Mumbai: In a proud moment for Maharashtra and the entire nation, 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have officially been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement has sparked celebration across the country, with leaders hailing the recognition as a tribute to India’s glorious Maratha legacy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended heartfelt congratulations to all admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for backing the nomination. “I extend my greetings and congratulations to all the admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across the country and the world. It is a moment of pride that twelve forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have now been officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites,” he said.
Fadnavis also highlighted that many nominations were submitted from across India, but it was PM Modi’s decision to prioritize the forts of Shivaji Maharaj that led to this global recognition. He termed it a reflection of India’s deep respect for the Maratha warrior-king’s vision, bravery, and commitment to Swarajya (self-rule).
Union Minister Piyush Goyal also celebrated the announcement, calling it a monumental cultural victory. “This is a huge achievement. I heartily congratulate Devendra Fadnavis, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ashish Shelar, and all the brothers and sisters of Maharashtra,” Goyal said.
He noted that 11 of the 12 recognized forts are in Maharashtra, while one is in Tamil Nadu — a fact he described as a “happy coincidence” that reflects Shivaji Maharaj’s pan-Indian legacy. “He united the whole of India by establishing Swarajya. Now these 12 forts have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This will increase their global appeal and attract more people to visit Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu,” Goyal added.
The newly recognized forts include Raigad, Rajgad, Torna, Shivneri, Pratapgad, Sindhudurg, and others — each symbolic of Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic military brilliance and administrative vision.
