Overview

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of Maharana Pratap in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on April 18, 2025.
• Singh positioned Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as national heroes, contrasting them with Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, whom he described as a cruel and fundamentalist leader.
• The minister criticized post-Independence historians for glorifying Aurangzeb while neglecting the contributions of Pratap and Shivaji.
• Singh highlighted the inclusive leadership of Maharana Pratap, noting the participation of Adivasis and Muslims in his army, and underscored Shivaji’s similar approach to unity.
• Proposals to rename Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Delhi’s Aurangzeb Road as APJ Abdul Kalam Road are under active consideration.