The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950)in the state of Gujarat, India. It is the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metres (597 ft). It is located on a river island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada in Kevadiya colony, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of the city of Vadodara.

Announced in 2010, this project was undertaken by ‘Larsen and Tourbo’ and the construction began in the year 2014. 

It was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, and was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October 2018, the 143rd anniversary of Patel’s  birth.

“The expression, posture and pose justify the dignity, confidence, iron will as well as kindness that his persona exudes. The head is up, a shawl flung from shoulders and hands are on the side as if he is set to walk”.   

-Anil Sutar

Why is it an architectural wonder?

• The slenderness ratio is 16:19 rather than the customary 8:14 ratio.
• Designed to withstand winds up to 140 mph
• Designed to withstand earthquakes measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale.
• World’s tallest completed statue.

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It was sanctioned a total budget of 2989 crore INR and was completed in 56 months (15 months for planning and 40 for the construction)

The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres(597 ft). It rises 54 metres (177 ft) higher than the previous record holder, the Spring Temple Buddha in China’s Henan province. WithinIndia, the record was earlier held by the 41 m (135 ft) statue of Hanuman at the Paritala Anjaneya Temple near Vijayawada inthe state of Andhra Pradesh. The statue can be seen within a7 km (4.3 mi) radius.

The monument is constructed on a river island named Sadhu Bet, 3.2 km(2.0 mi) away from and facing the Narmada Dam downstream.The statue and its surroundings occupy more than 2 hectares (4.9 acres), andare surrounded by a 12 km (7.5 mi) long artificial lake formed by the Garudeshwar weir downstream on the Narmada river.

The statue is divided into five zones of which only three are accessible to the public. From its base to the level of Patel’s shins is the first zone which has three levels and includes an exhibition area, mezzanine and roof. Zone 1 contains a memorial garden and a museum. The second zone reaches up to Patel’s thighs at 149 metres, while the third extends up to the viewing gallery at 153 metres. Zone 4 is the maintenance area while the final zone comprises the head and shoulders of the statue.

The museum in zone 1 catalogues the life of Sardar Patel and his contributions. An adjoining audio-visual gallery provides a 15 minute presentation on Patel andalso describes the tribal culture of the state. The concrete towers which form the statue’s legs contain two elevators each. Each  lift can carry 26 people at a time to the viewing gallery in just over 30 seconds. The gallery is located at a height of 153 metres (502 ft) and can hold up to 200 people.

Click on the link below to know more about the Statue of Unity in Depth.