Cultural revival is a vital aspect of a nation’s growth, heritage and the preservation of its identity. It instils a sense of pride and reflects societal values. The contribution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with regards to cultural revival in post-independent India is unparallel. Starting from the rebuilding of the Kedarnath temple to the Kashi Vishwanath and Ujjain Mahakal corridors, PM Modi has played a vital role in the unprecedent transformation of India’s holiest pilgrimages. He has ambitiously commissioned and facilitated building of statues and monuments honouring the legacy of important icons from the country’s history right from Adi Sankara to Sardar Patel.
One such important colossal project coming up in Mumbai is the Shiv Smarak – an ode to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which once competed will be the tallest statue in the world – a befitting tribute to one of the greatest heroes of our civilisation who hasn’t been given his due.
Why the Shiv Smarak?
Statues or monuments are built to honour a person or an incident. Shiv Smarak surpasses a mere statue status. It embodies PM Modi’s commitment to cultural revival, and national pride. The statue will serve as a timeless reminder to generations about the courageous national hero who fought alien rule and championed the idea of Hindavi Swarajya or Sovereign Hindu Rule combined with Surajya or Good Governance and inspired thousands to fight against foreign rule. oppression and slavery.
The monument isn’t only an ode to the great king but also what he stood for. Beyond being a visionary king, Shivaji’s life epitomized a mission-driven leader. From his childhood to his coronation, conquests, and governance all are testimonies of the leader’s farsighted vision.
Shivaji’s Coronation
June 06, 2023 marked the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. By assuming the title “Chhatrapati,” he asserted his legitimacy, sovereignty and independence from external powers, at a time when most of the native Indian/Hindu kings had either surrendered to or accepted the supremacy of the intolerant and tyrant Mughal Empire.
“Completion of 350 years of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal is an inspiring occasion. Even after so many years, the values established by him are showing us the way forward” – PM Narendra Modi
Idea of Hindavi Swarajya
The idea of Hindavi Swarajya or Sovereign Hindu Rule put forth by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj represented a radical departure from traditional notions of rulership. Unlike his contemporaries, who sought personal glory and power; Chhatrapati Shivaji envisioned a state for the greater cause of the civilisation nation or Hindu nation. His reign sowed the seeds of the biggest Hindu empire of Akhand Bharat or Undivided India which stretched from Attock (currently in Pakistan) to Cuttack.
Surajya or Good Governance
Along with being an able administrator and an unabashed Hindu ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ensured that his Hindu state was welfare state which was well administered and an inclusive one. Though his state was an assertive Hindu one, within his realm, the state didn’t differentiate between subjects based on their religious beliefs which was in contrast to the prevalent jiziya, which was a tax incurred by Muslim rulers on the non-Muslims for being non-Muslims. He even promoted Muslim chiefs in his army and provided freedom of worship to people of all religions, emphasizing unity and inclusion in his Hindu state.
Cultural Revival
Shivaji patronized art, literature, and architecture, as well as restoration of temples and Hindu institutions which were harmed or damaged under Mughal rule. His support to Hindu intellectuals and craftsmen, helped to resurrect Hinduism as a cultural force.
Significance of the Location of Smarak
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj played a pivotal role in development of the navy and coastal defence starting from setting up exclusive naval defence unit to innovative ship designs and from strengthening fortification along the coastline to establishing ports and dockyards. The location of the Shiv Smarak on Mumbai’s coast will be a reminder of this legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji the Father of Indian Navy. It was last year that PM Modi commissioned the new Indian Naval flag with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s emblem.
“Now, this flag is symbolizing the pride of new India in the seas and skies.” – PM Narendra Modi during unveiling of the new naval flag, 2022
PM Modi has openly acknowledged Shivaji Maharaj to be the inspiration for several initiatives. In the words of Prime Minister himself “This journey to build the India of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dreams will be the journey of Swaraj, good governance and self-reliance. This will be the journey of a developed India.”
It wouldn’t be wrong to assume that Shivaji Maharaj’s vision has guided and shaped up the policies and programmes of PM Narendra Modi’s government and its attempt to create a New India which is assertive and proud of its culture, has secured borders, and is a welfare state. The Shiv Smarak, thus is a symbol of continuity of the civilisation and ideas; a testament of the fact that the New India as envisioned by PM Modi is an India deeply rooted in the Indian civilisation, an India rooted in the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
