Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Agra be completed by January, emphasising that the institution serve as "a place of inspiration for India’s bravery, self-respect, and cultural splendour", rather than a static historical display.
During a review meeting of the Department of Culture on Thursday, the CM outlined an ambitious vision for the museum. It is to be a "living experience of India's glorious history" that engages visitors through immersive storytelling and modern technology, he said.
Every gallery and architectural element is to be so designed that it represents the cultural soul of UP. Thematic and interactive presentations will enable visitors to become active participants—not just observers—of the state’s rich heritage.
The museum will feature several innovative galleries which will make history come alive. These include the Shivaji and the Great Escape Gallery, which will present a dramatic depiction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s historic escape from the Agra Fort using 7D technology. This section will symbolise Shivaji’s resolve for independence, allowing visitors to vividly experience his bravery and strategic brilliance.
Another example is the Pioneers Gallery, which will honour the immortal warriors of the First War of Independence of 1857. This gallery will display objects, memorabilia, and documents related to those who laid the foundation for India’s independence. It will include memories of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, Rana Sahib, Tantia Tope, and many others.
The CM has directed that "cutting-edge presentation methods" be used to bring this gallery to life.
The Festivals and Rivers Galleries will provide interactive depictions of Uttar Pradesh’s faith, folk life, and festive traditions.
The museum project has stirred much political and historical debate since 2020, when CM Adityanath decided to rename the originally planned ‘Mughal Museum’ to honour Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The museum was initially announced by former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in 2015, with construction beginning in 2017. The original vision was a museum that focused on Mughal history, culture, weaponry, and attire. This was in keeping with Agra’s status as a centre of Mughal heritage.
In September 2020, however, Yogi Adityanath justified the renaming by questioning how Mughals could be considered "our heroes", stating that symbols of slavery had no place in UP. This decision sparked considerable controversy across political and intellectual circles.
Critics have raised several concerns about the museum’s revised focus, including a historical disconnect, as Shivaji had almost no connection with Agra apart from his brief imprisonment there.
Many questioned the validity of dedicating an entire museum in Agra—a city that is synonymous with Mughal architectural and cultural heritage—to a warrior king from Maharashtra.
Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, have criticised the decision as politically motivated. They argued that instead of focusing on development projects, the government was prioritising the renaming of historical places to reshape historical narratives along ideological lines.
As recently as this week, the state government had announced its decision to rename Mustafabad as Kabirdham.
Some historians and cultural commentators have expressed concern that the renaming diminishes the significant role the Mughal Empire played in shaping Agra’s identity and India’s composite cultural heritage. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, which give the city its identity throughout the world, are Mughal monuments.
Despite the criticism, the UP government has remained committed to its vision of the museum as a celebration of Indian resistance and cultural pride.
