Why in the News?

The Raigad Fort is among 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.”

Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?

Historical and Strategic Importance: Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing Maratha resilience and independence.
Architectural Excellence: The fort showcases Maratha military architecture, with well-developed structures adapted to the hilly terrain.
Role in Maratha Legacy: As a hill fort, Raigad is emblematic of the Marathas’ unique fortification style, designed to withstand invasions and safeguard autonomy.
Icon of Maratha Heritage: Known as Durgaraj (King of Forts), Raigad stands as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and legacy and has become a pilgrimage site for Shivbhakts.
Natural Defense and Innovation: The fort’s natural fortifications, steep escarpments, and strategic location atop an isolated hill embody military ingenuity and make it a model of Maratha defense architecture.

	Details
Location	• Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India. • Elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level. • Surrounded by natural cliffs and 1,500-foot escarpments.
Background	• Originally known as Rairi. • Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1653 CE. • Crowned Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674 CE. • Served as the capital of the Maratha Empire until 1680 CE.
Significance	• Part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. • Referred to as the “*Gibraltar of the East” by Grant Duff*.
Architectural Highlights	• Includes the Royal Complex with key structures like *Ranivasa* and *Rajsadar. • Jagadishwar Mandir* dedicated to Lord Shiva. • Samadhi (final resting place) of Shivaji Maharaj located nearby.
Features	• Accessible mainly through *Naqqarkhana* and *Palkhi Darwaja. • Features well-designed drainage systems* and secret chambers.
Ecology	• Surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers. • Supported limited agriculture and had a self-sustained ecosystem.
Cultural Significance	• Known as the *Durgaraj* (King of Forts), symbolizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. • Hosts annual celebrations for *Shivrajyabhishek* and *Punyatithi*.

[2010] What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?

(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore

(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab

(c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot & Pasrur)

(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom