In a recent commentary, Indrajit Hazra reflects on the overwhelming presence of statues in Mumbai and Kolkata, highlighting the unique statue of a boy reading at the Muljee Jetha Fountain in Mumbai. This statue commemorates Dharamsee Muljee, who tragically died at the young age of 15 in 1889. The fountain, designed by Frederick William Stevens and unveiled in 1894, features a statue sculpted by John Griffiths, which stands out in its artistic representation [79911c0d].
Contrasting this with Kolkata, Hazra notes the city's excessive installation of statues, with 189 new statues erected between 2013 and 2024, including 24 dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and 22 to Rabindranath Tagore. The author criticizes the lack of meaningful representation in these statues, suggesting they serve more as symbols rather than reflections of the city's rich history and culture [79911c0d].
Hazra's commentary raises questions about the role of public art in urban spaces, particularly how statues can either enhance or detract from cultural significance. While the statue of Dharamsee Muljee is celebrated for its historical context and artistic merit, the proliferation of less meaningful statues in Kolkata is seen as a dilution of cultural representation [79911c0d].
This discussion invites further reflection on how cities choose to commemorate their histories and the figures they elevate through public art. The balance between artistic expression and historical significance remains a pivotal consideration in the ongoing dialogue about urban culture and identity [79911c0d].