Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has never been confined by time or geography, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said noting that each fort built by the legendary Maratha-warrior king is more than just a structure, it is a living story of purpose and vision.
“The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has never been confined by time or geography. It has always been timeless, a guiding force that lives in every heartbeat of Maharashtra. With its recognition by a global institution, this becomes a moment of immense pride and emotional significance,” Fadnavis said at the 'Shivkalyan Raja' programme, held to celebrate the inclusion of 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, in Mumbai.
“Each fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more than just a structure, it is a living story of purpose and vision. From the spiritually significant Panhala and the foundational strength of Rajgad to the formidable sea forts like Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, and Khanderi, each stands as a testament to strategic brilliance, cultural depth, and the unwavering spirit of Swarajya,” he said.
Fadnavis said that building sea forts in those times was a feat of engineering genius and the use of lakhs of kilos of lime and iron reflects the scale of that vision.
“Salher, the highest fort in Maharashtra, and Raigad, whose strength astonished British envoys, embody a governance model that balanced military foresight with cultural depth. From these very forts, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj administered territories stretching from Nashik to Jinji, with unmatched efficiency,” he said.
“This recognition by UNESCO is not just about monuments, it is about the ideals that shaped our conscience. These forts have endured time, conflict, and nature. They stand tall as reminders of a vision that still inspires. This is not just history. It is a living heritage and it speaks to the world,” said Fadnavis.