UNESCO Tag for Pune Forts: Global Recognition for Maratha Military Legacy
In a historic move, UNESCO Tag for Pune Forts officially inscribed the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” into the World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris in July 2025. This decision marks India’s 44th entry into the globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage List. Notably, this inscription includes twelve unique forts, of which three are located in the Pune district—Shivneri, Rajgad, and Lohagad.
A Milestone for Pune: Forts with Global Status
The three Pune forts selected—Shivneri, Rajgad, and Lohagad—aren’t just architectural marvels but powerful symbols of the Maratha Empire’s strategic intelligence. They now stand shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned heritage sites, boosting Pune’s global cultural identity.
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The Twelve Forts That Earned UNESCO Recognition
UNESCO selected these twelve forts to represent the diversity of the Maratha defense system, which spans hills, islands, coasts, forests, and plateaus.
- Hill Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee (Tamil Nadu)
- Hill-Forest Fort: Pratapgad
- Hill-Plateau Fort: Panhala
- Coastal Fort: Vijaydurg
- Island Forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg
This varied selection showcases how the Marathas mastered multiple terrains, developing fortification systems that were both adaptable and formidable.
UNESCO Tag for Pune Forts: Forts That Defined Maratha Power
Shivneri Fort (Pune District)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (born in 1630) was birth at Shivneri Fort, which stands tucked into the Sahyadri hills. Its water reservoirs, bastioned walls, and Shivai Devi temple make it both a religious and military landmark.
Rajgad Fort
Once Shivaji Maharaj’s capital, Rajgad boasts triple-layered defenses, the Balekilla citadel, and over 25 years of historical importance as a command center for Maratha military operations.
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad, near Lonavala, features the iconic ‘Vinchu Kata’ (scorpion tail) structure that once guarded ancient trade routes. Today, it’s a popular trekking destination while also standing tall as an example of Maratha hill-fort architecture.
Why the UNESCO Tag for Pune Forts Matters
1. Global Recognition of Maratha Heritage
UNESCO granted the listing under Criteria (iv) and (vi), honoring the Marathas’ defensive ingenuity and their association with historic events and the philosophy of Swaraj (self-rule).
2. Boost to Local Tourism and Economy
UNESCO sites often see a spike in domestic and international tourists. This results in enhanced infrastructure, job creation, and community-based heritage conservation efforts.
3. Strengthened Heritage Management
While forts like Shivneri, Lohagad, and Raigad are under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), others like Rajgad and Pratapgad are managed by the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. With UNESCO backing, conservation funding and policy attention are likely to increase.
4. Cultural and Political Impact
The recognition has been celebrated across political parties in Maharashtra. Leaders such as CM Eknath Shinde and former CM Devendra Fadnavis publicly thanked the Center. Cultural celebrations like Shiv Aarti have already been initiated across the state.
However, some critics caution that while heritage pride is important, it must not overshadow governance needs in infrastructure, agriculture, and employment.
Timeline: From Nomination to Inscription
- 2021: Forts added to UNESCO’s Tentative List
- January 2024: Nomination formally submitted by India’s Ministry of Culture
- Late 2024: Evaluation by ICOMOS, management plans reviewed
- July 12, 2025: Final approval in Paris by consensus of 18 out of 20 committee members
Spotlight on Other Forts in the Ensemble
Raigad Fort
The site of Shivaji’s coronation in 1674, Raigad, features royal halls, granaries, samadhis, and high-altitude strategic construction. It can be reached via a ropeway or a challenging 1,737-step climb.
Pratapgad Fort
Deep in the forest and constructed in 1656, it’s where Shivaji famously defeated Afzal Khan. The fort features multi-tiered defenses suited for forest warfare.
Sindhudurg Fort
Built between 1664–67 on an island, Sindhudurg’s 30-ft-high walls, underwater defense systems, and secret doors made it a coastal powerhouse.
Conclusion: A Global Stage for Maratha Valor
The UNESCO Tag for Pune Forts isn’t just a bureaucratic milestone—it’s a celebration of vision, engineering, and bravery. It validates Pune’s historic role in shaping the Maratha Empire and brings global focus to its architectural excellence.
As footfall rises and preservation efforts scale up, this is a golden opportunity to educate tourists and locals alike on the Maratha legacy, strategic planning, and cultural depth.
Pune now wears its heritage with pride—and the world is watching.
FAQs on UNESCO Tag for Pune Forts
Out of 390+ Maratha forts, these 12 best represent strategic variety across landscapes and were in the best state of conservation.
Instead of one monument, this nomination includes a cluster of forts functioning as one unified heritage landscape, which is a first for India.
Eight forts (including Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad) are under ASI, while four forts (including Rajgad, Pratapgad) are managed by Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
It typically brings more visitors, international funding, better infrastructure, and global marketing, benefiting both heritage and local livelihoods.
Yes, most are open year-round, though weather or safety concerns (especially during monsoon at sea forts) may limit access temporarily.
