Declare 12 Shivaji Era forts as UNESCO World Heritage sites, proposes Pawar
Declare 12 Shivaji Era forts as UNESCO World Heritage sites, proposes Pawar
Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg forts in Maharashtra are among the forts that will be jointly proposed for nomination as the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ for the year 2024–2025 (the 12th fort in the landscape is Gingee in Tamil Nadu).
29 June 2024
Ajit Pawar, Finance Minister, announced during the budget announcement on Friday that the state government has planned to submit twelve forts from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era—many of which surround the city—as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg forts in Maharashtra are among the forts that will be jointly proposed for nomination as the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ for the year 2024–2025 (the 12th fort in the landscape is Gingee in Tamil Nadu).
In addition, a request to submit the Konkan region’s Katal Shilpa rock art site and petroglyph site for the same valued categorization has been sent to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
In his budget address, Pawar stated, “Besides the proposal sent to UNESCO to get World Heritage Site nominations for 12 forts of the Shivaji Mahara-era, proposals will also be sent for this recognition for Katal Shilpa in Konkan, the Pandharpur Wari, Dahi Handi Utsav and Ganeshotsav.”
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, created between the 17th and 19th centuries, showcase an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by Maratha rulers. These forts are spread across various geographical zones, showcasing Maratha rule’s strategic military strength. India currently has 42 World Heritage Sites, including 34 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site.
The Maharashtra Culture Ministry states that there are six World Heritage Sites in the state, including Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles (2018), and the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala (2012).
The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the list from Maharashtra.
