Description

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Context

'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' was been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it India's 44th item to gain such distinction.

This magnificent network of twelve forts, dating from the 17th to 19th century CE, exemplifies the Maratha Empire's strategic military vision and architectural brilliance.
These 12 forts are situated across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu and include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, as well as Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
The Archaeological Survey of India protects Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee forts, while the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra protects Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgarh forts.

The selected locations in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in the latter.
Diverse and Strategic Locations: Located on various terrains, including coastal outposts and hilltop fortifications.

Sites must have extraordinary universal importance and meet at least one of ten selection criteria to be considered for the World Heritage List.
Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention may submit nominations for sites on their territory to be considered for inclusion.
ICOMOS and the IUCN conduct an independent evaluation of the nominated site.
The World Heritage Committee makes the final judgment on its inscription (India is a member from 2021-25).

Source: PIB

Q. With reference to the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, consider the following statements:

These landscapes represent a network of forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries.
The forts are located exclusively in the Western Ghats region.
The nomination of Maratha Military Landscapes has been included in India’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The forts reflect the strategic military architecture developed under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A) 1, 3 and 4 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Option: A) 1, 3 and 4 only

Statement 1 – Correct: The Maratha Military Landscapes cover forts constructed from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Statement 2 – Incorrect: While many forts are in the Western Ghats, they are not exclusively located there. They span across Maharashtra and other parts of peninsular India.
Statement 3 – Correct: These landscapes have been included in India’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Statement 4 – Correct: The forts showcase the defensive military strategies developed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.