91-Foot Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Unveiled at Malvan’s Rajkot Fort by CM Devendra Fadnavis

Sindhudurg, Maharashtra | May 11, 2025 — In a bold and symbolic gesture, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday unveiled a towering 91-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, just eight months after the controversial collapse of a smaller version sparked statewide outrage and political turmoil.

The newly erected bronze statue, standing 81 feet high atop a 10-foot pedestal, is among the tallest tributes to the legendary Maratha warrior king. Designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions for over a century, the monument is constructed from a durable alloy consisting of 88% copper, 4% zinc, and 8% tin. The upgraded engineering takes into account detailed climate and cyclone studies specific to the Konkan coast, ensuring structural resilience against extreme wind speeds.

“This statue is not only a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s indomitable spirit but also a testament to our resolve to rectify past mistakes and deliver something enduring and inspiring,” CM Fadnavis declared at the unveiling ceremony, which drew large crowds and widespread media coverage.

The statue replaces a 35-foot bronze version that dramatically collapsed in August 2024 during heavy rains and high winds, just seven months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023. The incident triggered intense criticism from opposition parties and civil society, with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition alleging corruption, negligence, and substandard construction practices.

Following the collapse, the state’s Public Works Department floated a fresh tender with an estimated budget of ₹20 crore. Two bids were received: ₹20.90 crore from Garnet Interiors and ₹36.05 crore from Ram Sutar Art Creations Pvt Ltd. The contract was ultimately awarded to Ram Sutar’s firm—helmed by renowned sculptor Padma Shri Ram V. Sutar and his son Anil Sutar—after the company agreed to match the lower bid.

The project marks a collaboration between some of India’s leading artistic and engineering minds, including sculptors from the J.J. School of Art and engineers from IIT. Ram Sutar Art Creations, known for their work on the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, will also be responsible for maintaining the statue for the next decade.

The previous statue’s collapse led to legal repercussions. Sculptor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil were arrested following a probe but have since been granted bail.

As political stakes rise ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections, the unveiling of the new statue serves as both a cultural milestone and a political statement. CM Fadnavis used the occasion to underline the BJP-led government’s commitment to heritage and accountability. “This is not just a statue—it is a message. A message that we will not let adversity define our legacy,” he said.

The unveiling of this monumental structure has not only restored a significant symbol of Maratha pride but also reignited debate around governance, public accountability, and cultural preservation in modern India.