Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has written to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting Maharashtra’s commitment to preserving these historic site. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Maharashtra government has urged the Centre to transfer centrally protected forts under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the State for improved conservation and heritage management. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has written to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting Maharashtra’s commitment to preserving these historic sites, many of which were once the strongholds of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The State has 54 centrally protected and 62 State-protected forts. In his letter dated March 24, Mr. Shelar stressed on Maharashtra’s experience in heritage conservation and its readiness to take over the responsibility. The State Cabinet, in its meeting on February 18, had also reaffirmed its intent to actively participate in the preservation and development of these forts.
Push for UNESCO recognition
Maharashtra recently sent a delegation to ICOMOS, Paris, to propose 12 historic forts for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List under the theme ‘Maratha Military Landscape of India’. The nominated forts include Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi Fort, and Jinji Fort (Tamil Nadu).
Mr. Shelar assured that Maharashtra’s Archaeology and Museums Directorate is equipped to handle conservation, with specialised architects, contractors, and funding initiatives such as Maha Varasa and Vaibhav Sangopan. He stressed the importance of heritage-friendly tourism and corporate partnerships to support fort maintenance.
“These forts are a symbol of Maharashtra’s rich history and legacy. Preserving them for future generations is our responsibility,” Mr. Shelar said, urging the Centre to take swift action on the transfer request.
Published – March 25, 2025 08:07 pm IST
