A high-level delegation led by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar is in Paris to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 forts of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
As per an official statement from Ashish Shelar’s office, the Maharashtra government has submitted a proposal to UNESCO under the theme ‘Maratha Military Landscape of India’, seeking the inclusion of 12 forts in the World Heritage list.
According to the statement, the forts of Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg and Khanderi, as well as Jinji in Tamil Nadu have been included in the proposal.
The four-member delegation left for Paris yesterday to present the state’s case for UNESCO recognition and will be in Paris till February 26.
The delegation will conduct technical and diplomatic presentations before the UNESCO authorities, emphasising the historical and architectural significance of these forts.