Paris/Mumbai, July 12 — In a significant moment of historical recognition, UNESCO has inscribed the Maratha Military Landscapes on the prestigious World Heritage List. The announcement was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, currently underway at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from July 6 to 16, 2025.
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The listing includes 12 formidable fortifications — 11 located in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu — that together exemplify the strategic military architecture and sophisticated defence planning of the Maratha Empire between the late 17th and early 19th centuries.
According to UNESCO, these sites represent a comprehensive military network that underpinned the Marathas’ emergence as a dominant political and military force in the Indian subcontinent. “This network played a key role in the Marathas’ rise as a major political and military power,” noted the organisation in its official citation.
The global recognition prompted an enthusiastic response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the listing as a proud moment for all Indians. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister urged citizens to visit these forts and immerse themselves in the legacy of the Maratha Empire.
“Every Indian is elated with this recognition. These ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ include 12 majestic forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to social welfare,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also paid tribute to legendary Maratha rulers such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who are remembered for their resilience and resistance against injustice, notably in their historic confrontations with the Mughal Empire.
“The great rulers inspire us with their refusal to bow to any injustice,” PM Modi added, calling on the public to explore the sites and appreciate the architectural brilliance and historical significance of the Maratha legacy.
The inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes in the World Heritage List is expected to enhance global awareness and tourism while encouraging deeper scholarly engagement with India's rich cultural and military history.
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