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Maharashtra Minister to Receive UNESCO Heritage Certificate for Shivaji's 12 Forts

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar is leading a delegation to Paris from February 11-16 to formally receive the UNESCO World Heritage certificate. The certificate recognizes 12 forts from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which were inscribed on the list in July 2025. During the visit, Shelar will pay homage at a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at UNESCO headquarters and hold meetings with officials to discuss further heritage proposals. The delegation will also study Parisian museums to aid in developing the new 'Maharashtra Museum' in Bandra.

Key Points: UNESCO Heritage Certificate for Shivaji's Forts to be Received in Paris

  • Minister to receive official certificate in Paris
  • 12 forts inscribed as 'Maratha Military Landscapes'
  • Visit includes homage to Ambedkar statue at UNESCO
  • Discussions on future heritage proposals for Maharashtra
3 min read

Maha Minister to visit France to receive UNESCO World Heritage certificate for 12 forts of Shivaji

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar visits France to formally receive UNESCO World Heritage certificate for 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"Today, this extraordinary legacy... has now emerged before the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Official Release"

Mumbai, Feb 10

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar will visit France to receive the UNESCO World Heritage certificate for 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of 'Hindavi Swarajya'.

From February 11 to 16, Minister Shelar will participate in a series of important events in Paris. During the visit, he will pay homage in a special ceremony to the half-bust statue of Bharat Ratna Mahamanav Babasaheb Ambedkar installed at the UNESCO Headquarters by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, said the release issued by the Minister's office.

Following an extensive process spanning nearly one and a half years, UNESCO, at its 47th session held on July 11, 2025, inscribed 12 forts from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the World Heritage List under the title 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India'.

The official World Heritage certificate will be formally received in Paris by the delegation led by Minister Shelar.

"The network of forts envisioned and established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to safeguard Hindavi Swarajya against foreign invasions, ensure secure governance and promote public welfare stands as an exemplary model of military strategy and statecraft in Indian history. Today, this extraordinary legacy comprising 12 forts - Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi and Gingee in Tamil Nadu - has now emerged before the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," said the release.

In February 2025, a four-member delegation of the Government of Maharashtra, led by Minister Shelar, visited Paris to present a comprehensive technical and strategic case before UNESCO.

The present visit to formally receive the World Heritage certificate and witness this landmark moment in person marks a proud chapter of global recognition for the valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the enduring legacy of the Maratha Empire.

During the visit, Minister Shelar will also hold separate meetings with the Director-General of UNESCO, subject experts and India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma.

Detailed discussions will be held regarding other proposed heritage sites from Maharashtra. He expressed confidence that this visit would further strengthen the State government's ongoing efforts to secure World Heritage recognition for the Konkan rock art, Maharashtra's sea forts and intangible cultural heritage traditions such as the Pandharpur Wari, Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi.

Additionally, the delegation will study renowned museums in Paris, focusing on their management practices, exhibition design and the use of digital technologies to further enrich the development of the proposed world-class 'Maharashtra Museum' currently being established in Bandra, Mumbai.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
A great achievement, no doubt. But I hope the government also allocates serious funds for the conservation and maintenance of these forts. Many are in a dilapidated state. Recognition is the first step, preservation is the real challenge.
A
Aman W
It's interesting that Gingee fort in Tamil Nadu is included. Shows how Shivaji Maharaj's influence and military architecture extended beyond the Maratha heartland. A truly pan-Indian legacy being honored.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves history, this is fantastic news. I've visited Raigad and Pratapgad, and the engineering is mind-blowing. Hope this UNESCO tag boosts tourism and helps local communities. The plan to study Paris museums is also smart.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the effort, I can't help but think about the cost of this ministerial delegation's trip to Paris. Could the certificate not be sent via diplomatic channels? Public money should be used judiciously, especially for such symbolic events.
K
Kavya N
Wonderful! Paying homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue at UNESCO is a perfect addition to the trip. It connects two great icons of Maharashtra. Now, let's get Wari and Ganeshotsav on that intangible heritage list too! 🙏

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