The region of Vidarbha has always been rich in cultural and historical markers that reflect its layered past. Among its varied landmarks, statues stand out as lasting reminders of traditions, rulers, and civic symbols. These works are not confined to enclosed spaces but are visible in public places, religious sites, and open squares.

Each of them has a distinct story, rooted in centuries-old practices or early twentieth-century developments.

They serve as more than markers of devotion or artistry, carrying the record of events and people that shaped the region. The following account presents four statues in Vidarbha that have been in place for over fifty years and continue to be part of the public landscape.

1. Royal Bhonsle Ganesh Idol

The Royal Bhonsle Ganesh idol in Nagpur is one of the oldest statues still preserved and worshipped in the city. It was installed in 1728 by Raghuji Raje I of the Bhonsle dynasty when he brought the tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi to Nagpur. Unlike temporary idols that are remade every year, this statue has been preserved for nearly three centuries. Crafted in clay and cloth, the idol retains its original form and is treated with the highest regard during annual processions.

The Royal Bhonsle family has kept this tradition alive, with the idol being taken out in a palanquin during the festival before immersion rituals. Local records highlight that the statue has remained unchanged in its core design and continues to be associated with the cultural authority of the Bhonsle rulers. The idol’s continuity as a physical object makes it one of the rare surviving statues of its time.

2. Hadpakya Ganapati Idol

The Hadpakya Ganapati idol is another historic statue linked to the Bhonsle family. It was first installed in 1787 under the direction of King Khandoji Maharaj Bhonsle at the Senior Bhonsla Palace. The idol is distinctive for its eighteen hands, which set it apart from other Ganesh statues in Maharashtra. It is placed at the palace each year during Ganesh Chaturthi and continues to attract both devotees and historians interested in its unique form. While the figure is ritually immersed during the festival, its recreation follows strict rules that have been maintained for over two centuries, preserving its original character. The Hadpakya Ganapati has become a fixed part of Nagpur’s religious calendar, with its installation and rituals tied to the royal household.

This makes it a statue that is not only old but also firmly linked to a continuous cultural tradition. Its presence for over two hundred years is a testament to the endurance of religious artistry in the region.

3. Stucco Horse Figures at Zero Milestone

Nagpur’s Zero Milestone is among the most recognised monuments in central India. Erected in 1907 by the British during the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, it was meant to mark the geographical centre of the country. The monument is topped with four stucco horse statues that have remained in place for more than a hundred years. These horses are crafted to represent speed and strength, serving as symbolic guardians of the central point of India. They are integral parts of the structure and have stood firm despite exposure to natural elements.

Urban development in Nagpur has grown around the monument, making the horse statues a familiar sight for residents and visitors. Their age and prominence place them firmly among the most notable statues in Vidarbha. They are more than decorative additions, forming a significant visual element of a historic survey marker.

4. Maharana Pratap Statue at Pratap Nagar Chowk

The Maharana Pratap statue at Pratap Nagar Chowk in Nagpur stands as a civic landmark dedicated to the Rajput ruler. This equestrian statue has been in place for decades, crossing the fifty-year mark well before recent renovations. It depicts Maharana Pratap mounted on a horse, carrying his traditional arms, and remains a point of reference in the locality. Annual commemorations of Maharana Pratap Jayanti are held at this site, where citizens gather to pay respect to his memory. The statue is not confined to ceremonial use but is also a visual marker of Pratap Nagar itself.

Historical records indicate that the statue was one of the first large civic installations in this part of Nagpur, preceding many modern constructions. Its continued upkeep by local authorities has ensured that it remains part of the city’s physical and cultural landscape. Unlike statues preserved in museums, it retains a public-facing role, seen daily by residents in their routine movement.

The four statues highlighted here represent different contexts in which art and devotion take visible form in Vidarbha. The Royal Bhonsle Ganesh and the Hadpakya Ganapati illustrate the role of dynasty-led religious practices that have lasted for centuries.

The stucco horses at Zero Milestone stand as evidence of colonial survey work coupled with artistic additions. The Maharana Pratap statue shows how public memory is represented in urban spaces through equestrian figures. Each statue has crossed the threshold of fifty years, with some standing for centuries, making them integral to the understanding of Vidarbha’s heritage.

Their locations outside museums ensure that they remain accessible parts of civic and cultural life, directly visible to residents and visitors. These statues continue to provide points of connection with the region’s history and identity without the need for enclosed preservation. Their presence is not limited to ritual or symbolism but is embedded in the everyday geography of Vidarbha.