Maharashtra’s Pride: 12 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Forts Nominated for UNESCO Heritage Status
Pune: 20-Year-Old Woman Dies After Slipping from Rajgad Fort, Falls 150 Feet into Gorge During Visit with Husband
The selected forts are spread across diverse geographical landscapes, highlighting the Maratha rulers’ skill in fortification and military tactics.
A prominent delegation headed by Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar is currently in Paris to pursue UNESCO World Heritage designation for twelve forts associated with Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an official reported on Sunday.
A four-member delegation, featuring additional chief secretary Vikas Kharge, deputy director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Hemant Dalvi, and architect Shikha Jain, will be in Paris until February 26.
“Under an initiative taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 12 forts from Maharashtra have been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status. The State government is working tirelessly to ensure the conservation of all these forts by removing barriers. We have formed a task force to clear encroachments from all these sites and come what may, nothing can stop us from removing the encroachments from the forts,” said Fadnavis.
During the 395th Shivaji Jayanti celebrations at Shivneri Fort in Pune, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for people to recognize the value of preserving history, which he believes is even more significant than temples.
The delegation is set to deliver technical and diplomatic presentations to the UNESCO authorities, underscoring the historical and architectural importance of these forts, as stated in the announcement.
The minister expressed optimism that these initiatives will contribute to achieving global recognition for the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while also emphasizing the significance of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
Twelve forts have been nominated for UNESCO status: Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi, and Gingee in Tamil Nadu.
The selected forts are spread across diverse geographical landscapes, highlighting the Maratha rulers’ skill in fortification and military tactics.
Shivneri Fort: The birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, situated near Pune.
Rajgad Fort: Formerly the capital of the Maratha Empire, recognized for its intricate design and strategic importance.
Pratapgad Fort: Renowned for the Battle of Pratapgad, where Shivaji Maharaj triumphed over Afzal Khan.
Salher Fort: Known for being the location of the Battle of Salher, a pivotal victory for the Marathas.
Khanderi Fort: An island fort that was vital for naval defense
Lohagad Fort – This hill fort located near Lonavala is renowned for its strong architecture and rich historical background.
Suvarnadurg Fort – A coastal fort that was instrumental in the Maratha naval defense efforts.
Sindhudurg Fort – Constructed by Shivaji Maharaj on an island, this fort was vital to his naval tactics.
Rajmachi Fort – A pair of forts offering strategic vantage points over key trade routes.
Malhargad Fort – A notable example of the Marathas’ final fortifications, reflecting their advanced military design from the later period.
Vijaydurg Fort – Vijaydurg, the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, was constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty and restructured by Shivaji.
Gingee Fort: Shivaji Maharaj seized the fort in 1677 as part of the Carnatic Expedition, which stands out as one of the boldest undertakings of his life.
