Hindu Nationalists Elevate 17th-Century Shivaji as a Symbol

Statues of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire, are appearing across India. He fought against the Mughal dynasty and now represents a symbol for nationalists who are reshaping the country.

In January, visitors took selfies at the Shivaji statue in Malvan, a town in Maharashtra, India. Interest in this Hindu warrior has grown significantly in recent years.

The statue’s appearance in Bodhan, South India, on March 20, 2022, surprised many. The almost 10-foot statue of the warrior king was erected at a busy intersection without authorization. By the time police intervened, Hindus and Muslims were throwing stones at each other. To prevent further conflict, local authorities quickly banned public gatherings.

Investigation revealed that Gopi Kishan, part of a radical Hindu right-wing group, orchestrated the statue’s placement. Despite planning the act for weeks and organizing a motorcycle convoy, officials hesitated in providing the necessary permits. They cited potential “law-and-order” issues, given the city’s diverse population.

Mr. Kishan claimed his intention was not to provoke violence. He sought to honor Shivaji, who built an empire from nothing and became famous for his military strategy against the Mughal rule lasting around 200 years.

Mr. Kishan stated, “Had he not fought against the Mughals then, the word Hindu would not have existed today.” Despite legal troubles, the statue remains in place.