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Discovering the Military Brilliance of the Maratha: An Exploration of India's Walled Terrain

 The Maratha kingdom is remembered in Indian history as a shining example of both military might and astute strategic planning. Their impact on the country's cultural and architectural legacy is enduring, and it goes well beyond the battlefield. Capturing this sense of martial energy, "Maratha Military Landscapes of India," proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024–25, offers a look into the strong military system that once defended the enormous Maratha kingdom.

The 12 carefully selected forts that make up the Maratha military landscapes are the pinnacle of military architecture from the 17th to the 19th century. These fortresses are proof of the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and his successors' strategic thinking and engineering prowess. They were painstakingly planned and expertly built.

The Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for eight of these strongholds, which include the well-known Shivneri, Raigad, Panhala, and Sindhudurg. The Maharashtra government's directorate of archaeology and museums is in charge of maintaining the four other fortresses, which are Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgarh.

Image Source : Google

A Weave of Architectural Marvels

The chosen forts exhibit the remarkable diversity of Maratha military design while coordinating well with the natural surroundings. Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are among the forts that stand at breathtaking heights, while Pratapgad, which is surrounded by lush woods, has an air of impregnability. Positioned on a plateau of hills, Panhala provides unmatched viewpoints, while the island cities of Vijaydurg, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg protected the edges of the shore.

Outstanding Evidence of Military Prowess

These military environments provide outstanding evidence of the Maratha defense heritage, capturing the military might and strategic acumen of the empire. They represent a pivotal moment in Indian military history, illustrating the development of fortress design and the adaptation of defensive tactics to a range of topographies.

The Maratha forts offered clear strategic benefits and blended in well with their natural environment. The Maratha empire's military might is demonstrated by its complex defense systems, deft use of geography, and massive fortresses.

Requirements for Listing

Three essential requirements are met for the Maratha military landscapes to be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status:

1. Displaying a distinct cultural tradition: The forts, with their strategic thought, architectural skill, and undying spirit of defense, are the embodiment of the Maratha empire's distinctive military culture and traditions.

2. Remarkable military architectural ensembles: These fortified buildings are outstanding instances of military architecture, exhibiting creative design, cutting-edge construction methods, and defensive systems that were crucial to defending the Maratha domain.

3. Direct Maratha military legacy: The sites have a palpable and direct link to the Maratha military past, which offers priceless insights into the military organization, military strategy, and warrior lifestyles of the empire.

The "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" are evidence of the Maratha empire's inventiveness, tenacity, and fighting skill. A greater understanding and appreciation of India's rich military legacy would be fostered by their induction as a UNESCO World legacy site, which would also acknowledge their historical and cultural value and act as a stimulus for preservation efforts and cultural tourism.

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