Minister Ashish Shelar Receives UNESCO World Heritage Certificate For 12 Marata Forts

Last Updated:February 13, 2026, 12:16 IST

Ashish Shelar received the UNESCO World Heritage certificate for twelve Shivaji Maharaj forts, marking a historic moment and boosting global recognition.

Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, has formally received the UNESCO World Heritage certificate recognising twelve forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The certificate was accepted at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, marking the completion of a long process that brought global recognition to the historic Maratha military network.

The forts were inscribed last year under the title ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ during the 47th session of UNESCO held on July 11, 2025. After technical presentations and follow-up documentation by the Maharashtra government delegation, the official recognition document has now been handed over. Officials described it as an important cultural moment not only for the state but for the country’s historical legacy. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, also expressed joy over the development.

The group includes Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohgad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Built across mountains and coastline, these forts formed a strategic defence system during Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. Historians regard the network as a unique example of military planning combined with governance and public welfare.

The state government said the recognition places India’s indigenous fort architecture on the global heritage map. During his visit, Shelar also paid tribute to B. R. Ambedkar at the UNESCO premises, where Maharashtra had installed his bust on Constitution Day last year. The memorial symbolises values of equality, education, and social justice, which align with UNESCO’s ideals.

Calling the honour emotional and historic, the minister thanked national and state leadership for support throughout the nomination process. Officials present at the ceremony included India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma, and senior officers from the cultural and archaeology departments. The state government said the recognition will help conservation efforts and increase global awareness of Maharashtra’s heritage. For many in the state, the acknowledgement is seen as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s vision and a reminder of the region’s enduring historical identity.

Tourism officials believe the World Heritage status will encourage responsible tourism while ensuring better preservation of the forts. Plans are being discussed to improve visitor facilities, signage, and guided interpretation without disturbing the original structures. Conservation experts say global recognition also brings stricter monitoring standards, which will help protect the sites from damage and unplanned development. For local communities living around the forts, the move is expected to create livelihood opportunities through heritage tourism and cultural activities.

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