A statue depicting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj slaying Afzal Khan at the base of Pratapgad Fort is nearing completion and will be inaugurated next year, said state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Thursday. Weighing 8 tonnes and approximately 15 feet tall, this grand sculpture in Satara district is expected to draw large crowds from across Maharashtra.
For the past several months, a team from the JJ School of Arts has been working on this project under the leadership of sculptor Deepak Thopte and JJ School’s Rajiv Mishra. Lodha on Wednesday felicitated the team in his office at the Mantralaya, expressing his confidence in the success of this monumental endeavor. “The statue’s work is nearly complete. Soon, we will begin the installation process. On the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, I visited Pratapgad. It was then that I proposed this idea, which is now coming to fruition. With the support of historians and experts, this statue has been crafted to perfection. This is a moment of pride for us,” he said.
He also dismissed the opposition’s claims that the construction is politically motivated ahead of the elections. “This concept was proposed about a year-and-a-half ago, long before any elections were on the horizon. The decision to create this statue was made to inspire future generations with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Lodha said.
Lodha lauded the team’s hard work, noting that the statue is not just a piece of art, but a significant historical tribute. He reiterated that the government was committed to preserving and celebrating Maharashtra’s rich history and cultural heritage. The statue, set against the backdrop of Pratapgad Fort, will not only be a visual marvel, but also a symbol of valour and inspiration. It is expected to become a major tourist attraction, drawing historians and tourists.
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