Maharashtra Unveils New Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg
The Maharashtra government has unveiled a new 91-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, following the collapse of the previous statue. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the statue's durability and the commitment to maintain it for at least a century. The project was undertaken by renowned sculptors Ram and Anil Sutar, known for their work on the 'Statue of Unity.' This new statue aims to withstand severe weather conditions and is considered the largest of its kind in India. The government is also planning to enhance facilities around the fort.
May 12, 2025, 12:23 IST
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Inauguration of the New Statue
The Maharashtra government has unveiled a new statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in the coastal Sindhudurg district. This 91-foot tall statue comes nearly nine months after the previous 35-foot statue collapsed. The earlier statue, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Navy Day celebrations on December 4, 2023, fell shortly after its installation in August 2024, leading to widespread outrage against the state government. Following the incident, the sculptor-contractor Jaydeep Apte was arrested.
Statements from Officials
During the unveiling ceremony of the new statue in Malvan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that every measure has been taken to ensure the new statue remains intact for at least 100 years. The responsibility for its maintenance has been assigned to the creators. He noted that the statue stands 91 feet tall with a 10-foot base. The contract for the statue was awarded to the renowned sculptors Ram Sutar and Anil Sutar, who previously created the 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat. Fadnavis stated that this statue is designed to withstand storms of greater intensity than those experienced in the past, and it is likely the largest statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the country.
Commitment to Future Projects
Fadnavis mentioned that after the unfortunate incident of the statue's collapse, the government resolved to construct another grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj under any circumstances. He also indicated plans to acquire land adjacent to the fort for improved facilities. The statue was crafted in collaboration with IIT engineers and the head of the JJ School of Arts, ensuring a high standard of design and construction. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated that following the statue's fall in August 2024, the state government committed to creating a similar statue and issued directives accordingly.
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