Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue at Pangong Tso

1. In December 2024, the Indian Army inaugurated a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the banks of Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh which has sparked debate.

The Statue and Its Installation

1. Location and Announcement: The statue is situated on the banks of Pangong Tso at an altitude of 14,300 feet. The Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps made the announcement.

1. The statue celebrates Shivaji’s legacy as a “symbol of valour, vision, and unwavering justice.”

2. Funding and Purpose: The statue was funded through voluntary contributions by serving and retired personnel of the Maratha unit stationed in the region.

1. It is intended to inspire soldiers by commemorating Shivaji’s military brilliance and leadership.

What is endorheic lake? An endorheic lake is a body of water that collects in a basin and has no obvious outlet, and does not flow into an ocean or sea. Endorheic lakes are generally saline as a result of being unable to get rid of solutes left in the lake by evaporation.

Why the Location Matters?

1. Strategic Significance: Pangong Tso is a high-altitude endorheic lake spanning the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. About 2/3^rd of the lake lies under Chinese control.

1. The region has been a focal point of the India-China border disengagement process, following the 2020 standoff.
2. Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m in the disputed region of Aksai Chin, is the world’s highest saltwater lake.
3. Pangong Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”.
4. It is also known to change colours, appearing blue, green, and red at different times.
5. The installation of the statue aligns with the Army’s efforts to integrate India’s historical and strategic heritage into military traditions.

2. Environmental Sensitivity: Pangong Tso is known for its ecological uniqueness, including its brackish waters and changing colors. Critics have pointed out the potential environmental impact of installations in such a sensitive area.

Why the Controversy?

1. Cultural Relevance: Critics argue that Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, while monumental in Indian history, has no direct connection to Ladakh’s cultural or historical context.

1. Local leaders and historians have suggested alternative figures like General Zorawar Singh or Ladakhi rulers Khree Sultan Cho, Ali Sher Khan Anchen, and Seenge Namgyal, who have more direct ties to the region.

2. Lack of Consultation: Chushul Councillor expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation with local communities, emphasizing the need for projects that respect Ladakh’s heritage and environment.
3. Military Veterans’ Views: Some veterans noted that a statue of General Zorawar Singh would have been more appropriate.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Legacy and Achievements Early Life: Born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra, Shivaji was the son of Maratha general Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai. Military and Administrative Genius: Established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century, promoting self-rule (Swarajya) and resisting Mughal domination. Master of guerrilla warfare and naval strategy, Shivaji constructed or captured over 300 forts, including Raigad and Sindhudurg. Developed an efficient revenue and justice system, emphasizing inclusivity and secularism in governance. Zorawar Singh: The Hero of Ladakh Military Campaigns: Zorawar Singh was a Dogra general from the 19th century and is celebrated for his military campaigns that led to Ladakh’s integration into the Dogra kingdom. He led expeditions to areas like Pangong Tso and beyond, establishing posts as far as Mansarovar and dying in battle in Tibet. Legacy: Singh’s campaigns contributed significantly to shaping the present-day borders of Ladakh. His memory is preserved in landmarks such as Leh’s Zorawar Fort.

Also Read
UPSC Prelims Result	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Monthly Mgazine	Previous Year Interview Questions
Free MCQs for UPSC Prelims	UPSC Test Series
ENSURE IAS NOTES	Our Booklist