Which Indian Town is Famous for the World’s Largest Monolithic Statue?

India is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking monuments and sculptures, each reflecting its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Among these wonders, there is one extraordinary creation carved from a single stone that stands as the largest monolithic statue on Earth. This masterpiece is not just an architectural marvel but also a symbol of faith, devotion, and artistic brilliance, attracting pilgrims, historians, and tourists from across the globe to witness its timeless grandeur.

An Overview of India

India, officially called the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest nation by area and has been the most populous country since 2023, as well as the world’s largest democracy since independence in 1947. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, it shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, while being close to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Number of Districts in India

As of 2025, India has close to 800 districts, with the latest number standing at 787. Among the larger states, Uttar Pradesh has the maximum at 75 districts, followed by Rajasthan with 50 and Tamil Nadu with 38. These numbers are not fixed, as new districts are frequently created to improve administration and governance, making it easier to manage local needs and development.

Indian Town Known for the World’s Largest Monolithic Statue

The Indian town of Shravanabelagola, in Karnataka’s Hassan district, is famous for the world’s largest monolithic statue. Here stands the 57-foot-tall Gommateshwara Bahubali statue, carved from a single block of granite around 981 CE. Built by Ganga dynasty minister Chavundaraya, it is a major Jain pilgrimage site. The statue symbolizes peace, renunciation, and simple living, and attracts devotees and tourists from across the world for its spiritual and artistic grandeur.

The Gommateshwara (Bahubali) Statue

• Name: Gommateshwara (Bahubali) Statue
• Height: 57 feet (17 meters)
• Material: Single block of granite
• Location: Shravanabelagola, Karnataka
• Date Built: Around 981 CE
• Commissioned by: Minister and commander Chavundaraya of the Ganga dynasty

This statue depicts Bahubali, the son of the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha.