Ram Sutar Dies at 100: The Master Sculptor Behind the World’s Tallest Statue

Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Sutar, best known as the designer of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, passed away at his residence in Noida at the age of 100. He died due to age-related ailments, marking the end of an era in Indian monumental art and public sculpture.

Also Read

Ram Sutar Dies at 100: The Master Sculptor Behind the World’s Tallest Statue

Early Life and Artistic Journey

Ram Vanji Sutar was born on 19 February 1925 in Gondur village, located in Dhule district, Maharashtra. Coming from a modest background, he showed a natural inclination toward sculpting at an early age.

His talent earned him admission to the prestigious Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai, where he graduated as a gold medallist. This formal training laid the foundation for a remarkable artistic career spanning over seven decades.

Iconic Works and National Recognition

Ram Sutar reshaped India’s public art landscape through his monumental creations. His most notable works include:

• Statue of Unity (Gujarat) – Dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the world’s tallest statue
• Seated statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament complex
• Equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Parliament complex

The Statue of Unity stands not only as a tribute to Patel but also as a symbol of national unity, engineering excellence, and artistic ambition.

Honours and Awards

For his outstanding contribution to Indian art and culture, Ram Sutar received several prestigious honours:

• Padma Shri – 1999
• Padma Bhushan – 2016
• Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar – Highest civilian award of Maharashtra

These awards recognised his lifelong dedication to elevating Indian sculpture to global prominence.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Ram Sutar designed the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue
• Born on 19 February 1925 in Dhule district, Maharashtra
• Gold medallist from Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai
• Awarded Padma Bhushan in 2016
• Passed away at the age of 100

Question & Answer

Q1. Ram Sutar is best known for designing which monument?
(a) Gateway of India
(b) India Gate
(c) Statue of Unity
(d) Victoria Memorial
Answer: Statue of Unity

Q2. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to which Indian leader?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Q3. Ram Sutar was a gold medallist from which institution?
(a) Lalit Kala Akademi
(b) National School of Drama
(c) Sir JJ School of Art
(d) Santiniketan
Answer: Sir JJ School of Art

Q4. In which year was Ram Sutar awarded the Padma Bhushan?
(a) 2005
(b) 2010
(c) 2016
(d) 2020
Answer: 2016

Q5. Ram Sutar was born in which Indian state?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Karnataka
Answer: Maharashtra

Legacy in Indian Public Art

Ram Sutar’s work transformed the scale, ambition, and symbolism of public sculpture in India. By blending classical aesthetics with modern engineering, he inspired generations of artists, architects, and engineers. Though he is no more, his creations will continue to shape India’s visual identity and cultural memory for decades to come.

🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests