• Keoladeo National Park(1985)
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary(1985)
• Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks(1988, 2005)
• Sundarbans National Park(1987)
• Western Ghats(2012)

Mixed site 

• Khangchendzonga National Park(2016)

UPSC CSE Prelims 2024:

Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya 

How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer: B