Gingee Fort Earns UNESCO World Heritage Status

Quick Summary:

• Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, dubbed the ‘Troy of the East’, and 11 other forts part of India’s Maratha Military Landscapes were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites on July 11, 2025 during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
• The nomination process spanned 18 months, including technical assessments and site visits by ICOMOS experts.
• Among the 12 nominated sites, Gingee Fort was Tamil Nadu’s sole entry; other locations are spread across Maharashtra.
• The dossier for Gingee Fort’s nomination was prepared by DRONAH (Growth and Research Organisation for Nature, Arts and Heritage), including conservation measures and detailed justification under UNESCO guidelines.
• Built in 1200 CE by Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty, Gingee Fort has witnessed control shifts between empires such as Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Mughals, Nawabs, French Colonists, and British rulers from its inception to modern times.
• Spread across three hillocks (Rajagiri, Krishnagiri & Chandragiri), it includes structures like a stepped well, Kalyana Mahal (marriage hall), temples such as Venkataramana Temple & Sadathtulla Mosque.
• Experts predict increased tourism to Gingee fort following this global recognition.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The designation of Gingee Fort as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important milestone for India’s cultural heritage preservation efforts. It underscores not only Tamil Nadu’s architectural mastery but also India’s broader historical significance showcased through varied military landscapes spanning Maharashtra. International recognition adds impetus for robust conservation practices while concurrently boosting local tourism economies.

For Tamil Nadu notably-already known for its religious monuments-the inclusion diversifies tourist interest toward military architecture with rich multi-dynastic legacies. while celebrating this achievement remains pivotal at regional levels within Villupuram district or even Maharashtra where contributions concentrate heavily-such legacies demand sustained infrastructure development capable meeting increased arrivals without diluting protectionary frameworks essential archaeological continuity safeguards ensuring partial-neutral but ensuring neutral study wide-policy public advocates fairness inherently

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