Maratha Glory: 12 Forts Join UNESCO List

The 11 forts in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu, built by Marathi warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Admire their splendour...

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Salher Fort

One is afforded stunning views of majestic mountains here and beautiful sunset experiences. If you trek, you cannot miss travelling to this fort.

Pic: Kind courtesy Shirishghan/Wikimedia Commons

Shivneri Fort

Shahaji Bhosale ensured his wife, Jijabai, gave birth to Shivaji Maharaj within its fortified walls, February 19, 1630. Formative years were spent here, learning fundamentals of governance, warfare, diplomacy. 

Pic: Kind courtesy Ramveeturi/Wikimedia Commons

Lohgad Fort

Rising 1,033 m above sea level, it is a stunning fusion of nature’s beauty and human ingenuity. Realising its strategic importance, in 1648 AD, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seized the fort from the Mughals. 

Pic: Kind courtesy Varun Patil/Wikimedia Commons

Khanderi Fort

An island fort located near Alibag, strengthened in 1676 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to counter the Siddis.

Pic: Kind courtesy Anand Ranade and Pratishkhedekar/Wikimedia Commons

Rajgad Fort

The King of Forts rightfully earned its name for its pivotal role in shaping Maratha history. Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1647, for over 26 years, it served as the capital of the Maratha Empire.

Pic: Kind courtesy Abhijeet Safai/Wikimedia Commons

Pratapgad Fort 

Its true significance came to light during the epic Battle of Pratapgad on November 10, 1659, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his forces defeated the mighty Afzal Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate.

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Raigad Fort 

Encircled by valleys carved by the Kal and Gandhari rivers, it has steep cliffs and a 1,500 ft escarpment. Constructed to be virtually impregnable.

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Suvarnadurg Fort

A proud symbol of Maratha naval strength, the 'Golden Fort', at Dapoli, harbours rich flora and fauna. 

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Panhala Fort

A hill plateau fort, here Baji Prabhu Deshpande made the ultimate sacrifice, fighting against overwhelming odds to secure Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from enemy forces.

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Vijaydurg Fort

A coastal fort in Sindhudurg district, first named ‘Gheriya’, in 1653, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, captured it from Adil Shahi rulers. He renamed it Vijaydurg or Fort of Victory. 

Pic: Kind courtesy Rehansarang/Wikimedia Commons

Sindhudurg Fort

A magnificent testimony to Maharashtra’s rich maritime heritage. Off the Malvan coast, a true marvel of military strategy + architectural brilliance, it was designed by Shivaji Maharaj to safeguard the Maratha Empire from foreign naval threats. 

Pic: Kind courtesy Ankur Panchbudhe/Wikimedia Commons

Gingee Fort

The lone fort outside Maharashtra, in Tamil Nadu, Gingee was under Bijapur rule before it fell in 1677 to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His son, Rajaram ruled from here after his death.  

Pic: Kind courtesy PlaneMad/Wikimedia Commons
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