Jaipur sculptors making 24-feet high statue of famed Sikh warrior

By Lokendra Singh

Jaipur, March 2 : Sculptors in Jaipur are constructing a 24-feet high statue of a famed Sikh warrior, Sham Singh Atari, as a personal tribute to him, who lost his life fighting the British Army in 1846.

Atari, who was a General in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Army, attained martyrdom after falling down from his horse and shot in the chest by the British soldiers.

Keeping the popularity of General Atari on both sides of India-Pakistan border in mind, the sculptors have resolved to make the statue extraordinary.

Standing 24-foot high and made in gunmetal, General Atari's statue will be installed in Punjab's Attari Village.

"Not only in Rajasthan, it's one of the biggest statue in the country that will be placed on a horse. Artists from my batch have done mastery on it and completed the clay model in five months. The technicians in our studio have worked day-night to finish this huge piece of artistry," said Laxman Vyas, one sculptor.

Over a year-and-a-half has already been spent to construct this statue that will show General Atari astride a horse.

"He (General Atari) was a warrior. We have portrayed him as if he is on his way to the war. He has been showcased wearing his battle uniform," said Mahaveer, sculpture-designer.

"We are very thrilled that this statue will be unveiled at Wagah Border and be a help in stabilizing relations between India and Pakistan. It will be a defining moment for artisans like us and will be beneficial for the youngsters who have worked on it," he added.

ANI