Overview

• The UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved Gingee Fort’s inscription at its 47th session in Paris, granting it international heritage status.
• The serial inscription comprises 12 properties—including 11 in Maharashtra and the Tamil Nadu fort—to commemorate Maratha strategic military architecture.
• Perched across Krishnagiri, Rajagiri, and Chandrayandurg hills in Viluppuram district, the fortress features high walls, deep moats, and hidden passageways.
• Originating in the 9th century, it was successively fortified by Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, Marathas under Rajaram Chhatrapati, Mughals, French, and British.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin hailed the inscription as a proud moment for Tamil Nadu and anticipated a boost in conservation efforts and tourism.