Pune: The Maharashtra government’s ambitious project to build a world-class memorial for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk is progressing rapidly. The memorial aims to commemorate the valiant sacrifice and legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and historical Maratha architecture.
The government has approved a ₹397 crore development plan for the project, with ₹270 crore allocated in the state budget by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for the Tulapur site. With construction now in full swing, the long-awaited initiative is set to transform these historic locations into major cultural and historical landmarks.
A Tribute to History: Tulapur Memorial
The Tulapur memorial, spanning eight acres, is being designed in the 16th-century Maratha architectural style. A 40-foot-high and 20-foot-wide entrance gate is being constructed using intricately carved stone and teakwood, leading visitors to a grand sacrificial monument. The centerpiece of this memorial will be a 65-foot-high symbolic sculpture of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, integrated into a 100-foot-tall stone wall, reflecting in a 'Path of Reflection' water body.
The memorial will also feature:
A high-tech museum with 3D projection mapping, holography, and motion simulation to bring historical events to life.
A reconstructed 16th-century marketplace showcasing Maratha-era trade practices.
An 82-seat auditorium offering immersive 10D experiences of Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and battles.
A historical library, stone fortifications, and a viewing gallery overlooking the Bhima, Bhama, and Indrayani rivers.
A 500-meter-long ghat providing direct access to the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the three rivers.
A 230-meter-long bridge with an octagonal viewing deck, offering a panoramic view of the memorial and surrounding landscapes.
Vadhu Budruk Memorial to Feature Unique ‘Invisible’ Statue
In parallel, Vadhu Budruk will also receive a grand memorial, featuring:
A 40-foot-high entrance gate and a 100-foot-high Hindavi flag.
A 65-foot-tall ‘invisible’ statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, visible only from specific angles.
A historical museum, library, and a replica of a 16th-century Maratha market.
A riverfront ghat and protective embankment along the Bhima River.
Currently, 40% of the Tulapur project is complete, with traditional artisans engaged in intricate stone masonry and architectural restoration. Once the relocation of an existing cremation ground is finalized, a new 220-meter-long ghat will be integrated with the historic riverbank.
"The construction of Sambhaji Maharaj’s sculpture is being overseen by leading historians and sculptors, with the Directorate of Art managing the design process," said Janhavi Rode, Assistant Engineer, Public Works Department.
