A historic moment awaits Maharashtra as Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar jets off to France to claim the UNESCO World Heritage plaque for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 12 legendary forts. Scheduled between February 11 and 16 in Paris, the visit underscores the forts’ role in establishing Hindavi Swarajya.
UNESCO’s 47th session in July 2025 approved these sites as ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ after an exhaustive 18-month process. Shivaji’s strategic fort system exemplified defense, governance, and welfare in Indian history.
The forts—Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi, and Gingee—bridge Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, now gaining worldwide acclaim.
Shelar’s delegation will receive the certificate amid ceremonies at UNESCO HQ, including tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s bust. Following up on their February 2025 technical pitch, the team eyes expanding Maharashtra’s UNESCO portfolio.
Meetings with top UNESCO officials will advocate for Konkan cave paintings, sea forts, the Pandharpur pilgrimage, Ganesh festival, and Dahi Handi traditions. Insights from Parisian museums will shape Mumbai’s Bandra-based Maharashtra Museum, emphasizing innovative curation and tech integration.
Shelar hails this as a testament to Maratha valor, positioning Maharashtra’s heritage on the world stage and fueling future nominations.