Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Well Lane will develop the Saragarhi Monument on land close to the temple after representatives approached the council with their plans.
The new statue will commemorate the Battle of Saragarhi, a conflict which took place on 12 September, 1897. It saw 21 soldiers from the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army fight against thousands of Afghan tribesmen.
The battle centered on an outpost in Saragarhi which was surrounded and attacked by the tribesmen. The 21 soldiers inside the outpost chose to fight to the death rather than surrender.
The conflict is considered by military historians to be one of the greatest last stands in history. Saragarhi Day is commemorated by the Indian Army's 4th battalion of the Sikh regiment every year on 12 September.
The statue has been commissioned by the Gurdwara and will be sculpted by Black Country artist Luke Perry, of Industrial Heritage Stronghold. Luke has previously created the Lions of the Great War memorial which stands at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick.
A plaque will stand alongside the statue, with the inscription: “In tribute to the 21 men of the 36th Sikh Regiment whose bravery became part of history at the Battle of Saragarhi – 12th September 1897.”
The agreement to transfer the council-owned land on a 99-year lease was made by members of the council’s cabinet resources panel at a meeting last week.
Councillor Jacqueline Sweetman, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing at City of Wolverhampton Council, said she was delighted by the transfer of the community asset.
“The Saragarhi Monument will serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the 21 soldiers who lost their lives. The story of the conflict is a remarkable one which should be remembered to this day,” she said.
“The new memorial, created by Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Luke Perry, represents an important part of history which has significant importance to not only residents of Wednesfield, but throughout the city.”
