Maratha Military Landscapes of India

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Maratha Military Landscapes of India: A Testament to the Maratha Empire's Military Might

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025, offer a captivating glimpse into the strategic military prowess of the Maratha Empire. Comprising twelve significant fortifications, primarily situated within Maharashtra State but extending to Tamil Nadu, this collection of historical sites serves as a tangible testament to the Marathas' rise as a formidable political and military power.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The property includes twelve major fortifications, mostly in Maharashtra State, with one in Tamil Nadu. These forts, such as Raigad, Shivneri, and Sindhudurg, were built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. Strategically located on coastal and mountainous terrain, they formed a complex defence system supporting Maratha military dominance, trade protection, and territorial control. This network played a key role in the Marathas’ rise as a major political and military force.

Encyclopedia Record: Maratha Military Landscapes of India

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India are a group of 12 forts that were occupied and developed by the Maratha rulers between the 17th and 19th-century. These include Salher, Shivneri Fort, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg Fort, Sindhudurg Fort, all located in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Spread across various geographical terrains, these forts showcase the military prowess of Maratha rule. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in 2025.

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