Maratha Military Landscapes of India Added to UNESCO World Heritage List
In a significant achievement for India, the Maratha Military Landscapes have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee. This recognition marks India’s 44th property to receive such an honor, celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage and architectural diversity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other officials, expressed their pride in this accomplishment, highlighting the importance of preserving India’s historical legacy.
Details of the Maratha Military Landscapes
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which span from the 17th to the 19th centuries, consist of a remarkable network of twelve forts. These forts exemplify the strategic military planning and architectural prowess of the Maratha Empire. The sites include notable forts such as Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, as well as Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Each fort reflects a unique aspect of the Maratha military strategy and showcases the empire’s ability to adapt to diverse geographical terrains.
The proposal for this inscription was submitted to the World Heritage Committee in January 2024. After an extensive eighteen-month evaluation process, which included technical meetings and site visits by ICOMOS, the decision was finalized at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This recognition not only honors the architectural significance of these sites but also their role in India’s historical narrative.
Support from the International Community
During the committee meeting, 18 out of 20 State Parties expressed their support for India’s nomination, demonstrating a strong international consensus on the importance of these sites. The discussion lasted for 59 minutes, culminating in a positive recommendation that was met with congratulations from member states, UNESCO, and various advisory bodies. The Maratha Military Landscapes were nominated under criteria (iv) and (vi), acknowledging their exceptional cultural significance and historical associations.
The inscription of these landscapes is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote cultural heritage worldwide. The inclusion of such sites in UNESCO’s list is vital for maintaining their Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs), which encompass cultural, natural, and mixed properties across 196 countries.
Significance of the Recognition
This global recognition underscores India’s commitment to highlighting its rich heritage on the world stage. It reflects the diligent efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Maharashtra government in preserving these historical treasures. The Maratha Military Landscapes’ inscription is a testament to New India’s dedication to cultural preservation and promotion.
India’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the number of World Heritage Sites. The country currently boasts 62 sites on the Tentative List, which is a prerequisite for future nominations. Each year, only one site can be proposed by each State Party for consideration by the World Heritage Committee.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Efforts
The Archaeological Survey of India serves as the nodal agency for all matters related to World Heritage in the country. This recent inscription is part of India’s ongoing efforts to secure its cultural heritage and ensure its preservation for future generations. Last year, the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam were also inscribed on the World Heritage List, further enhancing India’s cultural footprint.
As India continues to navigate the complexities of heritage preservation, the recognition of the Maratha Military Landscapes serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding historical sites. This achievement not only enriches India’s cultural narrative but also strengthens its position in the global heritage community.
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