Context:
The Chief Minister of UP unveiled a 40-feet high bronze equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev near Chittaura Lake in Bahraich
More on News:
- The occasion marks the legendary victory of Maharaja Suheldev over Ghaznavid commander Ghazi Sayyid Salar Masud in the historic Battle of Bahraich in 1034, celebrated as ‘Vijayotsav’.
- Maharaja Suheldev, a revered king of Shravasti, is especially honored among the Rajbhar community in eastern Uttar Pradesh and is considered a Hindutva icon.
- His valor is chronicled in the 17th-century Persian-language text Mirat-i-Masudi, which narrates the famous battle near Chittaura Lake.ss
- A 17-tonne statue of Maharaja Suheldev, costing approximately ₹2.75 crore, has been installed to honor his legacy.
- The statue has been crafted by Padma Shri awardee Ram Sutar, renowned for creating the Statue of Unity.
- The project is spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and constructed under the supervision of the State Lalit Kala Academy of UP culture department.
- It aims to enhance the cultural and historical significance of the Chittaura Lake area, where the battle took place.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the memorial via video conferencing on February 16, 2021.
- The initiative also includes the development of the surrounding region into a heritage and tourism site, reinforcing Maharaja Suheldev’s historical and regional importance.
