In 2024-25, India has proposed the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' for UNESCO World Heritage recognition, featuring historic sites like Salher, Shivneri, and Lohgad forts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These sites, reflecting Maratha military strength from the 17th to 19th centuries, exhibit a blend of architecture and natural landscapes. Among over 390 Maharashtra forts, selected ones like Shivneri and Raigad, symbolize the Maratha legacy. This nomination, rooted in cultural significance, underscores India's diverse heritage and enriches its World Heritage portfolio.
India has put forth an impressive contender for the UNESCO World Heritage List in the upcoming year 2024-25: the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India'. This nomination comprises a fascinating array of historical sites, including renowned forts such as Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, and many others spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
These sites, spanning diverse landscapes, are a testament to the strategic prowess of the Maratha rulers, showcasing their military might between the 17th and 19th centuries. The intricate network of forts, strategically positioned in regions like the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, and the Deccan Plateau, reflects a unique fusion of architecture and natural terrain.
Out of over 390 forts in Maharashtra, only a select few have been chosen for this prestigious nomination, with eight of them safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India. Notable among these are Shivneri fort, Raigad, and Sindhudurg, each holding a significant place in Maratha history.
The military legacy of the Marathas, dating back to the 17th century under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has left an indelible mark on India's historical landscape. This nomination falls under the cultural criteria for World Heritage Site consideration, highlighting its exceptional cultural significance and historical value.
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India capture the essence of a bygone era, embodying criteria that emphasize their unique testimony to a cultural tradition, architectural excellence, and their association with significant historical events. This nomination adds to India's rich tapestry of World Heritage Sites, with Maharashtra already boasting several esteemed cultural and natural sites.
Included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites in 2021, the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' stands as a proud representative of Maharashtra, vying for its well-deserved place among the world's most treasured heritage sites.
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