Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government is looking to seek World Heritage status for 12 forts of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar is in Paris regarding this.
As per the state government, a proposal has been submitted to UNESCO under the theme ‘Maratha Military Landscape of India’. Among the forts included in the proposal included the forts of Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi and Jinji in Tamil Nadu.
Maharashtra Minister thanks PM Modi, CM Fadnavis
Earlier, Shellar had also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing Maharashtra’s proposal to UNESCO, He also thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for giving him the responsibility to represent Maharashtra on the global platform.
Other members of the delegation who will accompany him include additional chief secretary Vikas Kharge, deputy director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Hemant Dalvi, and architect Shikha Jain. The delegation will be in Paris till February 26, news agency PTI reported.
During its stay, the delegation will conduct technical and diplomatic presentations before the officials of UNESCO. The historical and architectural significance of these forts, the statement of the state government said.
Shellar further expressed hope that the efforts of the state government will help bring recognition to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts across the globe. The efforts will also highlight the importance of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, he added.
UNESCO included Moidams in its heritage list last year
“If UNESCO grants recognition to these forts, it will open avenues for enhanced conservation, preservation, and tourism development. This will help safeguard Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and boost the local economy,” Shelar said. Notably, UNESCO included Assam’s ‘Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty’ on its prestigious list last year, making it India’s 43rd designated site.
