In a significant cultural gesture aimed at strengthening India-Israel ties, the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has announced plans to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel.
The announcement was made on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din, which marks the anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on June 6, 1674. The proposal has already received support from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, according to Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach.
Statue to Symbolise India-Israel Friendship
Explaining the idea behind the project, Revach said the memorial would represent the growing relationship between the two countries and highlight the historical connections between Maharashtra and the Jewish community.
“We believe that a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel would serve as a powerful symbol of the close ties between Israel and India. Such a monument would be especially meaningful given the historical links between Maharashtra and the Indian Jewish community, many of whose descendants today contribute significantly to Israeli society,” Revach said in his letter to Fadnavis.
He also revealed that the Maharashtra government would play an important role in ensuring the statue accurately reflects Shivaji Maharaj's legacy.
Maharashtra Government's Support Sought
Revach said discussions with the Maharashtra government have already begun and that Chief Minister Fadnavis immediately agreed to support the initiative.
“To make the memorial worthy of Maharaj's legacy, we sought cooperation from CM Devendra Fadnavis and he immediately agreed to provide it,” Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai said.
Seeking official cooperation, Revach wrote: “I respectfully request your support and guidance of the Maharashtra govt for this initiative. We would be grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Maharashtra govt regarding historical references, artistic consultation, design considerations, and any other assistance that may help bring this important project to fruition."
He further added, “I believe that in the later stage we can make it a people's project. I am confident that this initiative will further strengthen the friendship between our peoples and stand as a lasting tribute to the shared values of courage, leadership, and mutual respect that define both Maharashtra and Israel.”
Inspired by Shivaji Maharaj's Leadership
Revach said his interest in Maratha history grew after he arrived in Mumbai. He noted that Israel has been making efforts to deepen people-to-people connections with India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to the country.
“Following the historic visit to Israel by PM Narendra Modi, the govt of Israel decided to make special efforts to bring people from our two countries closer together. After coming to Mumbai, I started reading about the history of the Maratha empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered not only as the founder of the Maratha Empire but also as an extraordinary leader whose vision of good governance, courage, religious tolerance, naval strength, and protection of his people continues to inspire generations. His heroism inspired people from all over India," Revach said.
Creating Awareness About Shivaji Maharaj in Israel
According to Revach, the proposed statue is also intended to introduce more Israelis to the life and achievements of Shivaji Maharaj.
He added, "Wherever I travel in India, I see a great respect in the eyes of people towards Israel and our national heroes. I believe that we need to make efforts to create greater awareness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel. In this spirit of friendship, the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has decided to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel.”
A Cultural Landmark in the Making
If completed, the statue would become a unique symbol of cultural exchange between India and Israel. The initiative is expected to showcase Shivaji Maharaj's enduring legacy beyond India's borders while further strengthening ties between Maharashtra and Israel through a shared appreciation of history, leadership and mutual respect.
