Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar is set to travel to France to accept the UNESCO World Heritage certificate for 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’. Minister Shelar will be in Paris from February 11 to 16 for various significant events. One of the key highlights will be a special homage paid to the half-bust statue of Bharat Ratna Mahamanav Babasaheb Ambedkar at the UNESCO Headquarters.
The UNESCO World Heritage List welcomed 12 forts linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ during its 47th session on July 11, 2025. Minister Shelar will lead the delegation to formally receive the official World Heritage certificate in Paris. These forts, including Raigad, Rajgad, and Sindhudurg, symbolize a remarkable military strategy and statecraft from Indian history.
In a previous visit in February 2025, Minister Shelar and a delegation from the Government of Maharashtra presented a detailed case to UNESCO in Paris. This upcoming visit aims to officially receive the World Heritage certificate, marking a significant moment of global acknowledgment for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valor and the enduring Maratha Empire legacy. Minister Shelar will engage in discussions with UNESCO officials and India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO during the visit.
The visit will also include meetings with UNESCO’s Director-General, subject experts, and discussions on proposed heritage sites from Maharashtra. Minister Shelar is optimistic that this visit will bolster the State government’s efforts to secure World Heritage recognition for various cultural treasures of Maharashtra. Furthermore, the delegation will explore museum management practices in Paris to enhance the development of the upcoming ‘Maharashtra Museum’ in Mumbai.
