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United we stand, divided with fall. This famous statement by a former American president, Abraham Lincoln, stresses the concept of collectivism, wherein if individual members of a group refrain from the binding ideals like union, alliance, confederation, or coalition and work on their own instead of as a team, they are doomed to fail and be defeated. And in Indian history, there is no better leader than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who stands true to the virtue of unity and diversity. Better known as the Iron Man of India, India’s first Home Minister and India’s first deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, played an instrumental role in uniting the princely states to form the India we know today.
He fought against the idea of sexual disqualification throughout his life that barred women from contesting the elections. He believed in an India that was just and equal for all its citizens, and it was this ideology that led him to win the honour of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister till Jawaharlal Nehru’s rule. However, an old Indian fable states that if Sardar Patel had been elected as the President of the Congress, perhaps he would have been the first Prime Minister of independent India instead of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Born on August 31 August 1875, the Iron Man of India suffered a heart attack on December 15 December 1950, at the Birla House in Bombay (present-day Mumbai). He was awarded the highest civilian award of the country, Bharat Ratna, posthumously (1991). Although Sardar Patel himself was against building statues and memorials, the present Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, unveiled the Statue of Unity on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary. If he had been alive today, he would have vehemently opposed the state government’s project of a 3000 crore sculpture of himself. And that’s the first fact about the Statue of Unity for you.
What is the Statue of Unity?
The Statue of Unity, called the world’s tallest statue, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat on October 31 October 2018, on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Called ‘The Boss’ by the Times magazine was his efforts to create the Republic of India by uniting 562 princely states of the country and introducing life-changing reforms as the first Minister of Home Affairs after the country’s independence. In addition, he played a significant in India’s fight for freedom, which is why the government decided to honour the Iron Man of India with the tallest statue in the world.
The Surprising Facts about the Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity, brought to fruition by Michael Graves and Associates in collaboration with the Turner Construction and Meinhardt Group, took around four years to design, construct, and complete. Here are a few standout facts about the Statue of Unity, including some mind-boggling statistics on the architectural materials used in its construction.
10 Facts About Statue of Unity “World’s Tallest Statue”
Fact #1: Statue of Unity is, In fact, the Tallest Statue in the World
Before the Statue of Unity, New York’s favourite, Statue of Liberty, was the tallest existing figure in the world. However, the Statue of Unity is four times the latter when plinths are discounted. The Statue of Unity is around 182 meters in height, towering China’s Spring Temple Buddha Statue by 29 meters and Statue of Liberty by 89 meters. Moreover, the size of the base of the Statue of Unity is around 58 meters. But that’s not about it. Its viewing gallery at 153 meters that will accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time. Besides the number, the expansive view of the dam and its environs is simply breathtaking.
Fact #2: Statue of Unity Constructed in Record Time
The project was announced in 2010, but the ceremonial ground-breaking took place on October 31 October 2013, when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The Statue of Unity is known to be Modi’s dream project. The Gujarat government set up a Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) responsible for constructing the statue. Since that day, the trust has organized several outreach programs to collect the raw materials required to build the statue.
The construction time of the Statue of Unity was fixed to 42 months; however, the construction was completed in a record time of 33 months. The Spring Temple Buddha Statue in China took the longest completion time of 11 years.
Fact #3: Over 50 Lacs Kg of Iron was Crowdsourced for this Project
The iron used in the construction of the statue was collected through a campaign called Loha. This campaign was managed by a trust that collected iron from every state of the country. As per resources, over 50 lakh kg of iron was crowdsourced, and over 3400 people were engaged in the construction of the Statue of Unity.
Fact #4: Over 2.25 Crore kg of Cement was Used
Over 2.25 crore kg of cement, equivalent to the weight of 56 Boeing 747 planes, was used to construct the statue. The design was finalized by sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, a receipt of Padma Bhushan in 2016. The renowned sculptor has built over 50 figures in his career, including the statue of Mahatma Gandhi situated inside the Indian Parliament.
Fact #5: The Total Cost of the Project was Around 3000 Crore
The construction work commenced in October 2013, and the estimated cost of the statue was about 3000 crore. However, during the project biddings, Larsen Turbo won the contract; the amount set was 2989 crore. The government targeted the project completion by October 2018, and the statue was inaugurated on Sardar Patel’s 143rd anniversary.
Fact #6: Several Families had to be Relocated for the Statue
It is said that the government of Gujarat relocated over 185 families to make space for the figure, compensating them with 1200 crore of new land. Moreover, around 3000 Indian workers, including 300 engineers from Larsen and Turbo, along with several other hundred labourers from China, contributed to the construction efforts.
Fact #7: It is Located on the Sadhu Bet Island
The statue faces the Narmada Dam and is around 3.2 km away from the Sadhu Bet. It consists of three floors- the exhibit floor, the mezzanine, and the roof. It encompasses an area of 20,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12 square kilometre artificial lake. Since it is made from iron, the Statue of Unity will turn green from its original bronze colour in 100 years due to the natural ageing process.
Fact #8: There is a Chinese Contribution to the Statue of Unity
As per a statement issued by Larsen and Turbo in 2015, the entire statue of the Sardar Patel is built from raw materials sourced from India, and only the bronze plates were sourced from China. That valuation totals 9% of the project value. This prompted a lot of political tension from the opposition parties over the ‘Made in China’ comment.
Fact #9: The Statue of Unity can Withstand Earthquakes and High Wind Velocity
The Statue of Unity is designed in such a manner that it can resist a wind velocity of more than 60 meters/second. Apart from the wind factors, the statue can withstand vibration and earthquakes up to the 6.5 Richter scale.
Fact #10: The Statue Sends on a Solid Base
The statue is erected at a 3-story base, comprising a memorial garden on the ground and a large exhibit hall that focuses on the timeless achievement of Sardar Patel.
Fact #11: A Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
This statue was built to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the most important leaders in India’s history. Often called the “Iron Man of India,” Patel played a huge role in uniting more than 560 small princely states into one united country after India gained independence in 1947. Without his efforts, India might have remained a divided nation.
The statue stands as a reminder of his contribution to India’s unity, reflecting his strong leadership and vision. For many, visiting the Statue of Unity is like paying respect to Patel’s legacy, and recognizing his work in shaping modern India into the unified country it is today.
Fact #12: Inaugurated on Sardar Patel’s Birth Anniversary
The Statue of Unity was unveiled on October 31, 2018, which is a special date—it was the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. This adds even more significance to the statue because it connects the monument with the man it celebrates. The inauguration was a grand event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the ceremony.
People from across the country and the world tuned in to witness the unveiling of this historic monument. Since then, October 31 has not only been remembered as Patel’s birthday but also as the day India presented to the world this monumental tribute to one of its greatest leaders.
Fact #13: Designed by Indian Sculptor Ram V. Sutar
Ram V. Sutar, an award-winning Indian sculptor, designed the Statue of Unity. He is known for his many sculptures of famous Indian leaders, but the Statue of Unity is his most ambitious work yet. Sutar carefully studied photographs of Sardar Patel to ensure the statue captured not only his physical likeness but also his determined and resolute personality.
The statue shows Patel wearing traditional Indian clothing, standing tall and strong as if he is watching over the nation he helped unite. This attention to detail in the design makes the statue feel even more lifelike and powerful when you see it in person.
Fact #14: Built with a combination of Bronze and Steel
The Statue of Unity is made from a combination of bronze and steel, giving it both strength and beauty. The outer layer of the statue is made of 1,850 metric tons of bronze, which gives it a rich, golden-brown colour that shines in the sunlight. Beneath the bronze, the statue has a strong internal frame made of reinforced concrete and steel.
This combination of materials ensures that the statue can withstand harsh weather, including high winds and earthquakes. The bronze also adds a historical feel to the statue, as it is a material often used for important monuments.
Fact #15: Located on the Sadhu Bet Island
The Statue of Unity is located on an island called Sadhu Bet in the middle of the Narmada River, close to the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. The location is beautiful, with the river and the surrounding hills providing a scenic backdrop. To reach the statue, visitors take a short boat ride, which adds to the adventure.
The choice of this island location wasn’t just for the views—Sadhu Bet is symbolically important because it is close to the dam, another project that represents unity and development in India. This natural setting enhances the experience of visiting the statue.
Fact #16: The Vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi came up with the idea for the Statue of Unity when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He wanted to create a monument that would remind people of Sardar Patel’s efforts to unite India and inspire future generations to work together for the country’s progress. His vision wasn’t just about building the statue—it was about creating a symbol that would stand for unity, strength, and the power of working together. Today, the Statue of Unity is a reminder of how important it is for people to come together, regardless of their differences, to build a stronger nation.
Fact #17: A Modern Engineering Marvel
Building such a tall statue wasn’t easy—it required advanced engineering and design techniques. The Statue of Unity can withstand wind speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour and even earthquakes of up to 6.5 on the Richter scale.
To make sure the statue is stable, engineers used two massive devices called “tuned mass dampers,” which help reduce vibrations and keep the statue steady during strong winds or ground movements. This makes the statue one of the safest and most stable large structures in the world, showing how far engineering has come and how skilled the people who built it were.
Fact #18: An Eco-Friendly Monument
While the Statue of Unity is massive, it was built with eco-friendly practices in mind. A lot of the materials used in its construction, such as scrap iron, were recycled. Additionally, the area around the statue has been developed to promote environmental sustainability.
For example, many trees have been planted to maintain ecological balance, and careful water management techniques are used to protect the surrounding environment. The government has also ensured that tourism in the area is sustainable, making the Statue of Unity not just a marvel of engineering but also an example of responsible development.
Fact #19: A Monument of Global Interest
The Statue of Unity has become a global attraction since its unveiling. People from all over the world visit this enormous monument, making it one of India’s top tourist destinations. In the first year after its opening, more than 2.8 million people visited the statue.
It has drawn international attention not only because of its size but also because of the deep historical significance behind it. Tourists are amazed by the sheer scale of the statue, and it has become a must-see for anyone visiting India, adding to its global popularity.
Fact #20: Features a Viewing Gallery
The Statue of Unity has a special viewing gallery located at 153 meters (502 feet) above ground. Visitors can take an elevator to this gallery, where they get a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. From the gallery, you can see the Narmada River, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, and the beautiful mountain ranges nearby.
The gallery can hold up to 200 people at a time, making it one of the main attractions for tourists. This panoramic view allows visitors to not only appreciate the statue but also enjoy the natural beauty around it.
Fact #21: Surrounding Development as a Tourist Hub
The area around the Statue of Unity has been developed into a major tourist hub. Visitors can explore other attractions like the Valley of Flowers, which is filled with vibrant, colourful plants, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India.
There are also wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism areas nearby, where people can enjoy nature and see local wildlife. This development has boosted tourism in the region, making the Statue of Unity a central part of a larger tourism experience that attracts visitors from across the globe.
Fact #22: Symbolizes Unity and Strength
The Statue of Unity is more than just a tall structure—it stands for unity and strength. It was built to remind people of how Sardar Patel united the many princely states into one country. The statue serves as a symbol of national unity, showing that when people work together, they can achieve great things.
This message is particularly important in a country as diverse as India, where people from different cultures, languages, and religions live together. The statue inspires a sense of pride and reminds visitors of the power of unity in overcoming challenges.
Fact #23: Special Light and Sound Shows
Every evening, visitors to the Statue of Unity can enjoy a special light and sound show. This show tells the story of Sardar Patel’s life and his role in India’s independence. The statue is lit up in different colours, making it look even more spectacular at night.
The sound and light effects make the story come to life, creating an unforgettable experience for those who watch. The show helps visitors learn more about Patel’s contribution to India’s history in a fun and engaging way, making their visit to the statue even more meaningful.
Fact #24: An Engineering Feat of Precision
One of the most fascinating things about the Statue of Unity is the precision with which it was built. The bronze plates that cover the statue were made using a technique called the “lost-wax” method, which allowed for a high level of detail in the statue’s features. This ancient technique ensures that the intricate designs, like the folds in Patel’s clothing and the expression on his face, are accurately portrayed.
The use of this method reflects the craftsmanship and dedication involved in creating the statue. Engineers and artists worked closely to ensure that every detail was perfect, from the statue’s posture to its overall proportions. The result is a monument that not only celebrates a historical figure but also showcases India’s rich tradition of art and craftsmanship. Visitors often remark on how lifelike the statue appears, highlighting the successful fusion of modern technology and traditional artistry.
Fact #25: Promotes Employment and Development
The construction of the Statue of Unity has created numerous job opportunities for local communities. Thousands of workers were employed during the building process, and the ongoing tourism around the statue has led to even more jobs in hospitality, transportation, and various services. This economic boost has helped improve the livelihoods of many families in the area.
Moreover, the government has invested in developing infrastructure like roads, hotels, and visitor centres to support the growing number of tourists. This means that the statue is not only a symbol of pride but also a driver of economic growth, helping to uplift the local community and enhance their quality of life.
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Conclusion: Statue of Unity Facts
In conclusion, these facts about the Statue of Unity reflect its importance as a symbol of national pride and a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. From its immense height to the intricate details of its construction, each aspect of the statue tells a story of unity, strength, and resilience. The statue not only honours a great leader but also serves as a reminder of the power of collective effort and the importance of national unity.
The Statue of Unity facts reveal that it is more than just a statue—it is a living symbol of India’s past, present, and future. As a beacon of national pride, the monument continues to inspire millions of people, both within India and around the world, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the country and the legacy of one of its greatest leaders.
How many of these facts about the Statue of Unity did you know?
