Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius on April 27, 2023. The statue was unveiled at the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the landing point for Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century.9
The 5-feet bronze statue of the Maratha warrior king was sculpted by noted sculptor Vivek Khatavkar and weighs around 200 kg. The statue has been installed to mark the 353rd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
In addition to the statue unveiling ceremony, Fadnavis also met with several dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and discussed ways to strengthen the cultural ties between India and Mauritius.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure in Maharashtra and is widely regarded as one of the greatest warriors and statesmen in Indian history. His legacy has been celebrated in various ways, including the installation of statues and memorials in his honour.bChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered one of the most iconic and influential figures in Indian history. He was born on February 19, 1630, in the Shivneri Fort in Pune, Maharashtra, and is widely regarded as the founder of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji was known for his military prowess and his ability to challenge the Mughal Empire, which was then the most powerful empire in India. He established a network of forts and a navy that allowed him to effectively defend his kingdom against the Mughal forces. Shivaji’s legacy continues to inspire people in Maharashtra and other parts of India. His life and achievements have been celebrated in numerous books, films, and television shows. Statues of Shivaji can be found in various parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, where he is considered a cultural icon.
India and Mauritius share strong cultural ties, and India has been a major source of support for Mauritius in various fields, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
