Twelve Forts Linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Now in UNESCO World Heritage List: A Moment of Pride for Maharashtra – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar congratulates the people of Maharashtra and expresses gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for his support in achieving global recognition for the Maratha forts

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed deep pride and joy over the inclusion of 12 historic forts—11 in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu (Gingee Fort)—in the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking a glorious moment for the state. He extended congratulations to the people of Maharashtra and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his proactive support in making this achievement possible.

These 12 forts, which include Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Lohgad, Shivneri, Panhala, Salher, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurga, Khanderi in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, are revered symbols of the bravery, strategy, and sacrifice of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his loyal Maratha warriors. Pawar said this recognition by UNESCO will help the legacy and ideology of Shivaji Maharaj reach the world stage.

“This is a proud moment not just for Maharashtra, but for the entire nation. These forts are not just stone structures but represent the very spirit of Maharashtra’s identity and history,” said Pawar in his congratulatory message. He urged the citizens to preserve and protect all forts, including these 12 globally recognized ones, and to work towards educating the next generation about their historical significance.

He added, “These forts were silent witnesses to Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of Hindavi Swarajya. Built in the rugged Sahyadri terrain, they stood as strongholds of the people’s rule, the farmer’s rule, forged through the unity of various castes and communities.”

Pawar congratulated the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra for their commendable efforts in preparing a detailed and scholarly nomination under the theme “Maratha Military Architecture”, which was later submitted to UNESCO by the Prime Minister’s Office. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Centre and the delegation that supported this cause.

“This UNESCO recognition is not just a stamp of historical importance—it is also a step forward in boosting tourism, local employment, research, and above all, inspiring the youth with stories of valor and vision,” said Pawar. He emphasized that a new local economy can emerge around these forts through tourism and heritage development.

Pawar concluded by stating that this global acknowledgment of the strategic design, architectural brilliance, and cultural heritage of Maratha-era forts is a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s foresight and leadership. He saluted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and offered heartfelt congratulations to the people of Maharashtra for this prestigious international recognition.

The announcement that 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a matter of immense pride and historical significance for the entire state of Maharashtra, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He stated that this recognition would bring the glorious legacy of Shivaji Maharaj to the global stage, marking a major achievement for the state.

The nomination for these forts—Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu—was submitted last year for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

“These forts, witnesses to the formation of Swarajya, are living symbols of Maharashtra’s glorious history. Their inclusion in the UNESCO list is a proud moment for the state,” said Deputy CM Shinde.

He also extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, and the Archaeological Survey of India for their efforts in making this recognition possible. Shinde noted that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had personally and consistently followed up on the nomination process for these forts.

He affirmed the state government’s commitment to the preservation, conservation, and promotion of these historic forts, ensuring they remain an inspiration for future generations. Concluding his statement, he congratulated all Shivaji Maharaj followers and the people of Maharashtra on this historic occasion.