Amid the controversy over Aurangzeb's tomb, Devendra Fadnavis government of Maharashtra has taken a big decision. The state government has made a big demand from the Center. State Culture Minister Ashish Shelar said that the responsibility of taking care of all the forts related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra should be given to the state government. He has requested the Center to hand over these forts under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the Maharashtra government so that they can be better taken care of and developed. This demand was made in a letter written to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
Ashish Shelar said in his letter, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's forts are a symbol of Maharashtra's pride and history. These forts are not only our cultural heritage but also a source of inspiration for the people. The Maharashtra government is fully capable of taking care of them." He stressed that the state's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums is ready to repair and preserve these forts. Expert contractors and conservation architects are also available for this.
There are about 350 forts in Maharashtra, many of which are associated with the time of Shivaji Maharaj. These include forts like Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Sindhudurg and Lohgad. Some of these forts are under the protection of ASI, while many are in neglected condition. Shelar says that if these forts are handed over to the state government, they can be better maintained and developed for tourism. This will not only improve the condition of the forts, but will also provide employment to the local people.
Proposal to include 12 forts in UNESCO's World Heritage List
A big reason behind this demand is that the Maharashtra government recently proposed to include 12 forts in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In February 2025, a team led by Shelar went to Paris and made a presentation in front of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). These forts contain memories of Shivaji Maharaj's valor and the Maratha Empire. Shelar said, "If we get these forts, we will be able to give them global recognition as well as take better care of them."
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also supported this demand. He said, "Shivaji Maharaj's forts are more sacred to us than temples. We are committed to preserving them." Fadnavis also said that the state government has already started development work on forts like Raigad and Shivneri.
However, some people are also raising questions on this demand. The opposition says that the Centre and the state should work together and not fight for rights. But Shelar believes that this is not a fight but an attempt to save the pride of Maharashtra. Now everyone's eyes are on the response of the central government. Will Maharashtra get the responsibility of taking care of Shivaji Maharaj's forts? Only time will tell.
