Maharashtra: Replicas of 12 forts created for UNESCO nomination

Mumbai: As part of the nomination process to include the forts in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list, to-the-scale replicas of 12 forts were created by mountaineer volunteers in Pune. The Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), the apex body of mountaineers in the state, honoured the volunteers at Shivsrushti in Ambegaon in Pune, on Saturday.

UNESCO representatives and delegates from various countries were scheduled to visit Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, for this evaluation.

The Maharashtra government had entrusted AMGM with the task of creating these scaled replicas of 12 forts within just 50 days. With unparalleled dedication, mountaineers, Shivaji enthusiasts, and artists collaborated to craft these intricate models in record time.

The ceremony celebrated the efforts of those who voluntarily contributed to this significant project.

Among those who were present include former Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Sudarshan Hasabnis (Retd); entrepreneur and Shivsrushti trustee Jagdish Kadam; AMGM President Umesh Zirpe; Vice President Rishikesh Yadav; Vice President Padmakar Gaikwad, Secretary Dr. Rahul Warange; office bearers Ravi Paranjape, Rajan Bagwe, and Kiran Deshmukh; Giripremi President Jayant Tulpule; Anand Palande; Everest climber Ashish Mane; and Vivek Shivde, among others.

“This wasn’t just a responsibility; it was our duty to showcase our heritage to the world. The entire team worked tirelessly to meet this challenge in just 50 days. Everyone’s unwavering dedication has made this mission successful, and their efforts deserve immense appreciation,” said Zirpe.

The twelve component parts of this nomination are, Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad Fort, Khanderi Fort, Raigad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Suvarnadurg Fort, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg Fort, Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

Most of these are linked to the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior.

The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680) was coronated in Raigad Fort on 6 June, 1674 - and it is from here he laid the foundation of ‘Hindavi-Swarajya’ of self-rule of the Hindu-people.

As far as the nomination is concerned, the components, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule.

As part of the event, contributors to another AMGM initiative were also honoured.

On 26 January 2024, to mark the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, AMGM had organized flag-hoisting ceremonies on 350 forts across Maharashtra. This initiative saw enthusiastic participation from

mountaineers, district representatives, and citizens, whose contributions were recognized during the ceremony.

Dignitaries from Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, and other districts were present in large numbers.

Kadam said: “This project exemplifies unity, dedication, and talent among our people. The task was enormous, but AMGM and the artists rose to the challenge and achieved something extraordinary. This effort will significantly aid in preserving Maharashtra’s heritage.”

Lieutenant General Hasabnis lauded the efforts, saying, “AMGM has once again proved that determination and dedication can accomplish anything. These models are not just replicas of forts; they symbolize Maharashtra’s strength and spirit.”

The event was anchored by Everest summiteer Bhushan Harshe and Madhav Phadke. Deepali Bhosale proposed the vote of thanks. The gathering included a large number of Shivaji enthusiasts, nature lovers, and mountaineers.