12 iconic Maratha forts declared UNESCO World Heritage sites
India’s Maratha Military Landscapes, featuring 12 historic forts, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024–25. Explore the legacy, architecture, and cultural significance of this newly recognized World Heritage Site.
In a major cultural milestone, Maratha Military Landscapes of India has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris. With this recognition, India adds its 44th World Heritage Site, spotlighting the military ingenuity and architectural legacy of the Maratha Empire. (Image: Canva)
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What Is the Maratha Military Landscape? The Maratha Military Landscapes consist of 12 strategically located forts dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Far more than simple fortifications, these structures reflect the Maratha Empire’s sophisticated command over defence, geography, and political strategy. Evaluated over 18 months by ICOMOS and global heritage bodies, the sites are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. Spanning diverse terrains across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, these forts showcase remarkable regional adaptation, strategic foresight, and architectural ingenuity. Here’s a look at the 12 forts recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list: (Image: Canva)
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1. Salher Fort (Hill Fort) Perched in the Sahyadri range, Salher Fort is one of Maharashtra’s highest hill forts. It played a key role in the 1672 battle between the Marathas and Mughals. (Image: Wikipedia)
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2. Shivneri Fort (Hill Fort) Famed as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shivneri Fort is strategically located in Junnar. Its robust bastions and water tanks reflect classic Maratha hill fort architecture. (Image: Canva)
3. Lohgad Fort (Hill Fort) Lohgad Fort, near Lonavala, guarded important trade routes and overlooks lush valleys. Known for its scenic beauty, it showcases the Marathas’ strategic use of elevated terrain for defence. (Image: Canva)
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4. Khanderi Fort (Island Fort) Built on an island near Mumbai, Khanderi Fort controlled maritime routes. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, it exemplifies the Marathas’ naval foresight and island-based defence system. (Image: Wikipedia)
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5. Raigad Fort (Hill Fort) Once the capital of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji Maharaj, Raigad Fort sits atop a steep hill. Its natural defences and palace ruins highlight military and political significance. (Image: Canva)
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6. Rajgad Fort (Hill Fort) Rajgad served as the Maratha capital before Raigad. Surrounded by the Sahyadris, the fort is known for its sprawling structure and panoramic views from its multiple machis (plateaus). (Image: Canva)
7. Pratapgad Fort (Hill-Forest Fort) Hidden within dense forests of Satara, Pratapgad is famed for Shivaji’s battle against Afzal Khan. Its forested surroundings made it a natural fortress and a tactical hideout. (Image: Canva)
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8. Suvarnadurg Fort (Island Fort) Located off the Konkan coast, Suvarnadurg was a key naval base. Built on a rocky island, it fortified Maratha naval dominance and safeguarded the western seaboard from invasions. (Image: Canva)
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9. Panhala Fort (Hill-Plateau Fort) Panhala Fort, set on a broad plateau, was a significant administrative centre. Its elevation provided strategic oversight of trade routes between inland Maharashtra and coastal ports. (Image: Canva)
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10. Vijaydurg Fort (Coastal Fort) Vijaydurg, built along Maharashtra’s western coastline, is one of the strongest sea forts. Its triple-layered walls and underwater trenches highlight Maratha mastery in coastal fortification. (Image: Wikipedia)
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11. Sindhudurg Fort (Island Fort) Constructed by Shivaji Maharaj on an islet off Malvan, Sindhudurg was a vital naval station. Surrounded by sea on all sides, it exemplifies Maratha naval ingenuity and maritime power. (Image: Canva)
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12. Gingee Fort (Hill Fort) Situated in Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort is often dubbed the “Troy of the East.” Built atop rocky hills, its fortifications reflect both Maratha and earlier Vijayanagar influences. (Image: Canva)
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Why These Forts Matter These 12 forts are not just relics of stone but powerful symbols of Maratha sovereignty, strategic acumen, and cultural resilience. Rising from hills, islands, and coastlines, they showcase a deep understanding of geography in military planning. Their UNESCO recognition places them among the world’s great defensive structures, highlighting their dual role as both fortresses and centres of governance. Spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the Maratha Military Landscapes connect inland and coastal legacies, inviting deeper exploration of a defining era in Indian history. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
