The figure of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, has become a prominent symbol for nationalists in India. Statues celebrating the 17th-century warrior king are appearing across the country, reflecting a surge of interest in his legacy.

In recent years, Shivaji has captured the imagination of many, including visitors at the Shivaji statue in Malvan, Maharashtra. This renewed focus on Shivaji highlights his military achievements and opposition to the Mughal dynasty.

One particular incident took place on March 20, 2022, in Bodhan, a town in South India. A statue of Shivaji, standing nearly 10 feet tall, was erected without prior authorization at a busy intersection. The sudden appearance of this monument led to tensions between groups, with stone-throwing between Hindus and Muslims. The local authorities, fearing a riot, quickly imposed a ban on public assemblies.

The responsibility for the statue’s unexpected emergence was traced back to Gopi Kishan. Affiliated with a right-wing Hindu group, Kishan organized the statue’s installation due to frustrations with bureaucratic delays. He claimed the authorities had shown informal support for his petition but hesitated to provide official permits, citing potential unrest in a town with a significant Muslim population.

Despite the controversy caused by the statue, Kishan insisted that his intentions were not to provoke violence. He aimed to honor Shivaji’s contributions, underscoring the belief that Shivaji’s resistance against the Mughals was crucial for preserving Hindu identity.

Though Kishan faced legal troubles for his unorthodox approach, the monument remains where it was placed, standing as a testament to the passionate admiration for Shivaji’s legacy.