Anant Ganpat Chougule’s career received an unexpected boost from a figurine he created during the Covid lockdown. In his studio in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, India, Chougule crafted a clay figure of Maratha king Shivaji, a project initially born out of boredom. His work gained traction after he posted a video online, attracting attention from potential buyers.
The surge in interest coincided with a broader movement to promote Shivaji, led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its affiliates like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. These efforts spurred sales of Chougule’s detailed sculptures, which sometimes stand only six inches tall.
Chougule commented on the increased demand, noting that public sentiment towards Shivaji has intensified significantly. Although he primarily sells online, Chougule opened a storefront over a year ago to showcase his creations. Finished statues await buyers at his studio, ready to meet the fascination with the warrior king.
Chougule expressed his admiration for Shivaji, who established the Maratha empire and fought against the Mughal rule in India. While some use references to the Mughals to express anti-Muslim sentiments, Chougule emphasized that he sees no distinction between the Muslim community in his town and the historical Mughals. According to him, they are regarded as one in the current context.
This alignment with ongoing cultural trends has proven lucrative for Chougule, allowing him to tap into a growing market for Shivaji statues and figurines.
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