Overview: India has proposed the inclusion of “Maratha Military Landscapes” in the UNESCO World Heritage list for 2024-25, showcasing the strategic military prowess of Maratha rule.
About Maratha Military Landscapes:
- The nomination comprises 12 forts including Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
- These forts, established between the 17th and 19th centuries, embody an exceptional fortification system crafted by Maratha rulers.
- They integrate diverse landscapes of Sahyadri mountains, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Eastern Ghats.
Historical Significance:
- Originating in the 17th century under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha military ideology persisted until Peshwa rule in 1818.
- These forts symbolize the resilience and military acumen of Maratha leadership during that era.
World Heritage Criteria:
- The nomination aligns with UNESCO’s cultural criteria (iii), (iv), and (vi) emphasizing unique cultural tradition, outstanding architectural ensemble, and tangible association with significant historical events.
Current World Heritage Sites in India:
- India boasts 42 World Heritage Sites, including cultural, natural, and mixed properties.
- Maharashtra hosts six sites, with the Maratha Military Landscapes nomination adding to its cultural heritage.
What are World Heritage Sites?
- Designated by UNESCO, these sites possess exceptional cultural or natural significance to humanity.
- Criteria for selection include outstanding universal value, cultural tradition representation, and tangible associations with history.
UNESCO’s Role:
- UNESCO World Heritage Committee, assisted by ICOMOS, evaluates and inscribes sites based on their outstanding value.
- The Committee oversees conservation efforts and decides on site additions or removals based on their state of preservation.
- Certainly! Here’s the list of present World Heritage Sites in India arranged according to the year of inscription with serial numbers:
- Cultural World Heritage Sites:
- 1. Taj Mahal (1983)
- 2. Agra Fort (1983)
- 3. Ajanta Caves (1983)
- 4. Ellora Caves (1983)
- 5. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
- 6. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
- 7. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
- 8. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
- 9. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
- 10. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
- 11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
- 12. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
- 13. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
- 14. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
- 15. Elephanta Caves (1987)
- 16. Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004)
- 17. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
- 18. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
- 19. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
- 20. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
- 21. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
- 22. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
- 23. Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005, 2008)
- 24. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
- 25. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
- 26. Red Fort Complex (2007)
- 27. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
- 28. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
- 29. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021)
- 30. Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021)
- 31. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
- 32. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
- 33. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017)
- 34. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023)
- 35. Santiniketan (2023)
- 36. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
- 37. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
- Natural World Heritage Sites:
- 1. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
- 2. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
- 3. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
- 4. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
- 5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
- 6. Western Ghats (2012)
- 7. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
- Mixed World Heritage Site:
- 1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
- These sites represent India’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage and are recognized for their outstanding universal value to humanity.
In conclusion, the nomination of Maratha Military Landscapes underscores India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage on the global stage.