Maratha Military Landscapes Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status
India has officially nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for UNESCO World Heritage status for the 2024-25 cycle.
- The nomination comprises a network of 12 forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries.
- Key forts include Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, and Pratapgad, among others.
- These landscapes showcase innovative military architecture and strategic integration with the Sahyadri Mountains and Konkan coast.
- The sites represent the military genius of the Maratha Empire, particularly under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- The nomination highlights Maratha expertise in 'Guerilla Warfare' and naval strategies.
- The dossier was prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture.
- UNESCO inscription would recognize the exceptional universal value and boost global tourism and conservation efforts.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 10–20 | Ancient, medieval, and modern history form a full section in UPSC Prelims and GS-I Mains. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 3–5 | Modern Indian history, freedom struggle, and cultural heritage appear in SSC CGL. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–10 | Regional history is specifically tested in state exams — Maratha history in Maharashtra, etc. |
Key Facts to Remember: Maratha Military Landscapes Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status
- India nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for UNESCO World Heritage status for the 2024-25 cycle.
- The nomination comprises a network of 12 forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries.
- Key forts include Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, and Pratapgad, among others.
- These landscapes showcase innovative military architecture and strategic integration with the Sahyadri Mountains and Konkan coast.
- The sites represent the military genius of the Maratha Empire, particularly under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- The nomination highlights Maratha expertise in 'Guerilla Warfare' and naval strategies.
- The dossier was prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture.
- UNESCO inscription would recognize the exceptional universal value and boost global tourism and conservation efforts.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following is NOT among the 12 Maratha Military Landscapes nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status?
- Shivneri Fort
- Raigad Fort
- Golconda Fort
- Pratapgad Fort
Explanation: Golconda Fort is located in Telangana and was part of the Qutb Shahi and later Mughal and then Nizam rule, not the Maratha Empire's core military landscapes nominated for UNESCO status. The other options are key components of the nominated Maratha Military Landscapes.
Q2. The 'Maratha Military Landscapes' nomination primarily focuses on forts developed during which period?
- 10th to 12th centuries
- 17th to 19th centuries
- 20th to 21st centuries
- 14th to 16th centuries
Explanation: The Maratha Military Landscapes, including the forts, were primarily developed and strategically utilized between the 17th and 19th centuries, coinciding with the rise and expansion of the Maratha Empire under leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Q3. Who is credited with the initial development and strategic use of many forts that form the 'Maratha Military Landscapes'?
- Mahadji Shinde
- Rani Lakshmibai
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
- Sambhaji Maharaj
Explanation: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is widely recognized as the founder of the Maratha Empire and the visionary behind the construction and strategic deployment of a vast network of forts, which form the core of the 'Maratha Military Landscapes'.
Q4. The 'Maratha Military Landscapes' are strategically integrated with the natural topography of which major geographical features?
- Himalayan mountain ranges and the Ganges River
- Western Ghats (Sahyadri Mountains) and the Konkan coast
- Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range
- Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats
Explanation: The nominated forts are located in the Sahyadri mountain ranges (Western Ghats) and along the Konkan coast, showcasing how the Marathas utilized this rugged terrain for defensive and strategic advantages.
Q5. Which Indian government body was responsible for preparing the nomination dossier for the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for UNESCO?
- National Museum
- Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
- Ministry of Tourism
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Explanation: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is the nodal agency responsible for preparing and submitting nomination dossiers for World Heritage Sites in India.
How to Prepare History & Culture for Government Exams — Maratha Military Landscapes Nominated for UNESCO…
When a historical figure is in the news, revise 5 key facts about their contribution — this is typically what the exam asks.
For SSC and Railway, focus on dates and names. For UPSC, understand the social, economic, and political context.
Maintain a 'This Week in History' note — anniversaries and commemorations generate predictable exam questions.
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