PM Modi, Fadnavis hail inclusion of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts in UNESCO World Heritage List

He urged everyone to visit these forts and learn about the rich history of the Maratha Empire.

“Every Indian has rejoiced with this honor,” he said, adding, “When we talk about the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and an emphasis on social welfare. Their attitude of never bowing down to any injustice inspires us.”

प्रत्येक भारतीय या सन्मानाने आनंदित झाला आहे.

या ‘मराठा मिलिटरी लँडस्केप्स’ मध्ये 12 भव्य किल्ल्यांचा समावेष असून, ज्यापैकी 11 महाराष्ट्रात तर १ तामिळनाडू मध्ये आहे.

जेव्हा आपण गौरवशाली मराठा साम्राज्याबद्दल बोलतो, तेव्हा आपण त्याचा संबंध सुशासन, लष्करी ताकद, सांस्कृतिक अभिमान… https://t.co/J7LEiOAZqy

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also welcomed the inclusion, calling it a “proud and glorious moment” for the state.

In a post on X, Fadnavis said, “The Maharashtra Government offers salutations to our beloved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj! Heartiest congratulations to all the citizens and Shiv Bhakts of Maharashtra.”

Fadnavis also expressed gratitude to PM Modi and his colleagues for their support and active involvement in efforts to secure the inclusion of the forts in the UNESCO list.

“First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The support he gave and the active participation of the Central Government were of great value. The Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture helped a lot in this. I personally contacted various ambassadors. My colleagues, DCM Eknath Shinde ji and DCM Ajitdada Pawar also supported me from time to time. Minister Ashish Shelar personally went and met the Director General of UNESCO. He made a technical presentation there,” Fadnavis said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the development was of immense historical and cultural significance, and a matter of great pride for the state.

These forts, including the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, stand as enduring symbols of the valour, sacrifice, and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha warriors. Now, their legacy will receive global visibility and recognition, he added.

What is ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’?

The Maratha Military Landscapes include 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijay Durg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

The decision to include them was taken on Friday (July 11) during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris. This is India’s 44th property to receive the recognition.

Regarding the latest addition to the World Heritage List, the Culture Ministry said it reflects India’s enduring cultural legacy and highlights the country’s diverse traditions of architectural brilliance, regional identity, and historical continuity.