MUMBAI,AUG 2 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said that the forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are not just architecture but a historical heritage that gives inspiration and immense pride to all.

He asserted that the state government will definitely make all necessary efforts to take this historial heritage to the global level.

The Chief Minister expressed his belief that these 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which contributed a lot to the creation of Swarajya with everyone’s efforts, will definitely be included in the world heritage list .

Shinde was speaking in a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in connection with World Heritage nomination of ‘Maratha Military Terrain of India’ on behalf of the State Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Directorate of Archeology and Museums .

Minister for Cultural Affairs Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Skill Development Department Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chairman of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee and Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO Vishal Sharma , Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Principal Secretary for Cultural Affairs Department Vikas Kharge among others were present.

A proposal has been sent by India to include the unique heritage of military terrain in Maharashtra in the list of World Heritage Sites. It includes 11 forts like Salher , Shivneri , Lohgad , Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Rajgad, Pratapgad in Maharashtra and the 12th in Jinji of Tamil Nadu.

With a view to providing solid support and guidance to this nomination process, the Chairman of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Vishal Sharma was invited, said Shinde.

He further said that it was decided to send 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for World Heritage nomination process. A Special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Archeology Department of India, the CM said.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was an unusual legend. By creating Swarajya, he created a glorious history. The construction of the forts during his time shows his foresight. By creating Jaladurga, he showed at that time how much awareness is needed for the protection of Swarajya.

He showed the amazing invention of the technology and Vastu Shastra of that time to defeat the enemy . We are trying to revive these forts during Shiva period.

Even today these forts are in strong condition. There are memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the basement here. This history is an inspiration to all of us. We are preserving it. We have got an opportunity to take it to the global level , added Shinde.(UNI)