Maratha Military Landscapes of India

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, poised for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2024-25, epitomize the exceptional fortification and military acumen of the Maratha rulers from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This nomination, encompassing twelve forts of various types – hill forts, coastal forts, and island forts – across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, reflects the strategic integration of military architecture with the diverse landscapes of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats. This acknowledgment serves not only as a testament to the historical and architectural grandeur of these forts but also highlights the profound synergy between these structures and their surrounding terrain, echoing the enduring legacy of the Maratha military ideology initiated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.