35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj : Collapsed
A 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled at Rajkot Fort in Malvan in Sindhudurg district, collapsed in less than a year.
- It is in contrast with the Sindhudurg Fort, built by Shivaji Maharaj 357 years ago, remains resilient and has played a significant role in military activities such as the Surat raids. A major portion of Sindhudurg Fort was financed by Surat raids.
- Sindhudurg fort’s construction began on 25th November 1664, and was completed on 29th March, 1667.
The fort was built on the island of Kurte in the Arabian Sea after a thorough examination by Shivaji Maharaj and an expert (Hiroji Indulkar). - The construction of the fort was estimated at a cost of one crore hons. Hon was a gold coin used as currency during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century.
- Shivaji Maharaj’s vision was to establish maritime control and enhance economic stability through a powerful navy.
- The fort was strategically located to dominate maritime access and defend against foreign powers like the Siddis, Portuguese, and other colonial forces.
- The fort was built with a serpentine wall covering four kilometres, standing ten metres high with 45 stairways, and included facilities for guards and cannons.
- It featured a south-facing statue of Hanuman at the entrance and was complemented by smaller forts like Padmagad, Sarjekot, and Rajkot for additional security.
- Sindhudurg Fort remains an impregnable symbol of Shivaji Maharaj’s military and strategic prowess.
- It stands as a historical testament to Maratha naval strength and fortification techniques.
