'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to UNESCO World Heritage List | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to UNESCO World Heritage List

    Posted 12 Jul 2025

    2 min read

    They are added because they show a living cultural tradition, have unique architecture and technology, and are strongly connected to important historical events and traditions.

    • They have become India’s 44th site in UNESCO World Heritage List.
    • India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Sites.
    • Archaeological Survey of India is the nodal agency of all the World Heritage related matters in the country.

    About Maratha Military Landscape

    • Strategic Military Heritage (17th–19th Centuries CE): The network of twelve forts demonstrates the strategic military vision, innovation, regional adaptation and architectural ingenuity.
      • These forts reflect understanding of geography and strategic defence planning.
    • Geographical Spread: Across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu
      • The selected sites, include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
    • Diverse and Strategic Locations: Located across a range of diverse terrains, from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds.

    Criteria for Selection of World Heritage Sites

    • To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.
    • Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, can submit nomination proposals for sites on their territory to be considered for inclusion.
    • The nominated site is independently evaluated by  the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
    • Final decision on its inscription is made by the World Heritage Committee (India is a member from 2021-25).  
    • Tags :
    • UNESCO
    • World Heritage Sites
    • Maratha Military Landscape
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