Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district, also known as the ‘Troy of the East’, has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Paris on July 11, 2025.
Key Highlights
- Gingee Fort is the only fort outside Maharashtra among the 12 sites recognized under the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.”
- The nomination dossier for UNESCO was prepared by DRONAH (Development and Research Organisation for Nature, Arts and Heritage).
- ICOMOS, the advisory body to UNESCO, conducted a mission to evaluate the site in September 2024.
- This move brings global heritage recognition and is expected to boost tourism and conservation efforts in the region.
About Maratha Military Landscapes of India
- Comprises 12 components of Maratha-era fortifications spread across diverse geographical terrains.
- 11 sites are located in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort is the lone Tamil Nadu entrant.
- The nomination was India’s official entry for the 2024–25 UNESCO World Heritage cycle.
Historical Significance of Gingee Fort
- Built in 1200 CE by Ananta Kon of the Konar dynasty.
- Expanded over time by Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Mughals, Nawabs, French, and British.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji captured the fort in 1677.
- Later ruled by Mughals (1698), Nawabs of Arcot (1714), French (1750–1770), and eventually British.
- Spread over 11 acres, located across three hills: Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri.
Architectural & Cultural Features
- Monuments within the fort complex include:
- Stepped well, Kalyana Mahal (8-storeyed royal quarters), durbar hall, cannon, clock tower, elephant tank, granary, stable, gymnasium.
- Venkataramana temple (Lower Fort) and Sadathtulla mosque.
- Rajagiri Hill: Tallest (800 m) with a citadel and Ranganatha temple.
- Krishnagiri Citadel: Known for Indo-Islamic architecture and domed audience hall.
- Water Supply Systems: Two distinct systems (from Nayak and Nawab periods) ensured continuous water access, even to hilltops.
About UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Recognized by UNESCO for outstanding universal cultural or natural value.
- India now has 44 World Heritage Sites:
- 35 Cultural
- 7 Natural
- 1 Mixed site
- Previous (43rd) addition (before Gingee Fort): Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (Assam).
UNESCO Nomination Process
- Country prepares a Tentative List.
- Selected sites proposed with dossiers & justification.
- Advisory bodies ICOMOS/IUCN conduct technical evaluation. ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites).
- The process included field visits, technical scrutiny, and evaluation lasting 18 months.
- Final decision taken during annual session of WHC.
Key Facts
- Gingee Fort is called the Troy of the East.
- Recognized under the Maratha Military Landscapes.
- Fort spread over three hills with advanced water supply systems.
- UNESCO WHC session that granted the tag held in Paris, July 2025.
- DRONAH prepared the nomination and management plan.
- Gingee Fort is Tamil Nadu’s 4th Cultural UNESCO Site, after:
- Great Living Chola Temples
- Monuments at Mamallapuram
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Natural – part of Mountain Railways of India)
- Nomination dossier aligned with UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines and included aspects like conservation status, threats, and heritage management.