Maratha Fort: A New Gem in India’s Heritage Crown

Maratha Fort: A New Gem in India’s Heritage Crown

India, renowned for its diverse and rich cultural heritage, has added yet another illustrious chapter to its global recognition. In 2025, the Maratha Fort System, a network of twelve historically significant forts was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious tag has elevated India's tally of UNESCO-recognized sites to 44. More than a ceremonial designation, this recognition cements the Maratha military architecture’s place in the annals of global heritage. Let us explore the significance, history, and impact of this inclusion in depth.

 

The Road to UNESCO Recognition

The journey toward UNESCO inscription is a meticulous one. For any site to be considered for the World Heritage List, it must first appear in UNESCO’s Tentative List for a minimum of one year. In the case of the Maratha Fort System, the initial step was taken in 2021, when the collective title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” was added to the Tentative List. Following years of comprehensive documentation, assessment, and lobbying, the official nomination was submitted in 2024.

The final decision was made during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Paris in 2025. After thorough evaluations, the site met the cultural criteria and earned the World Heritage tag, bringing to light the Maratha Empire's architectural genius and strategic brilliance.

 

Composition and Structure of the Fort Network

The Maratha Fort System consists of 12 fortified structures, primarily located in western India. Eleven of these are situated in Maharashtra, the heartland of the Maratha Empire, while one fort—Gingee Fort—is located in Tamil Nadu, showcasing the geographical expanse of Maratha influence.

Among the notable forts in this list are:

  • Shivneri Fort – Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
     
  • Rajgad Fort – One of the earliest capitals of Shivaji’s kingdom
     
  • Pratapgad Fort – Site of the historic battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan
     
  • Khanderi Fort – Coastal fortification showcasing naval defense prowess
     
  • Saler Fort – A formidable hill fort with natural defenses
     

These forts are not merely relics of stone and mortar but are deeply integrated into the cultural fabric and military legacy of India. The system is categorized under ‘Cultural Sites’ by UNESCO, emphasizing their historical and architectural significance rather than natural beauty.

 

Management and Preservation Responsibilities

While the global tag brings recognition, the responsibility of preservation rests with national and regional authorities. Of the twelve forts, four — Rajgad, Pratapgad, Saler, and Khanderi are managed by the Government of Maharashtra. The remaining forts fall under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

These bodies are tasked with maintaining the integrity of the forts through restoration, site management plans, and conservation practices. With the UNESCO tag, these authorities are now expected to follow international standards of conservation, ensuring that the forts are preserved not just for tourism, but for posterity.

 

Historical Significance: Forts of Strategy and Sovereignty

The Maratha forts are not merely architectural marvels—they are testaments to a dynamic and decentralised military and administrative strategy adopted by the Maratha Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries. Spearheaded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the fort-building tradition was continued by his successors including Sambhaji Maharaj and the Peshwas.

These forts were strategically built across diverse terrains—from rugged hills and coastal islands to deep forests and plateaus. This geographical variety allowed the Marathas to implement their unique form of Guerrilla warfare, locally known as ‘Ginimikawa’. Unlike the centralized forts of the Mughals or the palatial forts of Rajputs, Maratha forts prioritized function over form.

Key architectural elements included:

  • Watchtowers and command posts for surveillance
     
  • Granaries and secret escape routes for sustainability during sieges
     
  • Underground chambers and multi-layered walls for enhanced security
     

The overarching principle was clear: defense, mobility, and decentralization. The forts enabled the Marathas to resist powerful adversaries like the Mughals, Nizams, and eventually the British.

 

The Impacts of the UNESCO Tag

Being designated as a World Heritage Site is not just a ceremonial honour; it has practical advantages:

  1. International Recognition: The tag elevates the global profile of these forts, encouraging academic interest and cultural diplomacy.
     
  2. Conservation Funding: UNESCO status often attracts funding and technical assistance for preservation, especially from international organizations and cultural heritage bodies.
     
  3. Tourism Boost: Heritage tourism, especially among history enthusiasts, is likely to surge. This can generate employment and foster community development around these sites.
     
  4. Sustainable Development: Emphasis on sustainable tourism ensures the ecological and cultural environment around the forts is protected while supporting local economies.
     

 

UNESCO Heritage Categories: Where the Forts Fit In

To better understand the placement of the Maratha Forts within the global framework, one must look at the three broad categories under which UNESCO designates heritage sites:

  1. Cultural Sites – These include man-made marvels of architecture, urban planning, and tradition. India’s entries under this category include:
     
    • Ajanta and Ellora Caves
       
    • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai)
       
    • Fatehpur Sikri
       
    • Elephanta Caves
       
    • Now, the Maratha Fort System
       
  2. Natural Sites – These focus on ecological and geological significance. Prominent Indian examples:
     
    • Kaziranga National Park
       
    • Sundarbans
       
    • Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers
       
  3. Mixed Sites – Where both natural and cultural elements are equally significant. Example:
     
    • Khangchendzonga National Park, which blends biodiversity with spiritual significance.
       

The Maratha Fort System distinctly belongs in the Cultural category, celebrating India’s martial heritage.

 

Relevance for Examinations and Awareness

The inclusion of the Maratha Fort System holds educational value beyond heritage recognition. It has already featured in competitive exams like UPSC, with recent papers asking about UNESCO designations such as Shantiniketan and Hoysala Temples (2023), and intangible heritage like Garba dance. Given the growing emphasis on cultural awareness and India’s global heritage profile, such topics are likely to feature prominently in upcoming exams.

For students, educators, and policymakers alike, understanding the process of UNESCO nominations, the criteria involved, and the impact of such listings is increasingly important.

 

Conclusion: A Legacy Reborn

The official UNESCO inscription of the Maratha Fort System is not just a nod to the past, it is a pledge for the future. These forts, once the heart of resistance and self-rule, are now emblems of India’s cultural resilience and global stature. As India marches forward on the path of modernity, remembering and preserving its military, architectural, and civilizational heritage becomes ever more essential. With global attention now focused on these mighty bastions of the Deccan, a new chapter of appreciation and preservation begins.

Their walls may no longer echo with the war drums of the Maratha armies, but they continue to stand tall — guardians of history, pride, and identity.