The move to shift the iconic replica of the famous Konark Sun Temple sculpture showcasing a warrior with a horse at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar has triggered a controversy.
As per a decision by the State Government, the ancient stone work built by late eminent sculptor Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mohapatra would be shifted to Raj Bhavan Square to facilitate the ongoing Smart Janpath project in the State capital.
The Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has proposed relocation of the sculpture for a multi-modal hub project at the Bhubaneswar railway station near Master Canteen Square. The proposal was approved at a meeting chaired by Director of Culture Ranjan Das on June 8. However, the move for relocation of a prominent decades-old landmark of the State capital has drawn sharp reactions from different quarters. Politicians and dignitaries including artists and sculptors have questioned the decision. “Raghunath Mohapatra built the sculpture financed by IndianOil (in 1988). The Government should respect the architecture of an artist. To date, it has not been properly maintained. If it is relocated to Raj Bhavan Square, its identity will be lost. Let the sculpture be retained here like the statue of Shivaji on a horse has been erected in Mumbai,” said renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik. Former Bhubaneswar Municipality Chairman Dr Jagannath Mohapatra said, “Development or beautification should be made without causing damage to identity of a place.
Are the officers, who are planning to shift the iconic statue, aware of the fact of who had kept the sculpture and why? Are they removing the Jagannath Temple in name of beautification work in Puri?” Veteran singer Padma Shri Prafulla Kar said, “Earlier, those who came by train or bus and alighted at Master Canteen Square identified the place as the ‘Horse Square’ (Ghoda Chhak).
Even today, many people of ancient time call it the Ghoda Chhak. So, don’t change the sign of one place. If it were to be relocated, many would not be able to see this famous monument.” Jatni Congress MLA Suresh Kumar Routray has threatened to stage protest against the move. “The iconic horse stands as a symbol of the capital city and our State at Master Canteen Square. It will never be allowed to be removed from here. If the Government wants to set up a business centre, do it anywhere else, we don’t mind,” he said.
Bhubaneswar BJP president Babu Singh has also warned of strong protests if the move is not withdrawn.Despite being a landmark of the capital city, the statue has been lying neglected for several years. The place is covered with wild shrubs.
The beauty of the sculpture has been damaged due to lack of maintenance. The original warrior-and-horse sculpture is found at Konark Sun Temple. It is also found at the centre of Odisha Government logo.