Why Are Maratha Military Landscapes Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Maratha Military Landscapes: A UNESCO Triumph
12 Strategic Forts included: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Khanderi (Maharashtra), and Gingee (Tamil Nadu).
Recognized at the 47th World Heritage Committee (WHC) session in Paris (July 2025).
Reflects India’s rich military heritage and architectural diversity.


Chhatrapati Shivaji: The Visionary Warrior
Founder of the Maratha Empire (1630–1680), he defied Mughal and Sultanate powers using guerrilla warfare.
Master of Fort Strategy: Captured key forts like Torna (age 16), Rajgad, and Purandar.
Daring Escape from Agra: Fled Mughal captivity by hiding in a basket—a legendary tale of wit.
Coronation as Chhatrapati (1674): Established an independent Maratha kingdom spanning Konkan to Tamil Nadu.
Legacy: Over 300 forts secured his reign, blending defense, trade, and administration.


Why Were Hill Forts Crucial?
Terrain Advantage: Western Ghats’ dense forests and hills favored guerrilla tactics over large armies.
Defensive Strongholds: Forts like Shivneri and Raigad offered surveillance and retreat options.
Control & Expansion: Shivaji repaired old forts and built new ones to consolidate power.


Key Battles of the Marathas
Pratapgarh (1659): Defeated Adilshahi forces.
Surat (1664): Raided the wealthy Mughal port.
Salher (1672): First major open victory against the Mughals.
Anglo-Maratha Wars: Marked the decline of Maratha supremacy against the British.


Sample Q&A for Competitive Exams
Q1. Which forts are part of the Maratha Military Landscapes UNESCO listing?
A: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Khanderi (Maharashtra), and Gingee (Tamil Nadu).
Q2. How did Shivaji escape Mughal captivity in Agra?
A: He hid in a basket meant for alms distribution, evading Mughal guards.
Q3. What was Shivaji’s military strategy?
A: Guerrilla warfare, swift attacks, and control of hill forts to counter larger armies.
Q4. Which battle marked Shivaji’s first major win over the Mughals?
A: Battle of Salher (1672).
Q5. Why are Maratha forts architecturally significant?
A: They blend defense, water management, and regional identity, reflecting innovative engineering.


Why Is This Important for Exams?
UPSC/CSE: Questions on Shivaji, forts, and UNESCO sites frequently appear in Prelims and Mains.
State PSCs: Maharashtra-related history is pivotal for state exams.
SSC & Defence Exams: Covers medieval history and national heritage.
NID/NIFT/FDDI: General knowledge sections often include cultural heritage topics.