The 12 Maratha Forts

UNESCO World Heritage Nomination (2024-25)

Current Affairs Alert: India has nominated the "Maratha Military Landscapes" for the UNESCO World Heritage list.
This network of 12 forts showcases the strategic genius of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire (17th-19th Century).

These forts are not just buildings; they are examples of "Guerrilla Warfare" geography. They are categorized into Hill Forts (Giri-Durg), Sea Forts (Jal-Durg), and Coastal Forts.

1. The Capital & The Birthplace

RAIGAD 👑

Dist: Raigad

✓ The Capital: This was the capital of the Maratha Empire.
✓ Coronation: Shivaji Maharaj was crowned here in 1674.
✓ Architecture: Famous for the 'Hirkani Buruj' and 'Takmak Tok'.

SHIVNERI 👶

Dist: Pune (Junnar)

✓ Birthplace: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born here on Feb 19, 1630.
✓ Unique: It has 7 gates (Maha Darwaza, etc.) which made it almost invincible.

2. The Strategic Hill Forts

PRATAPGAD ⚔️

Dist: Satara

✓ Battle of Pratapgad: Site of the famous duel where Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan (1659).

TORNA 🚩

Dist: Pune

✓ First Conquest: Known as Prachandagad. This was the FIRST fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj at the age of 16.

RAJGAD 🏛️

Dist: Pune

✓ Old Capital: It served as the capital for 26 years before Raigad.

LOHAGAD 🦾

Dist: Pune

✓ Iron Fort: Situated near Lonavala. Historically linked to the trade route.

PANHALA 🏃

Dist: Kolhapur

✓ Great Escape: Famous for Shivaji Maharaj's daring escape to Vishalgad (Battle of Pavan Khind).

SALHER ⛰️

Dist: Nashik

✓ Highest Fort: One of the highest forts in Maharashtra. ✓ Battle: Only battle where Marathas fought Mughals on open field and won (1672).

3. The Sea & Coastal Forts (Navy Power)

SINDHUDURG 🌊

Dist: Sindhudurg

✓ Sea Fort: Built on an island (Kurte).
✓ Handprint: Contains the handprint and footprint of Shivaji Maharaj embedded in lime.

KHANDERI ⚓

Dist: Raigad (Alibaug)

✓ Naval Base: Built to check the Siddis of Janjira and the British at Mumbai.

VIJAYDURG 🏆

Dist: Sindhudurg

✓ Gibraltar of Asia: Considered impregnable from the sea. Oldest fort on Sindhudurg coast.

GINGEE (JINJI) 🐘

Dist: Villupuram (Tamil Nadu)

✓ The Outsider: The only fort in this list located in Tamil Nadu.
✓ Troy of the East: Called so by the British due to its strength.

---

Revision Flashcards

Gingee Fort

Where is it located?

Tamil Nadu

It is the only fort in the UNESCO nomination outside Maharashtra.

Afzal Khan

Defeated at which fort?

Pratapgad

Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan here in 1659 using Wagh Nakh (Tiger Claws).

First Conquest

Which fort did Shivaji capture first?

Torna

Captured at the age of 16. Also known as Prachandagad.

Sindhudurg

Unique Feature?

Handprint

It has the only temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and his prints in the lime mortar.

Exam-Style MCQs

Q1. Which of the following forts is NOT in Maharashtra?

A) Salher

B) Gingee

Correct! Gingee Fort is located in Tamil Nadu.

C) Khanderi

Q2. Which fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire for the longest time (26 years) before Raigad?

A) Shivneri

B) Rajgad

Correct! It was the capital before the coronation at Raigad.

C) Torna

Q3. The Battle of Salher (1672) is significant because:

A) It was a naval battle

B) It was an open-field battle victory against Mughals

Correct! Rare instance where Marathas fought and won on an open field, not just guerrilla warfare.

C) Afzal Khan was killed here

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Series.