For Naresh Kumawat, monumental sculpture is not a career choice it is a sacred inheritance. Born into a family where sculpting was part of everyday life, he grew up surrounded by stone, clay, chisels, and devotion. His father, Matu Ram Kumawat, a distinguished second-generation sculptor, shaped not only stone but also his son’s understanding of art as a spiritual discipline. Watching sacred forms emerge slowly from raw material left a lasting impression on the young artist.

From the beginning, sculpting was intertwined with faith, patience, and precision. Traditional Indian sculpting techniques rooted in ancient shilpa shastras became his foundation. Over time, as public art expanded in scale and ambition, Kumawat embraced modern technologies such as 3D scanning, digital modeling, and advanced structural analysis. Yet, even with these contemporary tools, he maintains that the “soul” of sculpture must remain rooted in tradition. Technology, in his view, is an instrument; devotion is the guiding force.

Monumental Scale: Where Art Meets Engineering

Creating sculptures that tower hundreds of feet above the ground demands a rare fusion of artistic sensitivity and engineering intelligence. Kumawat describes the experience as both exhilarating and deeply demanding. At massive scales, proportion and structural integrity become as crucial as expression and symbolism.

Modern 3D modeling allows him to conceptualize intricate forms with precision. Wind-load studies, internal frameworks, and material durability assessments are integrated from the earliest stages of planning. However, he insists that engineering must serve artistic intent not overshadow it.

In monumental sculpture, even the slightest miscalculation can alter perception. The tilt of a chin, the flow of drapery, or the extension of a hand must remain harmonious from every vantage point. Through careful coordination between creative and technical teams, Kumawat ensures that expression and structure coexist seamlessly.

Interpreting Myth for Modern Democracy

One of his most symbolically resonant works is the Samudra Manthan mural installed at India’s new Parliament building. The mythological narrative of cosmic churning where opposing forces collaborate to obtain amrit (nectar of immortality) offered profound parallels to democratic functioning.

To reimagine this myth within a contemporary civic space, Kumawat undertook deep research. He studied historical depictions, including interpretations at Angkor Wat, analyzing posture, composition, and symbolism. His objective was not replication but reinterpretation.

The mural emphasizes balance, collective effort, and the tension between opposing forces values intrinsic to democratic governance. By situating this myth within Parliament, the work becomes a visual reminder that progress often emerges from dialogue and cooperation. Kumawat believes such monuments strengthen cultural identity while inspiring reflection in modern contexts.

The 369-Foot ‘Statue of Belief’: Embodying Faith in Form

Among his most ambitious creations stands the 369-foot ‘Statue of Belief’ in Nathdwara, depicting Shiva. Monumental in scale and spiritual resonance, the project demanded meticulous planning and unwavering commitment, Mr. Naresh told The Logical Indian.

While the structural challenges were immense requiring precision engineering and advanced construction techniques the deeper challenge lay in authentically capturing the spiritual essence of Shiva. The expression, posture, symbolic attributes, and detailing had to align with scriptural descriptions while resonating emotionally with devotees.

Kumawat views such works as shared journeys rather than solitary achievements. The value of the monument lies not merely in its height or material composition, but in the devotion and collaboration that brought it to life.

Sacred Context and Spatial Harmony

In Nathdwara, his 111-foot statue of Hanuman overlooks the revered Shrinathji Temple. Here, spatial context was paramount.

The sculpture was designed as a guardian figure symbolizing protection and devotion. Orientation, gaze direction, elevation, and surrounding landscape were carefully studied to ensure harmony rather than dominance. Kumawat emphasizes that sacred sculptures must enhance spiritual energy. They should feel organically rooted in their environment, not imposed upon it.

Building Cultural Bridges Abroad

Kumawat’s artistic vision extends beyond India’s borders. His 51-foot statue of Rama in Canada represents Indian heritage on foreign soil.

For him, such projects act as cultural bridges. They reflect growing global interest in India’s spiritual and philosophical traditions. More importantly, they provide diasporic communities with tangible symbols of identity and continuity. Through these installations, Indian values dharma, courage, compassion find universal resonance.

Process: From Vision to Installation

Each monumental work begins with introspection and research. Kumawat studies mythology, symbolism, anatomy, and historical references before drafting sketches. A clay maquette follows, refining details of posture and drapery.

Material selection depends on context bronze for permanence, engineered materials for large-scale durability. Structural engineering integrates early into the process, ensuring stability against environmental forces.

Installation requires surgical precision. Cranes, assembly frameworks, and finishing touches must align perfectly so that the final structure appears seamless and grounded in its site.

Leadership and Collective Creation

No monumental sculpture is the product of a single individual. Kumawat leads extensive teams of artisans, engineers, architects, and technicians. Responsibilities are divided based on expertise, and every member is introduced to the broader vision.

Clear communication, disciplined execution, and shared commitment transform complex projects into cohesive achievements. For Kumawat, teamwork is not merely logistical it is philosophical, echoing the collaborative spirit symbolized in many of his works.

Capturing Philosophical Dynamism

Currently, Kumawat is working on what is envisioned as the world’s tallest statue of Swami Vivekananda. Vivekananda’s personality combines deep spiritual wisdom with fiery dynamism.

To capture this duality, Kumawat focuses on flowing lines in traditional ochre robes, a forward-leaning stance suggesting movement, and an intense, focused expression. The sculpture aims to embody Vivekananda’s timeless exhortation: “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.”

Here again, scale serves philosophy. Height is not pursued for spectacle alone but as a metaphor for aspiration.

Timelessness Over Trends

In an era of rapidly shifting aesthetics, Kumawat consciously avoids trend-driven design. His focus remains on universal principles balance, symbolism, devotion, and endurance. Materials are selected for graceful aging, ensuring that the sculptures acquire character over time.

For him, success is not measured solely in records or recognition. It lies in the emotional and spiritual resonance a monument evokes in collective memory.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

From an Indian philosophical standpoint, monumental sculpture is more than public art it is civilizational expression. Indian tradition views form (rupa) as a medium through which the formless (arupa) becomes accessible. Sculptures are not idols of stone but embodiments of ideals courage in Rama, devotion in Hanuman, detachment in Shiva, awakening in Vivekananda.

Kumawat’s work aligns with this worldview. By integrating ancient shilpa shastra principles with modern engineering, he continues a lineage that sees art as sadhana (spiritual practice). Monumental sculptures in India historically served as centers of community, learning, and identity. In contemporary times, they also function as symbols of national pride and cultural continuity.

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