Shivaji Statues Erected by Hindu Nationalists as Anti-Muslim Symbol

In recent years, Hindu nationalist groups have erected statues of the 17th‑century Maratha ruler Shivaji in several Indian cities. The monuments, often placed in prominent public spaces, are promoted as commemorations of Shivaji’s legacy as a military leader and statesman.

The campaigns have been described by observers as part of a broader pattern of actions that critics say target Muslim and Christian minorities. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, there have been reports of increased incidents of hate and discrimination against these communities, with the Shivaji statues cited as a symbolic element of that trend.

The erection of these statues reflects the continued politicisation of historical figures in India’s contemporary socio‑political landscape, underscoring the ongoing tensions between nationalist narratives and minority rights.