Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Tableau Ready to run on wheels in RD Parade

New Delhi, 22:  The Tableau of Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Coronation (Rajyabhishek) is ready to be showcased in the 69^th Republic Day Parade.  A grand life-size statue of the Maharaj on a horse is stealing attention at the Rashtriya Rangshala, Delhi Cantonment by one and all. 

A press meet was organized by the Ministry of Defence.  A total of 23 Tableaus including Maharashtra would be showcased. Of which, 14 States and 9 Central Government tableaus will be displayed, informed the Defence PRO, Shri Napimbo Marinmai. Cultural dances of were presented during this time.

Prof. (Retd) Narendra Vichare from Sir J.J.School of Arts has initiated the concept and design of the tableau. 40 artistes under the able expertise of renowned art Director, Nitin Chandrakant Desai have fabricated the tableau. The front side of the tableaus shows the statue of Shivaji Maharaj riding a horse. On both the sides of the statue are his loyal soldiers and officers standing respectfully and on both ends, the impregnable walls of the fort have been shown.

In the middle portion, a self-revolving scale is shown, symbolizing the equal justice delivered by the Chhattrapati. Surrounding the scale stands are soldiers with spears.  In the rear portion, there is a canopy above the throne (Megh Dambri), on which Shivaji Maharaj is seated on the throne. In the space in front of him, Sir Henry Oxindon, Pandit Vishweshwar Bhatt from kasha and some soldiers are seen guarding the occasion. Behind the throne is Maharaj’s Mother Jijamata who is shown showering her blessings.  On both sides of the throne are the statues in a seated posture of Soyarabai, Wife of Shivaji Maharaj and son, Sambhaji Maharaj.  Surrounding the tableau is the fortress and a few statues of the aristocrats, generals and soldiers.  Some gold coins with ‘Hon’ and copper coins with ‘Shivrayee’ can also be seen.  The royal Mavals, Sardars, guns, flags and the ‘Tutari’ captures your attention.

The chants of “Indira Jim Jumbh Par” run in the background. 10 artistes performing the role of Rajmata Jijau, Soyarabai, Wife of Shivaji Maharaj and son Sambhaji Maharaj are seen on the sides of the tableau. The meaning of this chant in praising the virtues of the Royal Leader is that ‘the darkness has gone and the light has prevailed’.

States of Karnataka, Gujarat, Assam, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Uttarakhand, J&K, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Himachal and Manipur would participate.  CPWD, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministries of Tribal Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Income Tax and IDBP would present their tableaus.

The Republic Day celebrations are held every year on January 26 in the august presence of the President, the Prime Minister and the foreign premier dignitaries. This year, Leaders of 10 ASEAN countries would grace this occasion, which is first-of-its- kind.