Gingee Fort and Maratha Military Landscapes declared UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Gingee Fort in Villupuram district, along with 11 other forts comprising the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This decision, made at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, is expected to boost tourism to these sites, including Gingee Fort, known as the 'Troy of the East'. The Maratha Military Landscapes, spanning from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, represent the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire. This recognition is a proud moment for Tamil Nadu and the country, highlighting India's 44th property on the UNESCO list.
Key Points
- Gingee Fort and 11 other Maratha forts have been collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The decision was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
- The Maratha Military Landscapes showcase the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries.
- This inscription is expected to significantly boost tourism to these historical sites.
- Gingee Fort, located in Villupuram district, is historically significant, having been built by Ananta Kon in 1200 CE and changing hands among various empires.
Exam Facts
- Gingee Fort, along with 11 other forts, forms the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India'.
- The inscription was made at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee.
- India now has 44 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Gingee Fort is known as the 'Troy of the East'.
- The 12 selected sites include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
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