Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has sought permission from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to install full-size equestrian statues of prominent Maratha warriors Peshwa Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The request comes as part of an ongoing effort to honour the historical significance of these leaders and their contribution to India’s military history, particularly with regard to the Maratha Empire’s campaigns against the Mughals.
Talkatora Stadium: A Historic Military Centre
The Talkatora Stadium, located in the heart of New Delhi, holds significant historical significance due to its association with the military campaigns launched by the Maratha Empire against the Mughal Empire. The area has long been associated with strategic military actions and has played a key role in the military might of the Marathas. The proposal to install statues of Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar in the region highlights the desire to commemorate the legacy of these warriors who played a key role in the expansion and consolidation of Maratha power.
Sharad Pawar seeks PM’s intervention
In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharad Pawar stressed the importance of granting permission for the installation of the statues at the Talkatora Stadium, which falls under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Pawar appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene and direct the Delhi government and the NDMC to grant the necessary permissions. He highlighted that the installation of these full-size equestrian statues would be a fitting tribute to the valour and contributions of these Maratha leaders.
Pawar further explained that the installation of equestrian statues instead of regular statues would more appropriately honour the military prowess and historical stature of the warriors. These statues will not only symbolise their strength as leaders but also their strategic prowess in the battles fought against the Mughals during the peak of the Maratha empire.
Previous plans and support from litterateurs
The idea of installing statues at the Talkatora stadium is not a new one. According to Pawar, a Pune-based NGO had earlier planned to install statues of Bajirao, Shinde and Holkar in the area. However, the proposal did not receive the required permissions. Pawar mentioned that several prominent literary figures and well-wishers had supported the idea, believing that full-size equestrian statues would be a more fitting tribute to the three warriors.
The call for such statues has received significant support from historians and cultural figures, who believe that it would be a respectful and impactful way to commemorate the contribution of these great figures in Indian history. These statues will not only serve as a historical reminder but will also be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Pawar praises Modi for support to Marathi culture
In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, Sharad Pawar also praised the Prime Minister for his support towards Marathi culture and his participation in the 98th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held at Talkatora Stadium. The event inaugurated by Modi was an important occasion for the Marathi community and served as a platform to discuss various aspects of Marathi literature and culture.
Pawar expressed his gratitude to Modi for his insightful and inspiring speech during the event and said it had a significant impact on Marathi people across the world. He also acknowledged the special affection shown by the Prime Minister towards him during the inauguration ceremony, which Pawar described as a sign of goodwill and mutual respect.
Sharad Pawar’s request to install equestrian statues of Maratha warriors at Talkatora Stadium reflects the growing movement to honour the contribution of the Maratha empire to India’s military history. The proposed statues of Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar will become lasting symbols of their valour, strategic brilliance and influence in shaping India’s historical narrative.
As Pawar awaits Prime Minister Modi’s intervention, the outcome of the proposal could pave the way for greater recognition of Maratha history in New Delhi, and reinforce the importance of these historical figures in India’s modern cultural and political landscape.
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