Shivaji Maharaj’s Fort Heritage – Now a Global Treasure!

Aug 2025 : The forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the twelve Maval regions are the embodiment of the soul of Maharashtra. Now these forts are not only ours but belong to the entire world. On 11 July 2025, UNESCO declared 11 forts of Maharaj in Maharashtra and one in the south – the Gingee fort – as World Heritage Sites, and Shivaji Maharaj’s Swarajya was underlined on the world map. Behind this historic recognition are the foresight and tireless efforts of many. The support given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the active participation of the Central Government proved very valuable. The Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Culture gave great help in this. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis played an important role. The State’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also from time to time supported the Chief Minister. The State’s Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar himself went and met the Director General of UNESCO. There a technical presentation was made. From the Chief Minister’s office, Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, as well as India’s Ambassador to UNESCO Vishal Sharma and Hemant Dalvi from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, were involved. The contributions of many came together, and from that today’s joyous moment for Shiv devotees across the country was created. On this occasion, this compiled article highlighting the importance of these twelve forts is presented for you…!!

These are not only forts… they are the living form of our identity!
These forts of Shivaji Maharaj are living museums of history. In every stone here is stored the spark of Swarajya. Come then, let us see the valorous stories of these twelve forts – each with its distinct identity and connection with Shivaji Maharaj’s life!

Raigad was the capital fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Here in 1674 his coronation was held, and the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire took place. Raigad was the center of politics, administration, and military command. Remote, strong, and naturally protected, this fort is considered the reflection of Maharaj’s Swarajya dream. Raigad is the symbol of the pride, self-respect, and glory of Swarajya. In 1674 Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation took place on this very fort. Maharaj gave it the form of “Rajyagad.” On this very fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj left his mortal body. His samadhi is a place of immense devotion for Marathi people. Raigad is the worship of Swarajya in material form.

Rajgad Fort is considered the foundation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of Swarajya. Its old name was Murumbdev. In 1646 Shivaji Maharaj captured Rajgad fort and made it the first capital of his Swarajya. For nearly 26 years this fort remained the capital. Here, Maharaj’s wife Saibai passed away, and son Sambhaji’s childhood also passed on this fort. After the killing of Afzal Khan, Maharaj returned directly to Rajgad. Rajgad was a strong, vast, and strategically very important fort.

Pratapgad Fort is the living monument of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valor and political cleverness. Located in Satara district, near Mahabaleshwar, this fort was built by Maharaj in 1656. On this very fort in 1659 the historic battle with Afzal Khan took place. The defeat of Afzal Khan was a great victory for Swarajya. This fight was not only of swords, but of planning, strategy, and firm willpower. From Pratapgad Shivaji Maharaj showed the effective glimpse of his military tactics for the first time. Because of this Pratapgad is still known as “the battlefield of valor and cleverness.” Here, Afzal Khan’s meeting created history. Maharaj displayed the blend of valor, diplomatic moves, and presence of mind.

Panhala Fort is a grand and historic fort in Kolhapur district. Its importance increases more because of one thrilling incident in Shivaji Maharaj’s life – that is the Battle of Pavan Khind. In 1660, trapped in the siege of Siddi Johar, Shivaji Maharaj secretly escaped from Panhala towards Vishalgad. At that time, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and some Mavlas sacrificed their lives at Pavan Khind on the mountain pass to stop Siddi’s army. This valor story of Baji Prabhu became an immortal chapter in history. On Panhala fort there are architectural features like Andhar Bav, Amberkhana, Dhanokot, Sarja-Raja bastions. This fort was for some time also the capital of the Marathas.

Shivneri fort is near Junnar in Pune district and is considered very sacred as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On 19 February 1630, Jijabai gave birth to Shivaji Maharaj on this very fort. The fort, scenic and adorned with strong fortifications, still has that historic birth chamber. The marble statues of Jijamata and child Shivaji, as well as the “Shivkunj” area, are special attractions for tourists. Shivneri is considered the symbol of Shivaji Maharaj’s valor, upbringing, and the sowing of the seed of Swarajya.

Lohgad Fort, situated in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of the Maval region, was an important defensive fort during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Located near Lonavala in Pune district, this fort is about 3,450 feet above sea level. Lohgad’s feature is the deep valleys on all four sides and the northern ‘Vinchu Kata’ (Scorpion’s Sting) natural protective point. In ancient times, this fort used to guard the trade routes passing through the Bor Ghat. Therefore it is called the “protector of trade routes.”

Salher Fort, located in Baglan taluka of Nashik district in Maharashtra, is a very important fort. It is about 5,200 feet above sea level and is one of the tallest forts in the Sahyadris. In the battle of Salher in 1672, the Marathas defeated the Mughal army. This battle was so great that thousands of troops, cavalry, elephants, cannons were used, and in the end, under the skillful leadership of Shivaji Maharaj’s commanders, the Marathas gained victory.

Sindhudurg is the invincible sea fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the waves of the Arabian Sea. It is situated near Malvan on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. In 1664, Maharaj began the construction of this fort. Built in deep waters in the middle of the sea, it is the symbol of the maritime defense of Swarajya.

Vijaydurg Fort, located near Devgad in Sindhudurg district on the Arabian Sea coast, is a very strong and historic sea fort. Shivaji Maharaj worked here for about 10 years to build up his navy. This fort was the central point of his naval power. The invisible sea attack route, unseen to enemy ships, was the specialty here.

Suvarnadurg Fort is a grand sea fort situated in the sea opposite Harne port of Dapoli taluka in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Around 1660 Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from the Siddhis and rebuilt it with a view to maritime defense and strengthened it.

Khanderi Fort is the best example of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime foresight! Around 1679, on this island in the Arabian Sea, Maharaj began the construction of Khanderi fort. Its purpose was to keep watch on Mumbai harbor and strengthen the maritime defense of Swarajya. In the conflicts of the Maratha navy against the English and Siddhis, Khanderi played a decisive role.

Gingee Fort, also known as “the Gibraltar of the South,” is in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. When Shivaji Maharaj’s son Rajaram Maharaj, escaping from the Mughals, went south, he received the help and support of Venkoji Bhonsle. They helped bring Gingee fort into the possession of the Marathas. This fort spread over three hills has a circumference of 13 km.

With UNESCO recognition, the cultural, historical, and tourism value of these forts will increase, global conservation funds and technical assistance will be received, and most importantly, the true awareness of Swarajya will reach the young generation. In this historic decision, along with UNESCO officials, the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Archaeology Department, and the Government of Maharashtra have had great contributions. These will be preserved not only as “heritage” but as national pride. This history will now belong not only to us but also to the world. The era of Shivaji should not remain only in memory, it should come into experience… and now, to experience it, people from across the world will come to Maharashtra!