The Telangana Martyrs Memorial, built entirely from stainless steel, stands as a testament to the valour of those who sacrificed their lives for the state’s formation. This world-first, jointless monument in Hyderabad is a beacon of remembrance, engineered with flawless precision.

In a momentous achievement for architecture and tribute, Telangana has unveiled the world’s first all-steel, jointless structure — the Telangana Martyrs Memorial, also known as Amara Jyoti. Located in Hyderabad, this awe-inspiring memorial stands as a beacon of remembrance, honouring the brave souls who gave their lives for the creation of Telangana. Crafted from 4,500 sheets of premium 316L stainless steel, this monumental edifice is a marvel of engineering, offering a mirror-like finish that gleams under the sun, symbolizing the enduring spirit of those it commemorates.

Spanning an impressive 85,000 square feet, the memorial is shaped like an earthen lamp, or ‘diya,’ reflecting the eternal light of sacrifice. With an elliptical base measuring 54 meters by 37 meters and towering at 26 meters from the terrace, Amara Jyoti is a grand seven-story structure, with four steel floors. It is a living tribute to the martyrs, as it combines cutting-edge construction techniques with deep emotional significance.

The creation of this monumental structure was no easy task. Over 5,000 labourers, 100 engineers, and 500 technicians were involved in its making, which began in 2019 and culminated in its inauguration in June 2023. The stainless steel plates used in the memorial were sourced from Sweden, and assembled with precision in Dubai before being shipped to Hyderabad. On-site, the assembly process used laser technology and flawless welding techniques to ensure a seamless exterior, free from joints.

1. Venkata Ramana Reddy, the artist-sculptor behind this design, notes that his global exposure to monuments helped shape his vision for this memorial. “I visited many countries to study their war memorials,” he says. After submitting five designs, the Telangana state government approved the final one, leading to the creation of this iconic symbol. Ramana Reddy is quick to dismiss comparisons with structures like Chicago’s Cloud Gate, noting that while the Chicago Bean is a public art piece, Amara Jyoti is a monumental tribute to sacrifice.

One of the unique features of the memorial is the stupa made of red granite stone, located on the first floor. This sacred space allows visitors to pay homage to the martyrs by placing flowers or offering prayers. “I have always been part of the Telangana movement,” Reddy adds. “But as an artist, my work transcends political affiliations. My focus has always been to capture the spirit of the people.”

Built to withstand the harshest weather conditions, Amara Jyoti will soon feature a museum, a convention center, and various amenities, including cafes, restrooms, and parking. The memorial serves not only as a tribute to the martyrs but also as a landmark of architectural excellence. Its stunning stainless steel exterior is as enduring as the sacrifices it honours, reflecting the resilience and pride of Telangana’s people.

With its highly polished exterior and iconic shape, the Telangana Martyrs Memorial is poised to become a must-visit destination. As it stands tall amidst the green spaces of the Hussain Sagar Lake area, this remarkable structure continues to draw visitors from all over the world, leaving them in awe of its beauty and significance.