Mumbai: In a proud moment for Maharashtra, 12 forts connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar went to Paris and officially received the certificate from UNESCO.
These forts were recognized under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” in July 2025 during UNESCO’s 47th meeting. The process took around one and a half years, including research, documents, and presentations before the final decision was made.
The forts included in the list are Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohgad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi, and Gingee in Tamil Nadu. These forts show the smart planning and strong defense system built during Shivaji Maharaj’s rule.
Minister Shelar said this is a proud moment for the state and the country. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other leaders for their support in getting this recognition.
During his visit, Shelar also paid tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at his statue installed at the UNESCO headquarters. The statue was placed there as India completed 75 years of its Constitution.
This global honour highlights the historical importance of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts and brings international attention to India’s rich heritage.