Grand Shivaji memorial planned at Agra's historic Kothi Meena Bazar; UP, Maharashtra join hands
Mumbai/Lucknow: A significant initiative has been taken to construct a grand memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the historic 'Kothi Meena Bazar' in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Yogendra Upadhyay, Uttar Pradesh's Minister for Higher Education and MLA from Agra South, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his Mumbai residence on Saturday to request the Maharashtra government's cooperation in the memorial's construction; the Chief Minister responded with a positive assurance.
During the meeting, Yogendra Upadhyay stated that, according to the research of historian Prof. Sugam Anand and the late Dr. Ami Aadhar Nidar, the building where Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had placed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son under house arrest is currently known as 'Kothi Meena Bazar' in Agra. It was from this very location that Shivaji Maharaj, displaying unparalleled strategy and courage, successfully escaped Mughal custody—a historic feat.
He mentioned that continuous efforts are being made to establish a grand memorial for Shivaji Maharaj at this historic site. The process of acquiring the property by the Yogi government is in its final stages, and construction work will commence as soon as this is completed.
Upadhyay stated that the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra would jointly develop a memorial that stands as a symbol of Indian valor, self-respect, and national unity. He added that in the future, tourists visiting Agra would be able to visit this memorial of Shivaji Maharaj alongside the Taj Mahal, thereby helping to acquaint the new generation with India's glorious history.
Appreciating the initiative, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis assured all possible support from the Maharashtra government for the memorial's construction. Maharashtra leader Sunil Kumar Singh was also present during the meeting. It is noteworthy that Yogendra Upadhyay had previously held detailed discussions on this proposal with Maharashtra's Culture Minister, Ashish Shelar.