By Prajakta Chavan Rane and Ajit Shirse

• Forts that Built Maratha Power
• Icons of Maratha Strength

The remarkable design and strategic importance of the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ forts earned them global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025. On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, Newsband highlights what makes these historic forts uniquely significant and worthy of international acclaim.

A total of 12 forts linked to the Maratha Empire have been inscribed on the prestigious list. These include:

• Salher
• Shivneri
• Lohagad
• Khanderi
• Raigad
• Rajgad
• Pratapgad
• Suvarnadurg
• Panhala
• Vijaydurg
• Sindhudurg (all in Maharashtra)
• Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu)

Each fort reflects a distinct style of fortification, shaped by the region’s terrain and the evolving strategic needs of the Marathas.

“Each of these forts is unique geographically and topographically; their political and historical significance is different. Even their usage during the Maratha regime was unique in its own, and therefore they hold significance,” explained Dr. Aravind Ganachari, Indian historian, former professor and ex-head of department (HoD) at the University of Mumbai, and author.

He further emphasised that these forts extended far beyond their defensive role, forming a vital part of the Maratha administrative and military framework. Their functions ranged from governance and defence to economic management and political strategy, showcasing a highly organised system of regional control.

Apart from their military importance, these forts also played a key role in safeguarding trade routes. Land passages from port towns along the Arabian Sea passed through dense forests and steep, winding paths across the Western Ghats. The forts ensured the protection and regulation of caravans transporting goods across regions.

“Each of these forts played a varying administrative role in the Maratha regime. For example, Raigad, which had access from various directions but was very arduous for the enemy army to reach, was the capital. Similarly, Pratapgad, which had a single entry and was surrounded by dense forest, was used to keep the treasury,” added Ganachari.

This recognition highlights the Marathas’ exceptional ability to integrate natural landscapes into fortified systems that balanced security with efficiency. Today, these forts stand as enduring symbols of architectural brilliance and the strength of the Maratha Empire.

Maratha Legacy Forts – Key Highlights

Raigad

• Location: Raigad district, Maharashtra
• Historical Significance:
• Capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• Site of his coronation
• Controlled trade routes towards Mahad and the Konkan Coast

Rajgad

• Location: Pune district, Maharashtra
• Historical Significance:
• Formerly Murumbdev; served as Maratha capital till 1670
• Key treasury, financial hub, and arsenal
• Featured granaries, storehouses, and a secure citadel

Pratapgad

• Location: Satara district, Maharashtra
• Historical Significance:
• Site of the historic 1659 battle where Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan
• Base for intelligence, signalling, and ambush strategies
• Protected trade routes via Par Pass to Konkan and Kalyan
   

  Shivneri

• Location: Pune district, Maharashtra
• Historical Significance:
• Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• Early training ground for Maratha soldiers in the Pune region
   

• Khanderi Island Fort

• Location: Near Alibaug, Maharashtra
• Historical Significance:
• Key coastal defence fort
• Built in 1679 to counter British naval presence
• Strengthened Maratha control along the Konkan Coast
   

• Salher Fort

• Location: Nashik district, Maharashtra
• Historical Significance:
• Highest hill fort in the Sahyadris (approx. 1,500 m)
• Controlled Deccan trade routes, including Burhanpur axis
• Strategic base for Maratha expansion towards the north
•