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Source-This post is based on the article “Maratha Military Landscapes of India will be India’s nomination for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25” published in “PIB” on 29th January 2024.
Why in the News?
The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.
What are the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | It refers to the historical regions, fortifications, military architecture, and associated cultural elements related to the Maratha Empire’s military history. |
| Developed in | These were developed between the 17th and 19th centuries. |
| Selected forts for Nomination | There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra out of which only 12 are chosen for the Maratha Military Landscapes of India. a. Shivneri Fort, Lohagad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. b. Salher Fort, Rajgad, Khanderi Fort, and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. |
| Categorization of selected forts | In the Maratha Military Landscapes of India these forts are categorized as: a. Hill forts– Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad and Gingee fort. b. Hill-forest fort– Pratapgad c. Hill-plateau fort– Panhala d. Coastal fort– Vijaydurg e. Island forts– Khanderi fort, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg |
What are the categories of nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List?
1) There are two categories of nomination– cultural and natural criteria.
2) There are six criteria (i to vi) for cultural sites and four criteria (vii to x) for natural sites for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
3) The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is nominated under:
a. Criterion (iii)- Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or civilization, either living or extinct.
b. Criterion (iv)- To exemplify a significant stage in human history through outstanding architecture, technology, or landscape.
c. Criterion (vi)- To be closely linked with significant events, traditions, beliefs, and works of universal significance.
What are the World Heritage sites in India, particularly in Maharashtra, and how are they categorized?
1) At present in India there are 42 World Heritage sites, out of which 34 are cultural sites, seven are natural sites whereas one is mixed site.
2) In Maharashtra there are six World Heritage Sites, five cultural and one natural:
a. Cultural Sites– Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018).
b. Natural Site– Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is serial property in natural category (2012).
3) The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, listed in the 2021 Tentative List of World Heritage sites, is Maharashtra’s sixth cultural property nominated for the World Heritage List.
UPSC Syllabus- Art & Culture
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