Maratha Military Landscapes: India's 2024-25 UNESCO Bid Decoded for UPSC

In a landmark decision for India’s cultural heritage and diplomatic outreach, the Government of India, in early 2024, announced the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ as its official nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle. This ambitious serial nomination comprises a network of twelve formidable forts, weaving a narrative of strategic brilliance, architectural ingenuity, and the rise of a powerful indigenous empire that reshaped the political map of the Indian subcontinent. This move represents a profound paradigm shift in historical preservation, urging a re-evaluation of Maratha forts not as isolated citadels, but as integral components of a sophisticated, interconnected military and administrative system. For UPSC aspirants, this topic is a treasure trove, bridging medieval history, art and culture, governance, and international relations.

The nomination is a testament to the military genius of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century founder of the Maratha Empire, who envisioned and executed this complex defensive strategy. His successors, including the Sambhaji Maharaj, the Rajaram Maharaj, and the Peshwas, continued to expand and strengthen this network until the early 19th century. The selection of these twelve forts, out of more than 350 that dot the landscape of Maharashtra and beyond, was a meticulous process undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The chosen sites exemplify the diversity and adaptability of Maratha military thinking, spanning varied topographies from the rugged Sahyadri mountain ranges and the Konkan Coast to the Deccan Plateau and the distant Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu.

This nomination is currently on UNESCO’s Tentative List, a prerequisite for a formal submission. Its inclusion would place the Maratha military system on the global stage, alongside other iconic military architectures like the Roman Limes, the Great Wall of China, and the fortifications of Vauban in France, highlighting a uniquely Indian contribution to the global history of warfare and defense.

The Strategic Philosophy: Ganimi Kava and the Fort Network

The foundation of Maratha military strategy was Ganimi Kava, a term that translates to ‘guerrilla warfare’ but encompasses a much broader philosophy of strategic mobility, surprise attacks, and psychological dominance. Unlike the Mughals, who relied on large, slow-moving armies and pitched battles on open plains, the Marathas perfected the art of using terrain to their advantage. The forts were the linchpin of this strategy. They were not merely defensive structures but multi-functional hubs that served as:

1. Strategic Retreats and Staging Posts: During raids on enemy territory, Maratha forces could strike quickly and retreat to the safety of a nearby fort, making it nearly impossible for larger, conventional armies to pursue them effectively.
2. Administrative Centers: Each fort, or a group of forts, commanded a region. They housed granaries, treasuries, and administrative offices, ensuring the collection of revenue (chauth and sardeshmukhi) and the governance of the surrounding populace.
3. Communication Nodes: A system of visual signals, such as fire and smoke, allowed for rapid communication between forts, enabling coordinated responses to enemy movements. The placement of forts on high vantage points was crucial for this purpose.
4. Economic Hubs: The forts protected vital trade routes, ensuring a steady flow of commerce that funded the Maratha state. They also served as centers for local crafts and industries.
5. Symbols of Sovereignty: The saffron flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) flying atop a fort was a powerful symbol of Maratha authority and independence, inspiring loyalty and defiance.

Fun Fact: The fort of Pratapgad is famous for the historic meeting between Shivaji Maharaj and the Adil Shahi general Afzal Khan in 1659. The fort’s design, with its deceptive pathways and fortified chambers, played a crucial role in the events that unfolded, where Shivaji emerged victorious in a dramatic confrontation, cementing his reputation as a master strategist.

The Twelve Pillars of the Maratha Empire: An Analysis of the Nominated Forts

The serial nomination includes twelve forts, each chosen for its unique contribution to the overall network. These forts are categorized based on their geographical location and strategic function, showcasing the Marathas’ mastery over different environments.

Mnemonic for the 12 Forts: To remember this crucial list for the Prelims exam, one can use the following phrase: “Shivaji’s Legacy Remains Radiant Past Sea-Ports, Victorious Strongholds, Keeping Glory.” (Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Salher, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Gingee)

Deeper Dive into Key Forts:

• Raigad (The King’s Fort): More than just a fort, Raigad was a capital city. Its selection by Shivaji was strategic; it is a near-impregnable hill fort with a large flat top that could accommodate a full-fledged capital, complete with markets, residential quarters, administrative buildings, and a coronation hall. The fort’s main entrance, the Maha Darwaja, is designed to be invisible from a distance and has a series of turns to prevent elephant charges. Its water management system, with numerous tanks and lakes like the Ganga Sagar Lake, ensured self-sufficiency during long sieges.

• Sindhudurg (The Ocean Fort): This fort is a testament to Maratha naval ambition. Built on the ‘Kurte’ island off the coast of Malvan, it was constructed to counter the growing influence of European naval powers (English, Portuguese, Dutch) and the Siddis of Janjira. The foundation stones were laid in lead, and the walls were built to withstand the constant erosion of the sea. It housed a permanent garrison and a small dockyard, serving as the headquarters of the Maratha Navy.

• Gingee Fort (The Eastern Bastion): The inclusion of Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is highly significant. It demonstrates the vast geographical expanse of Maratha influence. After the fall of Raigad to the Mughals, Rajaram Maharaj escaped to Gingee and established it as the Maratha capital-in-exile. The fort, spread across three hills—Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg—with massive fortifications, withstood a grueling eight-year siege by the Mughal army. Its resilience earned it the title “Troy of the East” from the Europeans and showcased the tenacity of the Maratha resistance.

Architectural Ingenuity and Defensive Features

Maratha forts are characterized by a philosophy of “defense in depth,” prioritizing functionality over ornamentation. Their architecture is a masterclass in military engineering, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape.

• Layered Defenses: Most forts featured multiple layers of defense. The outermost layer was often a dense forest or a difficult climb. This was followed by fortified walls (tatbandi) with regularly spaced bastions (buruj). The main entrance was typically a heavily fortified gatehouse with a winding path. Inside, the fort was divided into the machi (a fortified plateau where the garrison lived) and the balekilla (the citadel or the highest point of the fort, serving as the last line of defense).

• Gateways (Darwajas): The entrances were architectural marvels of defense. They were often built at an angle (gomukhi design) to prevent a direct charge by elephants or battering rams. They had watchtowers and murder holes from which defenders could attack the enemy.

• Water and Food Security: The most critical aspect of fort design was self-sufficiency. Every fort had a complex system of rock-cut cisterns, tanks, and reservoirs to store rainwater. Granaries (ambarkhana) were built to store food for months, ensuring the fort could withstand a prolonged siege.

• Chor Dindis (Secret Passages): Almost every fort had secret escape routes, known only to a few. These were crucial for messengers to get out or for the royal family to escape in case of imminent defeat, as famously demonstrated by Shivaji’s escape from Panhala.

Fun Fact: The Lohagad fort has a unique feature called the ‘Vinchukata’ or ‘scorpion’s sting’—a long, narrow, and fortified spur extending from the main fort. This structure provided an additional layer of defense and a commanding view of the surrounding area, making any direct assault on the fort extremely difficult.

The UNESCO Nomination: Process, Criteria, and Significance

The nomination of the Maratha Military Landscapes is a serial nomination, which means it consists of multiple, geographically separate components that are collectively of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). For a successful nomination, the sites must meet at least one of the ten criteria set by the World Heritage Committee. India’s dossier argues for this nomination under the following criteria:

• Criterion (iii): To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. The Maratha forts are an exceptional testimony to the military and administrative traditions of the Maratha Empire.
• Criterion (iv): To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. The network of forts represents an outstanding example of a military landscape that illustrates a significant stage in the history of warfare in India, marked by the shift towards guerrilla tactics and strategic territorial control.

The nomination process is rigorous. After submission, the dossier will be technically evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which will conduct on-site inspections. Based on their recommendation, the World Heritage Committee will make the final decision at its annual session in 2025.

Critical Policy Appraisal

The nomination is a moment of pride, but it also brings significant responsibilities. The preservation and management of these vast landscapes are fraught with challenges.

Recent Development (2024): Following the nomination, the Maharashtra state government has allocated a special fund for the upgradation of basic amenities like access roads, drinking water facilities, and signage at the nominated forts. This is a crucial first step in preparing the sites for the ICOMOS evaluation and demonstrates a political will to see the nomination through.

Analytical Lens: UPSC Focus (Mains & Prelims)

Conceptual Basis

The legal and conceptual backbone for the protection of these sites in India is the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. This Act provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. The nomination to UNESCO is an extension of this national commitment, seeking to place these sites under the umbrella of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972.

UPSC Integration: Connecting the Dots

This topic has strong inter-linkages with various parts of the UPSC syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Indian Heritage and Culture & Modern Indian History): It is directly related to ‘Art and Culture’ (architecture) and ‘Modern Indian History’ (the rise and fall of the Maratha Empire, resistance to Mughal and European powers).
• GS Paper 2 (Governance & International Relations): The role of the ASI and Ministry of Culture falls under ‘Governance’. The UNESCO nomination process itself is a key aspect of ‘International Relations’ and India’s use of soft power.
• GS Paper 3 (Economy & Environment): The potential for heritage tourism is a significant economic aspect. The forts’ relationship with their landscape also brings in ecological and environmental considerations, especially in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself.

Future Impact and Policy Relevance

The long-term impact of this nomination, if successful, will be transformative. It will likely trigger a ‘domino effect’, encouraging states to identify and prepare similar serial nominations for other cultural landscapes, such as the temple towns of Tamil Nadu or the forts of Rajasthan (some of which are already listed). It will force a policy shift from site-specific conservation to a more holistic, landscape-based approach. Furthermore, it will mainstream the narrative of the Marathas in the national and international consciousness, moving beyond regional history to a story of pan-Indian significance. The challenge will be to ensure that the development spurred by the UNESCO tag is sustainable and does not compromise the very heritage it seeks to celebrate.

Prelims Practice Question (MCQ)

Question: With reference to the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, which of the following forts is specifically included to represent the easternmost expansion and strategic resilience of the Maratha Empire during the Mughal onslaught? (a) Raigad (b) Sindhudurg (c) Gingee (d) Salher

Answer: (c) Gingee Explanation: While Raigad was the capital and Sindhudurg a naval base in Maharashtra, and Salher was the site of a major battle, it was the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu that served as the Maratha capital-in-exile under Rajaram Maharaj. It withstood an eight-year Mughal siege, earning the name “Troy of the East” and representing the remarkable resilience and geographical spread of Maratha power far from its home base in the Deccan.

Mains Sample Question

Question (15 Marks): “The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ represent more than just defensive structures; they are a testament to a unique system of integrated territorial control and strategic warfare.” Analyze this statement in the context of India’s nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List. What are the key challenges and opportunities associated with the conservation of this vast cultural landscape?

Mind Map Outline (Revision Structure)

• Maratha Military Landscapes: UNESCO Nomination
  • Core Concept: India’s official nomination for 2024-25.
  • Nature of Nomination: Serial Nomination (12 Forts).
  • Significance:
    • Shift from individual forts to an integrated system.
    • Recognition of Maratha military genius.
    • Boost to cultural diplomacy and soft power.
  • Key Bodies Involved: Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), UNESCO, ICOMOS.
• Strategic Philosophy
  • Ganimi Kava (Guerrilla Warfare):
    • Use of terrain.
    • Speed and surprise.
    • Psychological dominance.
  • Multi-functional Role of Forts:
    • Military Staging Posts.
    • Administrative Centers (Chauth & Sardeshmukhi).
    • Communication Nodes.
    • Economic Hubs.
    • Symbols of Sovereignty.
• The 12 Nominated Forts (Mnemonic: SLRRPS-PVSKG)
  • Hill Forts (Maharashtra):
    • Shivneri (Birthplace)
    • Lohagad (Trade Route Control)
    • Raigad (Capital City)
    • Rajgad (First Capital)
    • Pratapgad (Afzal Khan episode)
    • Salher (Pitched Battle Victory)
    • Panhala (Strategic Deccan Control)
  • Coastal & Sea Forts (Maharashtra):
    • Suvarnadurg (Naval Base)
    • Vijaydurg (‘Eastern Gibraltar’)
    • Sindhudurg (Naval Engineering Marvel)
    • Khanderi (Island Watchtower)
  • Eastern Expansion Fort (Tamil Nadu):
    • Gingee (“Troy of the East”)
• Architectural & Engineering Features
  • Defense in Depth:
    • Tatbandi (Walls) & Buruj (Bastions).
    • Machi (Garrison Plateau).
    • Balekilla (Citadel).
  • Key Features:
    • Gomukhi Gateways.
    • Water Management (Tanks, Cisterns).
    • Food Storage (Ambarkhana).
    • Chor Dindis (Secret Passages).
• Policy & Governance Aspects
  • UNESCO Criteria: (iii) Testimony to a cultural tradition, (iv) Outstanding example of a military landscape.
  • Legal Framework: AMASR Act, 1958; UNESCO Heritage Convention, 1972.
  • Critical Policy Appraisal:
    • Challenges: Encroachment, funding, tourism pressure, lack of awareness.
    • Opportunities: Global recognition, tourism boost, community involvement, technological aid.
• UPSC Relevance ( Lens)
  • Inter-Topic Linkages:
    • GS-1: History, Art & Culture.
    • GS-2: Governance, IR (Soft Power).
    • GS-3: Economy (Tourism), Environment.
  • Practice Questions:
    • Prelims MCQ on Gingee Fort.
    • Mains Question on strategic significance and conservation challenges.