UNESCO Adds India’s 12 Maratha Forts To Heritage List — See Which Ones

In a proud moment for India, UNESCO has added the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' to its prestigious World Heritage List. This recognition includes 12 legendary forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu. Each fort, standing as a symbol of the unique Maratha architecture and strategic brilliance, these forts have been acknowledged for their historic, architectural, and cultural significance. From sea forts to hilltop marvels, here’s a closer look at each one.

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1. Salher Fort, Maharashtra

Salher Fort, located in the Satana tehsil of Nashkil district, is one of the highest forts in Maharashtra. It's located on the second-highest peak in Western Ghats. This fort stands tall at 5,141 feet, and holds immense historical significance as the site of the legendary Battle of Salher in 1672. The fort has massive stone constructions, long stairways, temples, and water cisterns that reflect military brilliance. It offers stunning panoramic views from the top which makes it a trekker's paradise. Salher Fort was strategically made for surveillance and was a key part of Shivaji Maharaj's northern defense line.

2. Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra

Located near Junnar in Pune district, Shivneri Fort is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It's this hill fort where Shivaji spent his early childhood, making it famous for its rich history. The fort features fortified walls, seven entrance gates, and the revered temple of Goddess Shivai, after whom Shivaji was named. Shivneri Fort was strategically planned with moats, hidden entrances, and strong bastions, the reflect the early Maratha defensive planning. Now, a UNESCO-listed site, this fort is extremely famous for its historical aura and commanding views.

3. Lohagad Fort, Maharashtra

Perched in the Sahyadri range near Lonavala, Lohagad Fort literally means. "Iron Fort." It is known for its strong fortifications and strategic design that Shivaji Maharaj used to safeguard treasures and oversee trade routes. The iconic 'Vinchu Kata' is an architectural marvel. The fort has lush green surroundings during the rainy season and attracts trekkers and nature lovers alike. This historic fort was ideal for defense, which made it an important military site. At an altitude of 3,389 feet, this fort sits just southwest of Visapur Fort. The scenic trails and strategic location draws tourists and trekkers from across the country.

4. Khanderi Fort, Maharashtra

Khanderi Fort is built on an island near Alibaug. It's a marvelous example of coastal military engineering. This historic fort was commissioned by Shivaji in 1660, and was crucial in controlling sea routes along the Konkan coast. This fort situated in Maharashtra, features a lighthouse, cannons, and underwater barriers that helped protect it from British and Portuguese naval attacks. Khanderi, along with its twin fort Underi, played a significant role in Maratha naval supremacy. The addition of Khanderi Fort to the UNESCO list showcases India's rich maritime heritage.

5. Raigad Fort, Maharashtra

Raigad Fort is considered as a jewel of the Maratha architecture. It was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire. This fort located in the Sahyadris, standing as 2,700 feet, is where Shivaji was coronated in 1674. The fort complex includes palaces, watchtowers, granaries, a market, and the samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj. Raigad Fort is accessible via a scenic trek or ropeway and serves as the heart of Maratha pride. It has been known for its exceptional planning and execution.

6. Rajgad Fort, Maharashtra

Before Raigad, Rajgad Fort served as the capital of Maratha Empire. It is located about 60 km from Pune. Known as the "King of Forts," its structure covers the entire Murumbadevi hill and is divided into four parts, Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, Sanjeevani Machi, and Balekilla. The fort has a formidable architecture, secret escape routes, and breathtaking views which makes it both a historical and trekking hotspot. Rajgad is the site where various strategic decisions and military plannings took place. It is the place where Shivaji Maharaj spent over 25 years of his life.

7. Pratapgad Fort, Maharashtra

Pratapgad Fort, located in the Satara district, is the famous for the epic Battle of Pratapgad in 1659 where Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan. Surrounded by dense forests and deep valleys, this fort offers a magnificent view of the Western Ghats to its visitor. Pratapgad fort features a Mahadev temple, Bhavani temple, numerous bastions and hidden passage ways. It has two-level construction and displays the tactical brilliance. Standing tall at an altitude of 1,080 metres, this majestic fort is guarded by towering walls and two grand entrances.

8. Suvarnadurg Fort, Maharashtra

Built on an island off the coast of Dapoli in Ratnagiri, Suvarnadurg Fort was a key naval station for Shivaji’s Maratha navy. This fort, often referred to as the "Golden Fort," was constructed to counter foreign naval forces. Accessible only by boat, the appearance of this fort against the Arabian Sea is an unforgettable site. This island fort is fortified with high bastions, secret tunnels, and water tanks. UNESCO's recognition of Suvarnadurg Fort revives interest in Maratha naval power and showcases how coastal forts played a key role in India’s maritime military history.

9. Panhala Fort, Maharashtra

Panhala Fort played a major role during Shivaji's reign and was known for its unbreachable triple-layered fortification. Overlooking the Sahyadra mountain range, Panhala Fort is one of the largest forts in the Deccan region. The key features of the fort includes the massive Andhar Bavadi, Teen Darwaza, and Sajja Kothi. This fort is a living monumnet of Maratha courage and stategy. Known for its serpent-like structure, Panhala Fort is often referred to as the 'Fort of Snakes.' Constructed between 1178 and 1209 CE, this fort still preserves many of its original structures and architectural elements.

10. Vijaydurg Fort, Maharashtra

Vijaydurg Fort is often referred to as the "Gibraltar of the East.” It was built on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea and was a stronghold of the Maratha Nav under Kanhoji Angre. The fort has 40-foot-high walls, sea-facing bastions, and underwater stone walls, which were designed to trap enemy ships. This oldest fort along the Sindhudurg coast, once stretched over 5 acres and was encircled by sea. It continues to stand beside a natural port that's still used by the local fishermen today.

11. Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra

Constructed between 1664 and 1667 by Shivaji Maharaj on a rocky island off the Malvan coast, the Sindhudurg Fort is a masterpiece of Maratha sea defense. It was built by using the locally sourced laterite stone. The fort features 42 bastions and a concealed main entrance. Within its walls lies the only known temple dedicated to Shivaji. Built on Khurte Island, this strategic fort was designed to check the growing dominance of European powers. Now recognised by UNESCO, Sindhudurg stands as a sentinel of Maratha naval power and architectural innovation.

12. Gingee Fort, Tamil Nadu

The only fort outside Maharashtra to make the list, Gingee Fort, is located in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. Also called the Senji Fort, this architectural marvel was originally built by the Cholas and was later reinforced by the Marathas under Shivaji, for its tri-fort complex. The fort spreads across three hills, Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg. It features thick ramparts, granaries, temples, and a seven-story Kalyana Mahal, making Gingee Fort one of the most impregnable forts in India.

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