Malvan, May 11 – In a grand ceremony at the historic Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday unveiled a towering 91-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, replacing the earlier structure that had collapsed just months after installation.
The new statue, which stands on a 10-foot pedestal, replaces a 35-foot version that crumbled in August 2024—barely eight months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Navy Day celebrations. The collapse had sparked widespread outrage and led to the arrest of its sculptor-contractor, Jaydeep Apte.
Built to Endure for a Century
CM Fadnavis assured that extensive care has been taken to ensure the longevity and resilience of the new monument.“This statue is designed to endure at least 100 years, regardless of environmental conditions,” he stated, adding that its construction was handled by the same firm that built the iconic Statue of Unity—Ram Sutar Art Creations Pvt Ltd, led by renowned sculptors Ram Sutar and Anil Sutar.
The statue, possibly the tallest depiction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in India, features the Maratha warrior king holding a sword measuring 29 feet in length. It has been designed in collaboration with engineers from IIT and experts from the J J School of Arts.
Government Commitment After Collapse
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recalled the commitment made by the state government following the collapse of the previous statute. “We had resolved to rebuild a grand statue at any cost. The new statue is a testament to that promise,” he said.While Prime Minister Modi could not attend the unveiling, Shinde said, “He may not be here today, but he stands firmly behind the soldiers protecting the nation and continues to carry out work in the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj.”
Plans for Fort Development
Fadnavis also announced that land adjacent to the fort will be acquired to develop better amenities for visitors, enhancing the site’s historical and tourism value.With the unveiling of this grand monument, Maharashtra reaffirms its deep-rooted reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and signals a renewed focus on preserving the legacy of one of India’s most iconic historical figures.