Maratha Military Landscapes of India
Context:
India has put forth the nomination of “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle.
Relevance: GS-01 (Culture)
Highlights:
- The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” nomination encompasses twelve distinct components, including Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
- These components, situated across various geographical and physiographic regions, exemplify the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rulers.
- The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, originating between the 17th and 19th centuries, epitomize an exceptional fortification and military system conceived by the Maratha rulers.
- Out of over 390 forts in Maharashtra, only twelve forts have been chosen for inclusion in the Maratha Military Landscapes of India. Among these, eight forts are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:
- Currently, India boasts 42 World Heritage sites, comprising 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site.
- In Maharashtra, there are six World Heritage Sites, encompassing five cultural sites and one natural site:
- Ajanta Caves (1983)
- Ellora Caves (1983)
- Elephanta Caves (1987)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (2004)
- Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
- The Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, recognized as a serial property in the natural category (2012).
Shivaji Maharaj:
- Birth: Born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Pune, Maharashtra, to Shahaji Bhonsle and Jijabai.
- Early Life: Displayed military prowess by capturing Torna and Kondana forts from the Bijapur Sultanate at a young age.
- Important Battles: Key battles include the Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, and the Sacking of Surat.
- Conflict with Mughals: Engaged in conflicts with Mughal forces, including raids near Ahmednagar and Surat, and the Treaty of Purandar in 1665.
- Arrest and Escape: Arrested by Aurangzeb during a visit to Agra, later escaping in disguise.
- Granted Title: Acquired titles like Chhatrapati and Shakakarta, expanding the Maratha Kingdom significantly.
- Death: Passed away in 1680 in Raigad, where he was cremated.
- Administrative Reforms: Introduced centralized administration, revenue reforms, and military organization.
- Raigad Fort: Originally known as Rairi, It became Shivaji’s seat of power and played a crucial role in his campaigns against the Mughals.
